Quick and Easy Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe
Get ready to experience comfort in a bowl with our Quick and Easy Cabbage Roll Soup recipe! This hearty and flavorful soup brings together the classic flavors of stuffed cabbage rolls in a convenient one-pot dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Packed with tender cabbage, savory ground meat, aromatic spices, and a rich tomato broth, this soup is sure to warm you up from the inside out. Plus, with simple ingredients and minimal prep, it’s a stress-free option for satisfying your cravings for homemade comfort food.
SIMPLE INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
- Ground Beef (90% Lean) (1 pound): Lean ground beef serves as the protein base, offering richness without excess fat.
- Onion (1, chopped): Chopped onion provides savory depth and aroma to the soup.
- Garlic (6 cloves, minced): Minced garlic adds a robust flavor to the dish.
- Cabbage (½ head, chopped, approximately 4-5 cups): Chopped cabbage forms the hearty bulk of the soup, imparting a sweet and earthy flavor.
- Tomato Sauce (2 cans, 8 oz each): Canned tomato sauce adds richness, tanginess, and a vibrant red color.
- Fire-Roasted Diced Tomatoes (1 can, 15 oz, do not drain): These tomatoes contribute smoky sweetness and depth to the soup.
- Beef Broth (4 cups): Beef broth provides a savory umami base for the soup.
- Water (2 cups): Water helps to dilute the soup to the desired consistency.
- Paprika (1 tsp): Paprika adds subtle smokiness and mild heat to the soup.
- Italian Seasoning (1 tsp): This herb blend adds complexity with flavors like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary.
- White Rice (Jasmine) (¾ cup, uncooked): Uncooked jasmine rice adds heartiness and thickens the soup as it cooks.
- Salt and Black Ground Pepper (to taste): These seasonings balance flavors and enhance the overall taste of the soup.
Why is cabbage roll soup a go-to comfort food for families?
- Cabbage roll soup is warm and comforting, making it ideal for cozy family meals, especially during cold weather.
- With its blend of ground beef, tomato broth, and hearty vegetables, it’s a satisfying and nourishing option loved by both kids and adults.
- The familiar taste of cabbage roll soup, reminiscent of traditional home-cooked meals, often evokes nostalgic memories, making it a favorite comfort food choice for families.
HOW TO PREPARE GROUND BEEF AND CABBAGE SOUP?
Time needed: 1 hour
- Prepare the Ingredients:
Start by chopping the onion, mincing the garlic, and chopping the cabbage into bite-sized pieces. Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. - Brown the Ground Beef:
In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef and onion over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks, until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Aromatics:
Add the minced garlic to the pot with the cooked ground beef and onion. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant about 2-3 minutes. - Incorporate Vegetables and Tomatoes:
Add the chopped cabbage, canned tomato sauce, fire-roasted diced tomatoes (with their juices), beef broth, and water to the pot. Stir well to combine. - Season the Soup:
Season the soup with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, adjusting the seasoning to taste. Stir to incorporate the spices evenly into the soup. - Simmer:
Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the flavors have melded together. - Add Rice:
Once the cabbage is tender, stir in the uncooked jasmine rice. Cover the pot again and let the soup simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through. - Serve:
Once the rice is cooked and the soup has reached your desired consistency, remove the pot from the heat. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve the cabbage roll soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or dill, if desired.
FAQ – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
You can use ground turkey, chicken, or pork as a substitute for ground beef. Another option is to mix half ground beef and half ground pork which would also be delicious.
Absolutely! Brown the meat and sauté the onions and garlic first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup for an extra kick.
Add the rice towards the end of the cooking process, about 20-30 minutes before the soup is done, to prevent it from overcooking.
If you like a thicker soup, you can reduce the amount of water or beef broth, or let the soup simmer longer to evaporate some of the liquid.
WHAT DO YOU SERVE WITH CABBAGE SOUP?
