Easy Cabbage Roll Soup

The aroma of simmering beef mingling with fresh cabbage and spices fills the kitchen, instantly evoking warmth and comfort. Easy Cabbage Roll Soup is a hearty dish that takes just under an hour to prepare and cook, combining all the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls in a deliciously convenient way. This recipe works perfectly for weeknight dinners, offering a satisfying meal without the fuss.

This recipe is perfect for busy families or anyone craving a comforting, substantial soup. It’s ideal for chilly nights, providing warmth and nutrition in every bowl. Plus, you can easily make this soup ahead of time, allowing flavors to deepen, and it stores beautifully in the fridge.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It combines tender ground beef and crunchy cabbage for delicious texture.
• Uncooked rice thickens the soup while keeping it hearty.
• Simple one-pot preparation means easy cleanup.
• Packed with flavor from fresh herbs and aromatic spices.

What You’ll Need

Gather these ingredients to make this delightful soup.

For the Soup Base

• 1 pound ground beef (85/15 lean)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 6 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

For the Vegetables

• 1 medium head cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups)

For the Rice

• 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked

For Seasoning

• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Use brown rice for added fiber or a gluten-free broth if needed.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Ground turkey can replace ground beef.
• Quinoa is a great gluten-free rice substitute.
• Low-sodium beef broth helps control salt levels.
• Canned or fresh tomatoes can be interchanged based on preference.

How to Make It

Follow these simple steps to create your soup.

Prep Ingredients

Chop cabbage, dice onion, and mince garlic to prep all ingredients.

Cook Beef

Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned.

Sauté Vegetables

Push beef aside. Add onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened, then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add Tomato Ingredients

Stir in tomato paste and cook 1 minute, then add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, paprika, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.

Combine Broth and Rice

Add beef broth and uncooked rice. Bring to a boil, reduce to medium-low, and simmer for 15 minutes.

Cook Cabbage

Add chopped cabbage and stir. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until rice is tender and cabbage is cooked but still slightly firm.

Final Adjustments

Taste and adjust seasonings; remove bay leaf if used. Garnish with parsley before serving.

How to Store It

Fridge: 3-4 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: Yes, for up to 3 months—perfect for meal prep.
Reheat: Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes or until hot.

Tips for Best Results

• Use a large pot to ensure even cooking and flavor development.
• Simmering longer helps enhance the depth of flavors.
• Don’t skip the fresh parsley garnish for a burst of brightness.
• Adjust liquid depending on preferred soup thickness.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.
• Pair with a light salad for freshness.
• Enjoy as a comforting lunch the next day.