Description
Cabbage Roll Soup delivers all the comforting flavors of classic stuffed cabbage rolls in an easy one-pot meal. No rolling or fussing with leaves – just hearty beef, tender cabbage, rice, and a rich tomato broth that simmers to perfection. This family-friendly recipe comes together in about 45 minutes.
Ingredients
1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20 for flavor; lean works too)
1 large yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium head green cabbage (about 2 pounds), chopped into bite-sized pieces
1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
4 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional: 4 slices bacon, chopped (for extra smokiness)
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed. Season with salt and pepper.
Add diced onion and garlic. Cook until softened, 3-4 minutes.
Stir in chopped cabbage. Cook 5 minutes until it starts to soften but stays crisp.
Pour in tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, paprika, thyme, and bay leaf. Stir well. Bring to a boil.
Rinse rice under cold water to remove excess starch. Add to the pot. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 20-25 minutes until rice is tender and cabbage is soft. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning – add more salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. If too thick, add 1/2 cup water or broth.
Ladle into bowls, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
Pro tip: Soup thickens as it sits, so add extra broth when reheating.
Rinse rice thoroughly to avoid gummy texture.
Add cabbage in stages if shredded finely – it wilts fast.
For thicker soup, simmer uncovered the last 5 minutes.
Taste broth before adding rice; adjust acidity with brown sugar or vinegar.
Make ahead: Flavors deepen overnight.
- Prep Time: PT15M
- Cook Time: PT30M
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg