If you are craving the comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls but want a quicker, hearty meal, this Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe is your new best friend. Bursting with savory ground beef and pork, tender cabbage, sweet carrots, and tangy tomato broth, it captures the soul of the classic dish in a warm, spoonable form. Cozy up with a bowl that’s not only incredibly satisfying but also simple enough to make any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each playing a key role in building rich flavor, beautiful texture, and vibrant color in this soup. From the savory meats providing depth to the crisp cabbage adding freshness, the balance here is just perfect.
- 2 teaspoons olive oil: For browning the meat and adding a subtle fruitiness.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: Brings hearty, savory richness.
- 1/2 pound ground pork: Adds juiciness and a slightly sweet note.
- Salt and cracked black pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings that elevate all flavors.
- 1 large yellow onion (finely diced, about 1.5 cups): Creates a sweet, aromatic foundation.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced, about 2 teaspoons): Adds a punch of vibrant, earthy flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika: Gives warmth and subtle smoky notes.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Introduces an herbaceous hint that complements the meat.
- 4 cups coarsely chopped green cabbage (about 15 oz): The star ingredient delivering freshness and slight crunch.
- 2 medium-large carrots (peeled, quartered, and sliced, about 1.5 cups): Provide sweetness and texture.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds complexity and a savory tang.
- 4 cups beef broth: Forms a rich, flavorful base for the soup.
- 3 (8-oz) cans tomato sauce: Lends a vibrant, tomatoey body.
- 1 (14.5 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes: Contributes smoky depth and chunky texture.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (to taste): Balances acidity with just the right amount of sweetness.
- 1 bay leaf: Infuses subtle earthiness.
- 1/2 cup uncooked long grain rice: Adds comforting heartiness; it cooks right in the soup.
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional for seasoning): Brightens the dish with fresh herbal notes.
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional for seasoning): Provides a light, fresh zing to finish.
How to Make Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Start with heating olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and pork, seasoning with salt and cracked black pepper. Let the meat cook undisturbed for the first two minutes to develop a beautiful crust, then break it up and continue cooking until it is nicely browned, about 5 minutes. This step creates that deep meaty flavor that forms the heart of your soup.
Step 2: Add Aromatic Vegetables
Next, reduce the heat to medium and toss in the finely diced yellow onions. Cook them gently for about 7 to 8 minutes until they are very soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic, ground paprika, and dried thyme, cooking for an additional 30 seconds to awaken their fragrance. This combination lifts the flavor base, making your soup irresistibly aromatic.
Step 3: Assemble the Soup
Time to incorporate the fresh and canned ingredients that bring the dish together. Add the chopped cabbage and sliced carrots, followed by Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, tomato sauce, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, brown sugar, and bay leaf. Stir everything together, letting the ingredients mingle and prepare for the simmer.
Step 4: Add Rice and Simmer
Bring the pot to a gentle simmer, then stir in the uncooked long grain rice. Allow the soup to cook gently for about 25 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the rice has absorbed the broth’s flavors. This step makes sure every spoonful delivers luscious texture and warmth.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Before serving, remove the bay leaf from the pot. Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. For a fresh finish, add chopped parsley and a splash of lemon juice if you like. Serve immediately to enjoy the comforting, layered flavors at their best.
How to Serve Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream can make your cabbage roll soup feel even more special. The parsley offers a pop of color and brightness, while sour cream adds creamy tang that beautifully complements the tomato-based broth.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for dipping or a fresh green salad to lighten the meal. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up every last drop of the flavorful broth.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in individual bread bowls or garnished with shredded sharp cheddar and a few crispy fried onions. You can also add a squeeze of hot sauce if you love a bit of spice, personalizing the experience for your dinner guests or family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cabbage roll soup keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve its flavors and prevent the broth from absorbing other fridge odors.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this soup later, it freezes well. Just let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It will keep for up to 3 months. Rice might absorb more liquid upon thawing, so you may want to add a bit of broth when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the soup has thickened too much in the fridge or freezer, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the texture to your preference.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef and pork with plant-based meat alternatives or simply use extra vegetables and vegetable broth. Adding mushrooms or lentils can also help maintain the hearty texture and flavor.
Is it necessary to use both ground beef and pork?
Using both adds a nice flavor complexity and moisture, but you can use just one meat if you prefer. Ground beef alone works well too; just choose a leaner cut to avoid excess fat.
Can I use white rice instead of long grain rice?
Yes, white rice is fine. Just keep an eye on the cooking time because different rice varieties cook at slightly different rates. Adjust the simmer time as needed to ensure the rice is tender but not mushy.
What if I don’t have fire-roasted tomatoes?
No worries! Regular diced tomatoes will work just fine. The fire-roasted kind adds smoky depth, but the soup will still be delicious and bright without it.
Can I prepare this soup in advance?
Definitely! In fact, the flavors often deepen if you make the soup a day ahead. Just store it in the fridge and reheat gently before serving. It’s a great make-ahead meal for busy weeknights.
Final Thoughts
This Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe is a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for those days when you want something hearty, flavorful, and absolutely satisfying without a fuss. I genuinely hope you give it a try and find it as delightful and comforting as I do—once you taste it, I bet it will quickly become one of your go-to recipes worth sharing with friends and family.
Print
Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American / Eastern European Inspired
Description
A hearty and comforting Cabbage Roll Soup that captures the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls in a warm, easy-to-make soup form. Filled with ground beef and pork, fresh vegetables, tomatoes, and rice simmered to perfection, this soup is perfect for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Meat and Oil
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- Salt and cracked black pepper to taste
Vegetables and Seasoning
- 1 large yellow onion, finely diced (about 1.5 cups)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons)
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 4 cups coarsely chopped green cabbage (about 15 oz)
- 2 medium-large carrots, peeled, quartered, and sliced (about 1.5 cups)
Broth and Tomato Base
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 4 cups beef broth
- 3 (8-oz) cans tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 bay leaf
Other Ingredients
- 1/2 cup uncooked long grain rice
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional for seasoning)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional for seasoning)
Instructions
- Brown meat: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and pork, season with salt and pepper, and cook undisturbed for 2 minutes before breaking up. Continue cooking until the meat is browned, about 5 minutes total.
- Add aromatic vegetables: Reduce heat to medium. Add diced onions and cook for 7 to 8 minutes until very softened. Stir in minced garlic, ground paprika, and dried thyme and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Assemble soup: Stir in chopped cabbage, carrots, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, tomato sauce, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, brown sugar, and the bay leaf. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Add rice and simmer: Bring the soup to a simmer. Stir in the uncooked long grain rice and continue to cook for about 25 minutes, or until the cabbage and rice are tender.
- Finish and serve: Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Taste and adjust seasoning by adding salt and pepper as needed. Stir in chopped parsley and lemon juice if using. Serve the soup immediately while hot.
Notes
- Brown sugar amount can be adjusted based on the sweetness and acidity of your canned tomato products.
- Use lean meat to keep the soup light but flavorful.
- Optional parsley and lemon juice add brightness and fresh flavor at the end.
- You can substitute ground pork with ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Make sure to stir occasionally during simmering to prevent rice from sticking to the pot.
