Heartwarming Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe for Cozy Nights

Comfort steams from every spoonful of this delightful cabbage roll soup that captures traditional Eastern European flavors.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this recipe, blending robust ingredients with simple, rustic techniques.

Tender cabbage leaves dance with savory ground meat in a rich, tomato-infused broth.

Warm and satisfying, each bite tells a story of heritage and home-coomed cooking.

Aromatic herbs and hearty vegetables create layers of depth in this soul-warming soup.

The recipe transforms humble ingredients into a remarkable meal that fills both stomach and heart.

Prepare to savor a bowl of pure, comforting goodness that connects you to generations of culinary tradition.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 270 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients For Cabbage Roll Soup

• Ground Beef: Hearty protein powerhouse that adds rich, meaty depth and satisfying texture to the soup.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Boosts umami flavor with its tangy, complex profile and helps tenderize the meat.

• Cabbage, Carrots: Crisp, nutritious vegetables that provide sweet earthiness and tender crunch to the soup.
• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic flavor builders that create a robust, savory foundation for the entire dish.
• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce, Tomato Paste: Vibrant red ingredients that contribute bright acidity and thick, luxurious body to the soup.

• Bay Leaf: Subtle herb that infuses gentle, sophisticated herbal notes throughout the cooking process.
• Italian Seasoning: Aromatic dried herb blend that adds complexity and traditional Mediterranean warmth.
• Brown Sugar: Provides subtle sweetness to balance the acidity of tomatoes and round out the overall flavor profile.
• Rice: Hearty grain that transforms the soup into a complete, filling meal with satisfying texture.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional bright, fresh garnish that adds a pop of color and light herbal freshness.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning to elevate and balance all the soup's flavors.

Tools You’ll Need For Cabbage Roll Soup

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven: Essential for cooking and simmering the soup, providing ample space for all ingredients.
• Cutting Board: Perfect for chopping vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and onions safely and efficiently.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp and reliable tool for precise vegetable and ingredient preparation.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring, breaking up ground beef, and mixing ingredients while cooking.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Helpful for accurately measuring broth, seasonings, and other ingredients.
• Colander or Strainer: Optional for draining excess fat from the ground beef if needed.

Steps To Make Cabbage Roll Soup

• Kickstart the Flavor Base

Brown ground beef in a large pot, seasoning with salt and pepper. Break up the meat while cooking and drain any excess fat to keep things lean and delicious.

• Awaken the Aromatics

Toss in diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they release their mouthwatering fragrance and soften beautifully.

• Build the Soup Foundation

Combine chopped cabbage, sliced carrots, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Pour in beef broth, splash of Worcestershire sauce, and hint of brown sugar. Add bay leaf and Italian seasoning for depth of flavor. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

• Create Hearty Harmony

Stir in uncooked rice, reduce heat, and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer quietly for about 30 minutes, allowing the ingredients to meld and rice to become perfectly tender.

• Final Touch and Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove bay leaf. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top. Ladle into bowls and enjoy this comforting meal that hugs you from the inside out.

Cooking Tips For Cabbage Roll Soup

• Flavor-Boosting Beef Tricks: Use lean ground beef or swap with ground turkey for a lighter option, ensuring less grease and a cleaner taste profile.
• Rice Texture Pro-Tip: Add rice during the last 20 minutes of cooking to prevent overcooking and maintain perfect al dente consistency, preventing mushy results.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Replace rice with cauliflower rice or quinoa for gluten-free and lower-carbohydrate dietary needs, keeping the soup's hearty essence intact.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or hearty lentils, maintaining protein levels while creating a completely meat-free version that's equally satisfying.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Store soup in airtight containers for up to 3 months, removing bay leaf beforehand; when reheating, add a splash of fresh broth to restore original moisture and prevent dryness.

Ways To Serve Cabbage Roll Soup Warm

• Cozy Comfort Bowl: Pair this hearty soup with a thick slice of crusty sourdough bread to soak up the rich, savory broth and add a delightful crunch.
• Cheesy Topping Adventure: Sprinkle some shredded cheddar or parmesan cheese on top just before serving to create a melty, gooey layer that adds extra depth and richness.
• Fresh Herb Finish: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, dill, or green onions to bring a bright, fresh note that cuts through the soup's deep, meaty flavors and adds a pop of color.
• Sour Cream Swirl: Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top to create a creamy texture and balance the soup's bold taste, providing a cool contrast to the warm, comforting dish.

Store Cabbage Roll Soup The Smart Way

• Smart Meal Prep Strategies: Quick individual portions can be packed in sealed containers, easily stored in refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezer-Friendly Magic: Transfer completely cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Labels with date help track freshness, lasting up to 3 months.
• Reheating Wisdom: Thaw frozen soup overnight in refrigerator. Warm gradually in pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to restore consistent texture. Add splash of beef broth if soup seems thick.
• Storage Pro Tips: Always cool soup completely before refrigerating. Use airtight glass or plastic containers. Separate liquid from garnishes like fresh parsley to maintain crisp texture when reheating.

Hearty Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 35 reviews

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

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Description

Polish cabbage roll soup blends hearty traditions with comforting flavors. Generous servings of tender vegetables and savory meat create a satisfying meal you’ll want to enjoy again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) lean ground beef
• 4 cups (946 ml) green cabbage, chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups (946 ml) beef broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz/411 g) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (8 oz/227 g) tomato sauce
• 3 tbsps tomato paste
• ½ cup (120 ml) uncooked long-grain rice
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tbsps brown sugar
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Protein Preparation: Sear ground beef in a large skillet over high heat, crumbling and seasoning with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat thoroughly.
2. Aromatic Foundation: Sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic until translucent, releasing their rich fragrance and developing deep flavor complexity.
3. Soup Construction: Combine shredded cabbage, carrots, tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, bay leaf, and Italian herbs into the cooking vessel. Stir to integrate all components and create a robust flavor base.
4. Final Cooking Process: Add raw rice directly into the simmering mixture. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer gently until cabbage becomes tender and rice absorbs the liquid completely, approximately 25-30 minutes. Periodically check and stir to prevent sticking.
5. Finishing Touches: Remove bay leaf, taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, serving hot and ready to enjoy.

Notes

• Meat Browning Technique: Sear ground beef at high heat, crumbling consistently to ensure uniform texture and prevent large meat chunks that can make the soup feel uneven.
• Rice Absorption Tip: Add rice directly into the soup to absorb flavors, but monitor liquid levels to prevent overcooking or turning mushy; short-grain rice works best for maintaining soup consistency.
• Vegetable Preparation Hack: Cut cabbage and carrots into uniform, thin pieces to ensure even cooking and balanced texture throughout the soup.
• Dietary Modification Option: For gluten-free version, replace regular rice with cauliflower rice or use certified gluten-free rice; for vegetarian adaptation, substitute ground beef with lentils or plant-based protein crumbles.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 270
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg