Rustic Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe with Simple Flavor

Comfort wafts through the kitchen as this hearty cabbage roll soup simmers with rich, traditional flavors.

Eastern European recipes often carry deep culinary memories passed down through generations.

Tender cabbage leaves and savory ground meat blend perfectly in this soul-warming soup.

Rustic ingredients come together in a pot that tells stories of home-cooked meals and warmth.

Robust and satisfying, each spoonful connects you to time-honored cooking traditions.

Packed with protein and vegetables, this soup promises a nourishing experience that will fill your bowl and your heart.

Prepare to savor every delicious bite of this comforting classic.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 200 kcal

Servings: 7

Cabbage Roll Soup Ingredient Guide

• Ground Beef: Provides hearty flavor and substantial protein punch, choose lean cuts for less grease and better texture.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds deep umami complexity and enhances meat's natural richness.

• Onion, Garlic: Builds foundational flavor profile, select fresh firm onions and plump garlic cloves for maximum taste intensity.
• Bay Leaf: Introduces subtle herbal undertones and depth to overall soup character.
• Italian Seasoning: Blends multiple herbs to create sophisticated background notes.

• Beef Broth: Creates rich liquid base, opt for low-sodium versions to control salt levels.
• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce, Tomato Paste: Contributes tangy sweetness and creates robust sauce consistency.
• Cabbage, Carrots: Adds nutritional value and textural variety, choose crisp fresh vegetables for best results.
• Brown Sugar: Balances acidity and brings gentle sweetness to overall dish.
• Rice: Provides hearty substance and absorbs surrounding flavors during cooking.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish that introduces bright freshness and visual appeal.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning elements to elevate and harmonize ingredient interactions.

Tools That Help Bring Together a Pot of Cabbage Roll Soup

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven: Essential for cooking the entire soup, with high sides and sturdy construction for even heat distribution.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for breaking up ground beef and stirring ingredients without scratching the pot's surface.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for chopping onions, garlic, cabbage, and carrots with precision.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean, stable surface for chopping vegetables safely.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities for balanced flavor.
• Colander or Strainer: Helpful for draining excess fat from ground beef if necessary.

Cooking Instructions for Heartwarming Cabbage Roll Soup

• Launch the Flavor Base

Grab a hefty pot and get your ground beef sizzling. Season with salt and pepper, breaking it into delectable crumbles until beautifully browned. Drain any extra fat to keep things light.

• Awaken the Aromatics

Toss in diced onions and minced garlic, letting them dance and soften until their fragrance fills your kitchen.

• Build the Soup's Soul

Tumble in chopped cabbage, carrots, tomatoes, and a splash of broth. Sprinkle in Worcestershire sauce and a hint of brown sugar for depth. Let everything mingle and simmer gently.

• Introduce the Rice

Fold in uncooked rice, lower the heat, and cover. Allow the soup to bubble softly for about 30 minutes until the cabbage wilts and rice becomes tender.

• Final Touches

Taste and adjust seasoning. Pull out the bay leaf. If you’re feeling fancy, shower some fresh parsley on top. Ladle into bowls and enjoy the hearty warmth.

Variations to Spice Up Traditional Cabbage Roll Soup

• Prepare the soup base a day ahead and refrigerate, allowing flavors to deepen and meld beautifully. Simply reheat gently before serving for an even more robust taste experience.
• This hearty soup freezes exceptionally well for up to 3 months. Store in airtight containers, leaving some space for expansion, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Replace rice with cauliflower rice or skip grains entirely for a keto-friendly version. This swap reduces carbohydrates while maintaining the soup's rich, comforting flavor profile.
• Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to create a delicious meatless alternative that's packed with protein and nutrients.
• Add a kick by incorporating red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or a dash of hot sauce. These simple additions can elevate the soup's warmth and complexity for those who enjoy a bit more heat.

How to Serve Cabbage Roll Soup for Cozy Nights

• Hearty Bread Companion: Slice crusty sourdough or rustic rye bread to soak up the rich, savory broth and add delightful texture to each spoonful.
• Creamy Cheese Topper: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or crumbled feta on top of the hot soup for a melty, tangy finish that complements the beef and cabbage.
• Fresh Green Accent: Scatter chopped fresh parsley or green onions over the soup to add a bright, fresh note and enhance the visual appeal of the dish.
• Protein Power-Up: Serve with a side of grilled kielbasa or additional sliced sausage for meat lovers wanting an extra protein boost and deeper flavor profile.

Storing Cabbage Roll Soup So It Stays Delicious

• Whip up a large pot of this hearty soup and enjoy multiple meals throughout the week. This recipe scales beautifully, making it perfect for family dinners or meal prep.

Leave some space at the top of the container to allow for expansion.

• Store leftover soup in sealed containers for 4-5 days. The flavors actually improve overnight, so don't be surprised if it tastes even better the next day. Gently reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of beef broth if the soup seems too thick.
• Divide the soup into individual meal-sized containers for grab-and-go lunches. Pack with a small container of fresh herbs or a sprinkle of cheese to keep the meal exciting and prevent flavor fatigue.

FAQs

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, replace ground beef with plant-based ground meat or lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

• Is this soup gluten-free?

Use gluten-free rice and verify that your tomato sauce and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free to make the entire recipe safe for gluten-sensitive individuals.

• How can I add more protein to the soup?

Consider adding canned white beans, diced chicken, or extra ground beef to increase the protein content without changing the soup’s core flavor profile.

• Can I freeze cabbage roll soup?

Absolutely! This soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Store in airtight containers, leaving some space for expansion, and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Easy Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty cabbage roll soup delivers classic Polish comfort in a single pot, merging traditional flavors with modern convenience. Robust beef, tender cabbage, and rich tomato broth create a satisfying meal you’ll crave during chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (454 g) lean ground beef
• 4 cups green cabbage, chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 can (14.5 oz/411 g) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (8 oz/227 g) tomato sauce
• 3 tbsps tomato paste
• ½ cup uncooked long-grain rice (or instant brown rice)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tbsps brown sugar
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Meat Searing: Heat a large pot and brown ground beef thoroughly, breaking it into fine crumbles while seasoning, then drain excess fat.
2. Aromatic Foundation: Sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic until they become translucent and release their fragrant oils.
3. Soup Assembly: Add shredded cabbage, sliced carrots, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar into the pot, creating a robust liquid base.
4. Herbal Infusion: Sprinkle Italian seasoning and insert a bay leaf, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer to allow flavors to meld and develop depth.
5. Rice Integration: Pour rice directly into the simmering liquid, reduce heat, cover the pot, and let the soup cook quietly for 25-30 minutes until rice is tender and ingredients are harmoniously blended.
6. Final Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and pepper, removing the bay leaf to complete the flavor profile.
7. Serving Presentation: Ladle the steaming soup into bowls, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for a bright, fresh finish.

Notes

• Achieve deep caramelization by searing ground beef on high heat, ensuring maximum flavor development and eliminating excess fat for a cleaner, richer soup base.
• Add rice directly into the soup during the last 30 minutes to prevent overcooking and maintain perfect texture, absorbing surrounding flavors without becoming mushy.
• Slice cabbage uniformly and not too thin to retain slight crunch and structural integrity, preventing disintegration during extended simmering process.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based protein crumbles for lighter versions; use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice for low-carb alternative, maintaining soup’s hearty essence.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Eastern European

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg