Cabbage Roll Soup takes the flavors of classic cabbage rolls and transforms them into a hearty, comforting soup that’s easy to make. This soup is rich with ground beef, tender cabbage, rice, and a flavorful tomato broth. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner, and it can be made ahead for meal prep or enjoyed as leftovers.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups green cabbage, chopped
• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter option)
• 1 cup cooked white rice (or uncooked rice, see notes below)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
• 1 cup carrots, sliced
• 1 cup celery, diced

For Serving:

• Fresh crusty bread or dinner rolls
• A dollop of sour cream (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion becomes translucent, about 3 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Step 2: Add the Vegetables

1. Stir in the chopped cabbage, carrots, and celery (if using). Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.

Step 3: Add Liquids and Seasoning

1. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

1. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, covered, for 20-25 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender.

Step 5: Add the Rice

1. If using uncooked rice, add it to the soup now and continue simmering for an additional 15-20 minutes until the rice is fully cooked. If using cooked rice, stir it in during the last 5 minutes of cooking just to heat through.
2. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce if needed.

Step 6: Serve

1. Once the soup is done, remove the bay leaf and discard. Ladle the Cabbage Roll Soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
2. Serve hot with crusty bread or a dollop of sour cream for a creamy finish.

Cooking Notes

• Ground Beef: You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even ground pork depending on your preference.
• Rice: If you prefer to use uncooked rice, simply add it to the soup with the broth and cook until tender. If using brown rice, note that it will take longer to cook (about 30-35 minutes).
• Vegetables: Feel free to add more veggies like carrots, zucchini, or peppers for a more colorful and nutrient-rich soup.

Variations

1. Spicy Cabbage Roll Soup

For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the soup. You can also use spicy Italian sausage in place of the ground beef.

2. Low-Carb Cabbage Roll Soup

For a low-carb version, omit the rice and replace it with cauliflower rice. Add the cauliflower rice during the last 5 minutes of cooking to maintain its texture.

3. Vegetarian Cabbage Roll Soup

To make this soup vegetarian, substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or lentils and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

4. Cheesy Cabbage Roll Soup

For a richer soup, stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese during the last 5 minutes of cooking. The cheese will melt into the broth, giving it a creamy, cheesy finish.

Keto Version and Low-Carb Adjustments

For a keto-friendly version:

• Omit the rice and replace it with cauliflower rice or chopped zucchini.
• Use full-fat ground beef and low-carb broth and tomato sauce to keep the soup keto-compliant.
• Serve with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added richness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make Cabbage Roll Soup ahead of time?
Yes! This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Simply store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat on the stovetop or microwave before serving.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat when ready to enjoy.

Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes! However, brown rice takes longer to cook, so add it early in the cooking process and allow an additional 10-15 minutes of simmering time.

Q: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! To make Cabbage Roll Soup in a slow cooker, brown the ground beef and onion first, then transfer all the ingredients (except the rice) to the slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. Add cooked rice during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

This hearty Cabbage Roll Soup offers all the comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls but in a much easier, one-pot format. It’s packed with ground beef, cabbage, and rice, simmered in a flavorful tomato broth that’s perfect for cold days or family dinners. Customize it with your favorite vegetables, spices, or protein to make it your own!