Easy Cabbage Roll Soup

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Easy Cabbage Roll Soup delivers the cozy essence of classic cabbage rolls without the hassle of rolling and stuffing. This one-pot wonder simmers into a hearty and satisfying bowl of goodness, packed with tender cabbage, savory ground meat, and a rich tomato broth. Perfect for chilly nights, it’s a budget-friendly, comforting meal that satisfies cravings for something warm and nourishing.

This soup takes everything you love about traditional cabbage rolls and turns it into a rustic and spoonable dish. With its balance of protein, vegetables, and deep tomato flavor, it becomes a reliable staple in any home cook’s rotation. Whether you serve it fresh or enjoy it reheated, every bite feels like home.

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What Kind of Ground Meat Works Best in Cabbage Roll Soup?

While ground beef is the traditional go-to for cabbage rolls and imparts a rich, meaty flavor, you can also use ground turkey or ground pork to lighten things up or add different taste profiles. Ground turkey brings a leaner finish, while pork adds a mild sweetness. Mixing meats is also a great option for deeper flavor complexity.

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Ingredients for the Easy Cabbage Roll Soup

Ground beef – Provides a hearty, meaty base and rich umami flavor that’s classic to cabbage rolls.

Green cabbage – Brings texture and slight sweetness; softens beautifully as it simmers.

Carrots – Add natural sweetness and color; chop them small for even cooking.

Celery – Enhances the aromatic base and brings a mild earthiness to the soup.

Onion – Essential for flavor depth and aroma, forming part of the savory backbone.

Garlic – Adds a sharp, pungent aroma that blends into the broth.

Tomato sauce – Creates the rich, tomato-forward broth that mimics traditional cabbage roll sauce.

Beef broth – Infuses the soup with depth and savory body.

Uncooked rice – Swells up as it simmers, mimicking the filling of a classic cabbage roll.

Salt, pepper, and optional herbs like thyme or bay leaf – Balance and build the overall flavor of the soup.

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How To Make the Easy Cabbage Roll Soup

Step 1: Brown the Meat

In a large soup 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 fully browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Add the diced onion, garlic, celery, and carrots to the browned meat. Stir and sauté for about 5 to 7 minutes, until the vegetables soften and release their fragrance.

Step 3: Add the Base Ingredients

Stir in the tomato sauce, beef broth, and season with salt, pepper, thyme, and bay leaf if using. Mix well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot for added flavor.

Step 4: Incorporate the Cabbage and Rice

Add the chopped cabbage and uncooked rice to the pot. Stir everything together, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 5: Simmer Until Tender

Reduce the heat to a low simmer. Cover and let the soup cook for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the cabbage has softened.

Step 6: Taste and Adjust

Remove the bay leaf if used. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper as needed. Serve hot with crusty bread or a dollop of sour cream if desired.

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How to Serve and Store Easy Cabbage Roll Soup

Ladle this soup piping hot into bowls and serve it with crusty bread, a scoop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of fresh parsley. The acidity of the tomato broth and the hearty bite of beef and cabbage pairs beautifully with rustic, hearty sides.

Leftovers are even better the next day. Allow the soup to cool completely before storing it in airtight containers. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months—just note that the texture of the rice may soften further upon reheating.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre-cooked rice instead of uncooked?

Yes, just stir it in during the last 10 minutes of simmering to avoid overcooking.

What type of cabbage should I use?

Green cabbage is classic and holds up well, but savoy or napa cabbage can also work for a softer bite.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Absolutely. Brown the meat first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, as long as the broth and other ingredients used are certified gluten-free.

How can I make it vegetarian?

Swap the ground beef with lentils or a plant-based crumble and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Can I add other vegetables?

Certainly. Bell peppers, zucchini, or green beans make great additions for extra nutrition and texture.

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Want More Soup Ideas?

You might also like the Hearty Tuscan Bean Soup, a rustic and fiber-rich option that warms from the inside out. Or dive into the creamy goodness of Broccoli Cheddar Soup when you want something thick and cheesy.

Looking for meat-forward dishes? Try the cozy Crockpot Italian Meatball Soup or the ultra-satisfying Hearty One Pot Beef Stew.

For a lighter yet flavorful take, check out the Creamy Turkey Noodle Soup.

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If you give it a try, I’d love to hear about it. Did you go with beef or try turkey instead? Any spice tweaks? Leave a comment below—your version might inspire someone else!

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