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
Scale
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.
