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Cabbage Roll Soup – Cozy, Hearty & Comforting

If you love the rich, nostalgic flavors of classic cabbage rolls but don’t have the time to roll and bake each one, this Cabbage Roll Soup is the perfect solution. It captures all the cozy comfort of the traditional dish—tender cabbage, seasoned beef, aromatic herbs, tomatoes, and soft rice—transformed into a warm, hearty, one-pot soup that’s ready in less time and with far less effort. This soup is wholesome, filling, budget-friendly, and ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or cold evenings when you want something satisfying and deeply comforting. The combination of beef, vegetables, broth, and rice creates a balanced meal with protein, fiber, and warmth in every spoonful. It’s one of those dishes that tastes like home: simple ingredients, easy steps, and big flavor. Let’s dive into this nourishing bowl of Cabbage Roll Soup that delivers everything you love about the classic recipe—without the extra work.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Beef
  • 1 lb ground beef lean preferred
Vegetables
  • 4 cups cabbage chopped
  • 1 cup onion diced
  • 1 cup carrot sliced
  • 2 celery stalks chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
Canned/Prepared Ingredients
  • 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
  • 1 15 oz can tomato sauce
  • 4 cups beef broth
Rice
  • ½ cup uncooked white rice
Seasonings
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 bay leaf
Oil
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

✨ Kitchen Essentials You’ll Love

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    Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet

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    Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Electric

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  • 🔥

    CHEFMAN Digital Air Fryer XL 10L

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Equipment

  • Large soup pot or Dutch oven
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon
  • Ladle

Method
 

Step 1 — Sauté the beef
  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
  3. Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 2 — Add aromatics
  1. Add onion, carrot, celery, and garlic.
  2. Cook 5–7 minutes, until vegetables begin to soften and release aroma.
Step 3 — Add cabbage
  1. Stir in chopped cabbage and cook 3–4 minutes to soften slightly.
Step 4 — Add tomatoes and broth
  1. Pour in beef broth, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce.
  2. Stir well to combine.
Step 5 — Add seasonings
  1. Add basil, oregano, paprika, salt, pepper, and the bay leaf.
Step 6 — Add rice
  1. Stir in uncooked rice.
  2. Bring soup to a boil.
Step 7 — Simmer
  1. Reduce heat and simmer 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until rice and cabbage are tender.
Step 8 — Taste and adjust
  1. Remove bay leaf.
  2. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or seasonings as desired.
Step 9 — Serve
  1. Ladle the warm soup into bowls and enjoy a cozy, comforting meal.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
(If freezing, cook the rice separately to prevent mushiness.)
Reheating
Warm on the stovetop over medium heat.
Add extra broth if the rice has absorbed too much liquid.
🥄 Variations
1. Low-Carb Version
Replace rice with cauliflower rice, added in the last 5 minutes.
2. Chicken Version
Use ground chicken or shredded chicken instead of beef.
3. Spicy Cabbage Roll Soup
Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
4. Tomato-Rich Version
Add extra tomato sauce or a spoonful of tomato paste.
5. Veggie-Boosted
Add bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach.
6. Smoky Version
Add a pinch of smoked paprika.
7. Herb-Focused Version
Add fresh dill or parsley at the end for brightness.
8. Creamy Version
Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream or coconut milk.
9. Brothier Version
Increase broth to make the soup lighter.
10. Meal-Prep Friendly
Cook rice separately and add before serving.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I make this soup in the slow cooker?
Yes — brown the beef first, then add everything except rice and cook on LOW for 6 hours. Add rice in the last hour.
2. Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but increase simmer time by 15–20 minutes.
3. Can I use leftover cooked rice?
Absolutely — stir it in during the last 5 minutes.
4. Can I freeze it?
Yes, but rice may get softer after thawing.
5. Does the cabbage get mushy?
No — it softens beautifully while still keeping texture.
6. Can I use vegetable broth?
Yes — it makes a lighter but still flavorful soup.
7. Can I replace beef with turkey?
Yes — ground turkey works perfectly.
8. How do I thicken the soup?
Simmer uncovered longer or mash some potatoes/cabbage.
9. How do I make it richer?
Add a splash of cream or a spoon of butter.
10. What goes well with this soup?
Crusty bread, salad, roasted potatoes, or simple garlic toast.
🏁 Conclusion
This Cabbage Roll Soup brings together everything comforting about a traditional cabbage roll in a simple, hearty, and nourishing bowl. With tender vegetables, seasoned beef, soft rice, and a rich tomato broth, it offers the perfect balance of homey flavor and healthful ingredients.
It’s easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and incredibly satisfying—ideal for cozy evenings, family meals, or warming leftovers throughout the week. Whether you're looking for a nostalgic meal or a simple one-pot dinner, this recipe ticks all the boxes.