Nothing beats the heartwarming comfort of a hearty soup, especially when it tastes just like a traditional cabbage roll without all the fuss of rolling. Cabbage Roll Soup combines tender ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and the tangy goodness of tomatoes, transforming the classic flavors of a beloved dish into a cozy and inviting bowl of delight. Imagine sitting down with a warm bowl of this comforting soup after a long day; it’s the kind of meal that wraps around you like a hug.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Cabbage Roll Soup (All the Flavor, No Rolling)
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Cabbage Roll Soup (All the Flavor, No Rolling)

Cabbage Roll Soup (All the Flavor, No Rolling)

I first stumbled upon this Cabbage Roll Soup recipe during a chilly winter evening when I craved something wholesome and satisfying. The idea of making cabbage rolls felt daunting with all that rolling and prep work. But this soup? It delivers all the flavor and nostalgia of cabbage rolls without the added labor. With minimal prep time and one pot, you can whip up a dinner that the entire family will cherish. Trust me, once you taste this comforting creation bursting with rich flavors, it will be a favorite in your recipe rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With only 10 minutes of prep and less than an hour of cooking, this soup is a weeknight lifesaver.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of savory ground beef, fresh veggies, and the tang of tomatoes each spoonful is a culinary delight.
Eye-Catching Appeal: With vibrant colors from the cabbage and carrots, it’s not just delicious but also a feast for the eyes.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for cozy dinners, meal prep, or as leftovers for lunch – it’s incredibly versatile.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets, making it a fantastic choice for everyone at the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 lbs ground beef: A flavorful base that provides richness; you could substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances flavors; sea salt can be a great alternative.
½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds depth and warmth; feel free to adjust to your taste.
1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil: Used to sauté veggies; both oils add a healthy touch to your soup.
2 cups yellow onion – diced (about 1 medium onion): Builds the flavor foundation; red onion offers a sweeter taste.
1 cup carrots – sliced or diced: For sweetness and color; you can use frozen carrots as a time-saver.
2 cloves garlic – minced: Adds boldness; fresh garlic is preferred, but garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
1 lb green cabbage – chopped (about 1 medium head of cabbage): The star ingredient that brings that cabbage roll essence.
30 oz diced tomatoes: Offers a tangy, juicy component; canned tomatoes with herbs provide extra flavor.
8 oz tomato sauce: A thick texture that rounds out the dish; can substitute with marinara for extra flavor.
6 cups gluten-free beef broth or gluten-free chicken broth: A flavorful liquid base; you can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
1 cup uncooked white rice: Thickens and adds heartiness; feel free to use brown rice, but adjust cooking times.
1 tablespoon gluten-free Worcestershire sauce: A hint of umami goodness; soy sauce can be a substitute if needed.
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Brightens flavors; you can use lime juice if lemon isn’t available.
1 tablespoon brown sugar: Balances acidity; honey or maple syrup can also work well.
2 teaspoons paprika: Adds warmth and a slight smokiness; smoked paprika elevates the flavor.
1 teaspoon dried oregano: Herbs enhance the aroma; Italian seasoning is a fantastic alternative.
½ cup fresh parsley – chopped: For garnish and freshness; cilantro can also add a unique twist.

How to Make Cabbage Roll Soup (All the Flavor, No Rolling)

Preheat the Dutch oven: Begin by preheating a large Dutch oven over medium heat. This is important because it ensures your meat sears nicely, creating a depth of flavor.

Brown the ground beef: Once heated, add 2 lbs ground beef to the pot, seasoning it with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes, making sure to break up the meat into smaller pieces with a spatula.

Sauté the onions: Drizzle in 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil, then add 2 cups diced yellow onion. Stir to combine and cook for 3-4 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant, creating a savory base for your soup.

Add carrots and garlic: Mix in 1 cup sliced or diced carrots and 2 cloves minced garlic, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it can turn bitter.

Incorporate cabbage: Next, stir in 1 lb chopped green cabbage. Cook for a few minutes until it starts to soften, releasing its sweet aroma into the air, an inviting sign of the delicious meal ahead.

Combine the main ingredients: Now for the heart of the soup! Mix in 30 oz diced tomatoes, 8 oz tomato sauce, 6 cups gluten-free beef broth, 1 cup uncooked white rice, 1 tablespoon gluten-free Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 2 teaspoons paprika, and 1 teaspoon dried oregano. Stir everything together, creating a beautiful meld of flavors.

Bring to a boil and simmer: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and cover with a lid. Allow it to simmer for about 30 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed the rich broth flavors.

Garnish and serve: Once the rice is cooked through, serve the soup hot, garnished with ½ cup chopped fresh parsley. This vibrant touch not only adds a pop of color but also freshness that ties the dish together beautifully.

Storing & Reheating

To store, let your Cabbage Roll Soup cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It will last in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. When ready to reheat, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Keep in mind that the rice may absorb more broth, so feel free to add a splash of water or broth to refresh its texture.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Keep the ground beef at room temperature before cooking; this helps it to sear better.
To enhance the flavor, consider simmering the soup longer; just monitor your rice, making sure it stays tender.
If you find the soup too thick after refrigerating, stir in a bit of broth when reheating for a silky consistency.
To make it a complete meal, serve with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for an extra hearty dish.

This Cabbage Roll Soup is not just a recipe; it’s a journey into comfort food nostalgia. It captures the heartwarming feeling of the classic cabbage rolls without the labor of rolling and stuffing. The rich combination of flavors pairs well with a variety of occasions, whether it’s a quiet family dinner or a gathering of friends.

Experiment with the ingredients if you wish! Spinach or kale can easily be added for extra greens, and feel free to swap in different proteins. You’ll find that this dish encourages creativity while delivering the warmth and nourishment you crave. So gather your ingredients and enjoy every comforting spoonful of this wonderful soup.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat in this soup?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat. Each option will give the soup a different flavor profile, so choose what suits your palate best.

How can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?

To make a vegetarian or vegan version, replace the ground beef with a mix of sautéed mushrooms and lentils or beans for protein. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and skip the Worcestershire sauce, or look for a vegan version.

What if I don’t have uncooked white rice?

If you don’t have white rice on hand, you can use instant rice, but add it during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking time instead. Quinoa or barley can also be fantastic alternatives, adjusting the cooking times accordingly.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes! This soup freezes remarkably well. Just make sure it has cooled completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember that rice may absorb liquid over time, so add some broth when reheating to restore its texture.

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Cabbage Roll Soup (All the Flavor, No Rolling)

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Author: Anna
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Soups
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

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Description

This Cabbage Roll Soup is a comforting bowl packed with hearty flavors. A delightful blend of ground beef, wholesome veggies, and spices, it’s easy to make and perfect for a quick dinner. Enjoy a healthy meal that warms the soul!

Ingredients

Scale

2 lbs ground beef
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
2 cups yellow onion – diced
1 cup carrots – sliced or diced
2 cloves garlic – minced
1 lb green cabbage – chopped
30 oz diced tomatoes
8 oz tomato sauce
6 cups gluten-free beef broth
1 cup uncooked white rice
1 tablespoon gluten-free worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ cup fresh parsley – chopped

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Instructions

Preheat a large Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add ground beef, season with kosher salt and black pepper, and cook until browned for about 5-6 minutes, breaking up the meat as it cooks.
Add olive oil and diced yellow onion; stir and cook for 3-4 minutes.
Add sliced carrots and minced garlic, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes while stirring frequently.
Stir in chopped green cabbage and cook for a few minutes until softened.

Notes

Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
This soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheats well.
Freeze leftovers for a convenient meal later.