Cabbage Roll Soup is a comforting, hearty dish that captures all the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls in a simple, one-pot meal. This soup is loaded with ground beef, tender cabbage, and rice, all simmered in a rich tomato broth. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or meal prep for the week. Follow this step-by-step guide to make your own delicious Cabbage Roll Soup at home.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: 1 lb (450g) (you can also use ground pork or a mix of both)
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
- Onion: 1 medium, diced
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Cabbage: 1 small head, cored and chopped (about 4-5 cups)
- Carrots: 2 medium, peeled and diced
- Diced tomatoes: 14 oz (400g) can, with juice
- Tomato sauce: 15 oz (450g) can
- Beef broth: 4 cups (1 liter)
- Long grain rice: 1/2 cup, uncooked
- Worcestershire sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon
- Dried thyme: 1/2 teaspoon
- Bay leaf: 1
- Salt and pepper: to taste
- Fresh parsley: chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Season the beef with a pinch of salt and pepper while it cooks.
- Remove the cooked beef from the pot with a slotted spoon and set it aside. Leave about 1 tablespoon of fat in the pot (if there’s more than that, drain the excess).
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until it begins to soften.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Stir in the chopped cabbage and diced carrots. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften.
Step 3: Add the Tomatoes and Broth
- Return the browned beef to the pot.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, and beef broth.
- Add the uncooked rice, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, dried thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
- Stir everything together to combine.
Step 4: Simmer the Soup
- Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the flavors are well combined.
- Stir the soup occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Step 5: Taste and Adjust Seasoning
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve hot, optionally with crusty bread or a side salad.
Cook’s Notes
- Cabbage: Any variety of green cabbage works well in this soup. If you like a milder flavor, use Savoy cabbage.
- Rice: Long grain white rice is traditional, but you can use brown rice or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Beef: If using ground pork or a mixture of beef and pork, you may want to drain more fat from the pot after browning.
Variations
Spicy Cabbage Roll Soup
Add 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the soup for a spicy kick.
Vegetarian Cabbage Roll Soup
Replace the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative or use extra vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers. Substitute the beef broth with vegetable broth.
Cheesy Cabbage Roll Soup
Stir in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese at the end of cooking for a rich, cheesy flavor.
Cabbage Roll Stew
If you prefer a thicker consistency, reduce the amount of broth by 1 cup or let the soup simmer uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes to reduce the liquid.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, Cabbage Roll Soup can be made ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a little extra broth if needed.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
3. Can I freeze Cabbage Roll Soup?
Yes, you can freeze this soup. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
4. What can I serve with this soup?
This soup pairs well with crusty bread, garlic bread, or a simple green salad. It’s also great with a dollop of sour cream on top.
5. Can I use leftover cooked rice?
Yes, if using cooked rice, add it during the last 10 minutes of cooking to prevent it from becoming too soft. You may need to reduce the simmering time slightly.
Cabbage Roll Soup is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd. With its rich tomato broth, tender cabbage, and filling ground beef and rice, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Follow this guide to make a delicious pot of Cabbage Roll Soup that’s sure to warm you up on a chilly day. Enjoy this comforting, satisfying soup with your favorite side dishes or on its own!
