Cabbage Roll Soup – Easy & Hearty One-Pot Comfort

Cabbage Roll Soup is the perfect comfort food when you want all the classic flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls without the extra effort. This Cabbage Roll Soup recipe combines tender cabbage, seasoned ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and a rich savory broth into one satisfying bowl. It’s warm, filling, and incredibly easy to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or cozy family meals.

If you love old-fashioned cabbage rolls but don’t have time to roll and bake them, this soup version simplifies everything. Instead of layering and stuffing, all the ingredients simmer together in one pot, creating deep flavor with minimal work. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to make Cabbage Roll Soup step by step, how to adjust it to your taste, and how to store it properly.

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Why Cabbage Roll Soup Is So Popular

Cabbage Roll Soup has become a favorite in home kitchens because it delivers traditional flavor in a faster, easier format. Not only is it hearty, but it also uses simple pantry ingredients that most families already have on hand.

Inspired by Classic Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Traditional cabbage rolls typically consist of cabbage leaves stuffed with ground meat and rice, then baked in tomato sauce. While delicious, they require careful rolling and longer cooking times.

However, Cabbage Roll Soup takes those same ingredients and transforms them into a cozy, tomato-based soup. As a result, you still enjoy the comforting combination of beef, cabbage, and rice—just without the extra steps.

A True One-Pot Comfort Food

Because everything cooks together in a single pot, cleanup is minimal. Moreover, as the soup simmers, the rice absorbs the flavorful broth, and the cabbage softens beautifully.

The result is a thick, rich soup that tastes like it has been cooking all day.

Perfect for Busy Weeknights

Another reason Cabbage Roll Soup is so popular is that it comes together quickly. While traditional rolls can take over an hour, this version is ready in about 45 minutes.

Additionally, it reheats well, which makes it perfect for leftovers or meal prep.

Ingredients for the Best Cabbage Roll Soup

The beauty of Cabbage Roll Soup lies in its simplicity. Fresh ingredients and balanced seasoning create that nostalgic, homestyle flavor.

Essential Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small head green cabbage, chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 4 cups beef broth (alcohol-free)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika

Each ingredient plays a key role. The ground beef provides richness, while the cabbage adds texture and subtle sweetness. Meanwhile, the tomato base creates that classic cabbage roll flavor.

Optional Add-Ins for Extra Depth

Although the traditional recipe is simple, you can enhance it with:

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (alcohol-free)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar for balance
• Fresh parsley for garnish
• A pinch of red pepper flakes

These additions allow you to customize your Cabbage Roll Soup while maintaining its comforting identity.

Choosing the Right Cabbage

Always select a firm, heavy head of cabbage with crisp leaves. Fresh cabbage ensures better texture and flavor. Chop it into bite-sized pieces so it cooks evenly and blends smoothly into the soup.

How to Make Cabbage Roll Soup Step by Step

Making Cabbage Roll Soup is simple, but following the right order ensures the best flavor.

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

First, heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.

Browning the meat builds a deep, savory base for the soup.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Next, add diced onion to the pot and cook for about 3–4 minutes until softened. Then stir in minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.

These aromatics create a flavorful foundation for your Cabbage Roll Soup.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Broth

Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir well to combine. Add salt, pepper, paprika, and any optional seasonings.

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 4: Add Rice and Cabbage

Stir in uncooked rice and chopped cabbage. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for 25–30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

As the soup cooks, the rice absorbs the flavorful broth while the cabbage becomes tender.

Step 5: Adjust and Serve

Once the rice is fully cooked and the cabbage is soft, taste and adjust seasoning. If the soup is too thick, add a little more broth.

Serve hot and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Tips for Perfect Cabbage Roll Soup

Even though this recipe is straightforward, a few expert tips can make it even better.

Avoid Overcooking the Rice

Rice continues to absorb liquid even after cooking. Therefore, check for doneness toward the end of simmering. Slightly undercooking it can help prevent mushiness when reheating.

Control the Thickness

Cabbage Roll Soup naturally thickens as it sits. When reheating, simply add more broth to restore the perfect consistency.

Balance Sweetness and Acidity

Tomatoes can sometimes taste acidic. Adding a small pinch of brown sugar balances the flavors beautifully without making the soup sweet.

Make It Lighter

If you prefer a leaner option, substitute ground turkey for beef. The flavor remains delicious while reducing fat content.

Delicious Variations of Cabbage Roll Soup

This comforting soup adapts easily to different dietary preferences.

Low-Carb Version

Replace rice with cauliflower rice. Add it during the last 10 minutes of cooking to prevent over-softening.

Slow Cooker Method

Brown the meat first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.

Instant Pot Option

Use the sauté function to brown the beef, then pressure cook for about 8 minutes with a quick release.

Extra Vegetable Boost

Add diced carrots or bell peppers for additional color and nutrition.

What to Serve with Cabbage Roll Soup

Although Cabbage Roll Soup is a complete meal on its own, pairing it with simple sides makes it even more satisfying.

Bread Pairings

Serve with crusty bread, garlic toast, or dinner rolls to soak up the rich broth.

Light Salads

A simple green salad with vinaigrette balances the hearty tomato base.

Comfort Meal Idea

Pair with roasted vegetables or cornbread for a warm, homestyle dinner.

Storage and Reheating

Cabbage Roll Soup stores exceptionally well and often tastes better the next day.

Refrigeration

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing. Store for up to 3 months. Note that rice may soften slightly after thawing.

Reheating

Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat. Add extra broth as needed to adjust consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cabbage Roll Soup

Conclusion

Cabbage Roll Soup brings all the beloved flavors of classic stuffed cabbage rolls into one simple, comforting bowl. With tender cabbage, seasoned beef, fluffy rice, and a rich tomato broth, this one-pot meal is satisfying, easy to prepare, and perfect for busy families.

Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or preparing meals ahead of time, Cabbage Roll Soup is a dependable, hearty option that will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

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