Cabbage Roll Soup is the perfect comfort food for those chilly days when you need something warm and filling. This easy-to-make soup brings all the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the fuss of rolling the cabbage. With hearty ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and tender rice, it’s a satisfying meal the whole family will love. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy dinner or meal prepping for the week, this Cabbage Roll Soup is both convenient and delicious.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Cabbage Roll Soup
This Cabbage Roll Soup is a breeze to prepare, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights. It’s loaded with nutritious ingredients like cabbage, carrots, and rice, and it’s full of savory flavors. The best part? You can easily adapt the recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs, making it a versatile dish for any occasion.
Ingredients for Cabbage Roll Soup
Here are the key ingredients that make this Cabbage Roll Soup so delicious:
- Lean Ground Beef: Provides the rich flavor and protein base for the soup.
- Vegetable Oil: Used for sautéing the ground beef and vegetables.
- Yellow Onion: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Garlic: A must for aromatic richness.
- Green Cabbage: The star ingredient that gives the soup its cabbage roll appeal.
- Carrots: Adds natural sweetness and color.
- Low-Sodium Beef Broth: Provides the savory base for the soup.
- Tomato Sauce: Adds tangy, rich flavor and color.
- White Rice: Absorbs the flavors and makes the soup more filling.
- Bay Leaf: For a subtle herbal note.
- Brown Sugar: A touch of sweetness to balance the acidity of the tomato sauce.
- Fresh Parsley: For a burst of freshness and color.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
If you’re looking for alternatives or need to adjust for dietary preferences, consider these swaps:
- Ground Turkey or Chicken: If you prefer a leaner meat, ground turkey or chicken can replace the ground beef.
- Vegetable Broth: For a vegetarian version, swap the beef broth for vegetable broth.
- Brown Rice or Quinoa: For a healthier, whole-grain option, you can use brown rice or quinoa in place of white rice.
- Sweet Potato: For a twist, replace the carrots with diced sweet potatoes for extra nutrients and sweetness.
How to Make Cabbage Roll Soup: Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Cabbage Roll Soup is simple and quick. Follow these steps to create a delicious, hearty soup:
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef, seasoning with salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the onions are tender and fragrant.
- Add Vegetables and Broth: Stir in the chopped cabbage, sliced carrots, and tomato sauce. Pour in the beef broth, followed by the white rice, bay leaf, and brown sugar. Stir everything together.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the flavors are well combined.
- Finish with Parsley: Remove the bay leaf, then garnish the soup with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Cabbage Roll Soup
- Don’t Overcook the Rice: Keep an eye on the rice as it cooks. If you overcook it, the rice can turn mushy and lose its texture.
- Add Extra Veggies: You can add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for additional flavor and nutrition.
- Season to Taste: Be sure to taste the soup before serving, adjusting the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or even a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Make It Ahead: This soup actually tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. It’s perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
- Freeze for Later: Cabbage Roll Soup freezes wonderfully. Store leftovers in freezer-safe bags or containers, and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
Cabbage Roll Soup is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides:
- Bread: Serve it with crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the savory broth.
- Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup.
- Cheese: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan or cheddar on top can add a creamy, salty finish to the soup.
For a twist, you can make a spicy version by adding more garlic, onions, and chili flakes. Or, make a vegetarian version by using plant-based ground meat and vegetable broth instead of beef.
Why Cabbage Roll Soup is a Must-Try Recipe
This Cabbage Roll Soup is more than just a meal – it’s a warm, comforting dish that brings the cozy flavors of cabbage rolls without the hassle. Perfect for a cold evening, it’s a hearty and satisfying option that both adults and kids will enjoy. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be stored for later, making it a great option for busy families or meal preppers.
Try this Cabbage Roll Soup today and experience a simple yet flavorful dish that will become a favorite in your home!
Conclusion: Why You’ll Love Cabbage Roll Soup
Cabbage Roll Soup is a simple yet hearty dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight meal or something to serve at your next family gathering, this soup will always satisfy. Packed with savory ground beef, fresh vegetables, and tender rice, it offers all the flavors of classic cabbage rolls but with much less effort. Easy to make, incredibly comforting, and versatile for different tastes, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Don’t forget to make a double batch so you have leftovers for busy nights or to freeze for later – it’s the gift that keeps on giving!
FAQ: Cabbage Roll Soup
1. Can I make Cabbage Roll Soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can! In fact, this soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. To make it ahead, simply store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage, which is great for meal prepping.
2. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef in Cabbage Roll Soup?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef if you’re looking for a leaner option. It will still provide the protein and flavor needed for this dish, but with less fat. Feel free to adjust the seasonings as necessary to balance the flavor.
3. How do I store and reheat Cabbage Roll Soup?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stove over medium heat until it’s heated through. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe container, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
More Relevant Recipes
PrintCabbage Roll Soup
Cabbage Roll Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that combines the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls in a simple, easy-to-make soup. With ground beef, fresh vegetables, and rice, this dish is perfect for chilly nights and can be easily made ahead for meal prep or enjoyed as leftovers.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 tsp vegetable oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups green cabbage, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, quartered and sliced
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 3 8 oz cans tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup uncooked white rice
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 tbsp light brown sugar
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic to the beef, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the onions are soft and fragrant.
- Stir in chopped cabbage, sliced carrots, tomato sauce, beef broth, white rice, bay leaf, and brown sugar. Mix well.
- Bring the soup to a simmer, reduce heat, and cook for about 25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the flavors are well combined.
- Remove the bay leaf and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to swap the ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner version.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and skip the meat.
- This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Store in airtight containers or freezer bags for easy reheating.
- Adjust the seasonings to taste before serving, adding more salt or pepper as desired.
