Cabbage Roll Soup

Cabbage Roll Soup
DifficultyBeginner
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Cabbage Roll Soup delivers all the comforting flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls — savory beef, tender cabbage, rice, tomatoes, and warm spices — but in a much simpler, cozier, one-pot form. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for chilly days or meal prep.

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Yields6 Servings
Prep Time20 minsCook Time45 minsTotal Time1 hr 5 mins
Main Ingredients
 1 lb ground beef
 1 tbsp olive oil
 1 medium onion, diced
 2 cloves garlic, minced
 3 cups green cabbage, chopped (about ½ medium head)
 2 medium carrots, peeled & diced
 2 celery stalks, diced
 1 can diced tomatoes
 1 can tomato sauce
 4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
 ½ cup uncooked white rice
 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
 1 tsp smoked paprika
 1 tsp dried thyme
 1 tsp dried oregano
 1 bay leaf
 Salt & black pepper, to taste
Optional Add-Ins
 2 tbsp brown sugar (for a sweet Hungarian-style version)
 ½ tsp chili flakes (for heat)
 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
 Sour cream, for serving
Brown the Beef
1

  1. Heat a large pot over medium-high heat.

  2. Add ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart as it browns.

  3. Drain excess fat if necessary (leave ~1 tablespoon if using lean beef).

  4. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Add Aromatics
2

  1. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot.

  2. Cook for 5 minutes until vegetables start to soften.

  3. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add Cabbage + Seasonings
3

  1. Stir in the chopped cabbage and cook for 2–3 minutes until it starts to wilt.

  2. Add seasonings:

    • Worcestershire

    • Smoked paprika

    • Thyme

    • Oregano

    • Bay leaf

    • Optional brown sugar

    • Optional chili flakes

 

Mix well to coat everything with flavor.

Add Rice, Tomatoes & Broth
4

  1. Pour in:

    • Diced tomatoes

    • Tomato sauce

    • Beef broth

  2. Add the uncooked rice (or wait to stir in cooked rice at the end).

  3. Stir thoroughly, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom.

Simmer
5

  1. Bring soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.

  2. Cover and simmer for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  3. Soup is ready when:

    • Rice is tender

    • Cabbage is soft

    • Broth is thickened and aromatic

Taste and adjust:

 

  • More salt if needed

  • More brown sugar for sweetness

  • Extra broth or water if too thick

Serve
6

Ladle into bowls and top with:

  • Fresh parsley

  • A dollop of sour cream (highly recommended)

  • Fresh cracked pepper

 

Serve with crusty bread or warm rolls.

Serving Suggestions
7

  • Serve with:

    • Buttered rye or sourdough

    • Simple green salad

    • Roasted potatoes or pierogi (for a full Eastern European spread)

  • For a richer version: Add ½ cup tomato paste or a splash of balsamic vinegar.

Tips & Variations
8

  • Low-carb version: Replace rice with cauliflower rice; add in the last 5 minutes.

  • Vegetarian version: Use plant-based ground meat & veggie broth.

  • Spicier: Add chopped jalapeños or use hot paprika.

  • More classic cabbage-roll flavor: Add ½ lb ground pork to the beef mix.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients
 1 lb ground beef
 1 tbsp olive oil
 1 medium onion, diced
 2 cloves garlic, minced
 3 cups green cabbage, chopped (about ½ medium head)
 2 medium carrots, peeled & diced
 2 celery stalks, diced
 1 can diced tomatoes
 1 can tomato sauce
 4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
 ½ cup uncooked white rice
 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
 1 tsp smoked paprika
 1 tsp dried thyme
 1 tsp dried oregano
 1 bay leaf
 Salt & black pepper, to taste
Optional Add-Ins
 2 tbsp brown sugar (for a sweet Hungarian-style version)
 ½ tsp chili flakes (for heat)
 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
 Sour cream, for serving
Cabbage Roll Soup
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