Name: Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef; 1 medium yellow onion, diced finely; 1 cup baby carrots, chopped; 1 tablespoon garlic paste; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ head cabbage, cored and chopped into 1 inch pieces (about 5-6 cups); 5 cups beef broth; 14 ounces petite diced tomatoes; 16 ounces tomato sauce; 2 tablespoons ketchup; 2 bay leaves; ½ cup uncooked long grain white rice; Parsley, chopped for garnish

Jump to Recipe·5 from 17 reviews

If you’ve been searching for a cozy, one-pot wonder that captures all the flavors of classic comfort food without any fuss, let me introduce you to Cabbage Roll Soup. This recipe combines everything you love about stuffed cabbage rolls—savory beef, sweet tomato, tender cabbage, and hearty rice—into a vibrant, simmering soup that’s as nourishing as it is easy. Every spoonful is a blend of vibrant colors and rich aroma, bringing that “slow-cooked all day” taste straight to your table in a fraction of the time. Put your feet up, grab your favorite ladle, and get ready for a bowl of pure, home-cooked happiness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Cabbage Roll Soup comes from everyday simple ingredients, each playing a key role to create layers of comfort food flavor. You won’t need anything fancy—just a handful of kitchen staples that work together seamlessly for a supremely satisfying meal.

Lean ground beef: Keeps the soup hearty and balanced, providing protein without excess grease.
Yellow onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth once sautéed.
Baby carrots: Tender, slightly sweet veggies that mirror classic cabbage roll filling.
Garlic paste: Effortlessly delivers a punch of flavor without chopping.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds a savory, umami spark that enhances the broth.
Salt and ground black pepper: Essential for a well-seasoned base.
Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning: Together these build an aromatic, comforting profile in every bite.
Cabbage: The star ingredient—choose green cabbage for classic taste and a beautiful texture.
Beef broth: Rich, savory liquid that binds everything together into a flavorful soup.
Petite diced tomatoes: Bring a burst of color and juicy tomato tang.
Tomato sauce: Delivers a smooth, velvety backbone to the soup’s base.
Ketchup: Don’t skip—this secret ingredient adds sweetness and depth!
Bay leaf: Subtly perfumes the soup, giving complexity as it simmers.
Uncooked long grain white rice: Lets the rice absorb all that delicious broth and flavor as the soup cooks.
Parsley: Fresh, green, and perfect for a final garnish that brightens up every bowl.

How to Make Cabbage Roll Soup

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by grabbing your trusty Dutch oven or a large heavy-bottomed pot. Toss in your lean ground beef and cook it over medium heat, breaking it up gently until it’s no longer pink. Make sure to drain off any excess grease, so your soup tastes hearty and clean.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

Once your beef is browned and drained, add it back to the pan with the diced yellow onion, chopped baby carrots, and garlic paste. Give everything a good stir and let it cook for 5 to 7 minutes, just until the onions are softened and aromatic. This is where those irresistible soup flavors start to build.

Step 3: Bring in the Seasonings

Now, sprinkle in the Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Take a moment to stir and inhale—the kitchen should smell incredible. These spices lay the foundation for that classic cabbage roll flavor.

Step 4: Add the Cabbage

Toss in your chopped cabbage and let it cook for about 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often. This helps soften the cabbage just a touch and allows it to soak up all those juicy flavors from the beef and seasonings.

Step 5: Simmer with Liquids and Rice

Pour in the beef broth, petite diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, ketchup, bay leaves, and uncooked rice. Stir well, making sure every ingredient is nestled into the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover tightly, and let everything simmer gently for 30 minutes. Trust the process—don’t peek! The rice needs steam to cook evenly, and the flavors will meld beautifully.

Step 6: Final Check and Finish

After 30 minutes, lift the lid to check the rice. If it’s not quite tender, cover and cook for an extra 5 minutes. Once it’s perfect, fish out the bay leaves and discard them. Stir everything gently and get ready for serving.

How to Serve Cabbage Roll Soup

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley on top does wonders for both color and freshness. If you’re feeling extra, add a pinch of cracked black pepper or even a dollop of sour cream for a creamy contrast.

Side Dishes

Warm, crusty bread or a thick slice of rye makes the perfect companion to Cabbage Roll Soup, helping you scoop up every last drop. If you’re leaning lighter, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette keeps the meal balanced and bright.

Creative Ways to Present

Ladle Cabbage Roll Soup into rustic mugs for a cozy, fireside vibe or serve in elegant shallow bowls at a dinner party with a swirl of sour cream and artisan croutons. You could even offer a soup bar with a trio of garnishes so guests can customize their own perfect bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Cabbage Roll Soup cool completely, then store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making it even tastier the next day.

Freezing

This soup freezes like an absolute champ! Portion cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space at the top for expansion, and store for up to three months. Just remember that rice will soften more, so if you’re planning ahead, you can even freeze the soup before adding the rice, then simmer it in when reheating.

Reheating

To reheat Cabbage Roll Soup, place it in a saucepan over medium heat until thoroughly warmed, stirring occasionally. If it’s thicker than you’d like (the rice loves to soak up broth), just splash in extra beef broth or water until it’s the perfect consistency.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! For a lighter twist on Cabbage Roll Soup, swap in ground turkey or chicken. The result is just as comforting and even a bit healthier. You may want to add a splash more Worcestershire or extra seasoning for depth.

What type of rice works best?

Long grain white rice is classic and keeps its structure after simmering, but you’re welcome to use brown rice for whole-grain goodness or even quick-cooking rice to shave a few minutes off the simmering time. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

Can I make this vegetarian?

You sure can! Replace the ground beef with your favorite plant-based crumble or more veggies, use vegetable broth, and you’ll have a delicious, plant-forward Cabbage Roll Soup that everyone can enjoy.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, Cabbage Roll Soup is naturally gluten-free as long as your beef broth and Worcestershire sauce are certified gluten-free (some brands use wheat-based thickeners or additives, so double-check the labels).

How do I make crockpot Cabbage Roll Soup?

After browning the beef, transfer everything (except the rice) into your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–7 hours, then add the rice during the last 30–40 minutes so it cooks through without turning mushy. If needed, add a bit more broth to reach your desired soupiness.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you’ll give this Cabbage Roll Soup a try—it’s one of those recipes that never fails to warm hearts and bring people together around the dinner table. With humble ingredients and cozy, old-fashioned flavor, this bowlful promises comfort, simplicity, and plenty of smiles. Let me know how it turns out in your kitchen!