Cabbage roll soup is a hearty dish that pairs well with a few simple sides. Serve it with warm, crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping. A fresh green salad or cucumber salad is great for a lighter option. Steamed vegetables like green beans or carrots add color and nutrients. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or sprinkle fresh parsley on top for extra flavor. These sides make the meal more satisfying and complete.
CABBAGE SOUP RECIPE SUBSTITUTIONS AND VARIATIONS:
- Meat Options: You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter choice. If you like it spicy, try ground sausage. Each meat gives the soup a different taste but keeps it filling.
- More Veggies: Add extra vegetables for more flavor and health benefits. Bell peppers and carrots are tasty options. Spinach is great too and adds some green goodness.
- Different Grains: Change up the grains for variety. Brown rice is nuttier, quinoa is gluten-free and full of protein, and barley gives a chewy texture.
- Broth Choices: Pick the broth that suits you. Chicken broth is lighter, while vegetable broth makes it vegetarian.
- Adjust Spices: Add spices according to your taste. Cayenne pepper adds heat, and smoked paprika gives a smoky flavor. A bay leaf while cooking adds depth.
- Change Tomatoes: Try crushed tomatoes for a smoother soup, or add tomato paste for a thicker texture and stronger flavor.
- Add Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or dill bring freshness. If you don’t have fresh ones, use dried Italian seasoning or a mix of dried herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme. Adjust the amount to your liking.
HOW DO YOU STORE AND REHEAT LEFTOVER STUFFED CABBAGE SOUP?
To keep leftover cabbage roll soup, let it cool first, then put it in a sealed airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm it up in a pot on the stove or in the microwave until it’s hot. Add a bit of water or broth if it’s too thick. Easy and delicious!
CAN LEFTOVER CABBAGE SOUP BE FROZEN FOR LATER?
To freeze leftover cabbage roll soup, allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, removing as much air as possible. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to reach desired consistency.
LOOKING FOR MORE SOUP RECIPES? TRY THESE!
Easy Creamy Broccoli Cauliflower Vegetarian Soup: It’s perfect for chilly days or when you want something cozy. With lots of veggies and yummy flavors, this soup is comforting and delicious.
Red Pepper Smoked Gouda Pumpkin Soup: A velvety symphony of roasted red peppers, creamy pumpkin, and, smoky notes of Gouda cheese. This comforting bowl of goodness is a testament to the magic that happens when simple, wholesome ingredients come together.
Cheddar Cauliflower Soup: The soup combines onions, carrots, and cauliflower in a creamy cheesy broth because the result is a hearty soup full of goodness that is so satisfying. Everyone will love this soup even your kids will eat it!
Quick and Easy Cabbage Roll Soup
Equipment
- Large Dutch Oven
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground Beef (90% Lean)
- 1 Onion (chopped)
- 6 cloves Garlic (minced)
- ½ Head Cabbage (chopped) (4-5 cups)
- 2 (8 oz) Tomato Sauce (canned)
- 1 (15 oz) Fire-Roasted Diced Tomatoes (do not drain)
- 4 Cups Beef Broth
- 2 Cups Water
- 1 Tsp Paprika
- 1 Tsp Italian Seasoning
- ¾ cup White Rice (jasmine)(uncooked)
- Salt and Black Ground Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Start by chopping the onion, mincing the garlic, and chopping the cabbage into bite-sized pieces. Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef and the onion over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks, until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Aromatics: Add the minced garlic to the pot with the cooked ground beef and onion. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant about 2-3 minutes.
- Incorporate Vegetables and Tomatoes: Add the chopped cabbage, canned tomato sauce, fire-roasted diced tomatoes (with their juices), beef broth, and water to the pot. Stir well to combine.
- Season the Soup: Season the soup with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, adjusting the seasoning to taste. Stir to incorporate the spices evenly into the soup.
- Simmer: Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Add Rice: Once the cabbage is tender, stir in the uncooked jasmine rice. Cover the pot again and let the soup simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through.
- Serve: Once the rice is cooked and the soup has reached your desired consistency, remove the pot from the heat. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve the cabbage roll soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or dill, if desired.