Name: Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe: Hearty and Comforting
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 onion (diced); 2 garlic cloves (minced); 1 carrot (diced); 4 cups chopped cabbage; 1 15 oz can diced tomatoes; 1 8 oz can tomato sauce; 4 cups beef broth; ½ cup uncooked rice; 1 tbsp Worcestershire; 1 tsp paprika (thyme); 1 bay leaf; ½ tsp salt (¼ tsp pepper); Optional: Sour cream (parsley); Suggested Pairings: Red wine (crusty bread)

Introduction

Table of Contents

Cabbage Roll Soup is a hearty, comforting dish, perfect as a one-pot meal for family dinners, cozy nights, or gatherings. This deconstructed take on classic cabbage rolls, featuring tender cabbage, savory ground beef, and a rich tomato broth with rice, delivers bold, crowd-pleasing flavors with less effort. Presented in a white ceramic bowl, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream, this Cabbage Roll Soup offers a rustic, inviting aesthetic that elevates any table. This recipe provides a simple stovetop method with accessible ingredients, adaptable for dietary preferences, ideal for home cooks seeking a go-to soup that brings warm, satisfying charm to any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Cabbage Roll Soup:

1 lb lean ground beef (or turkey)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 medium carrot, diced
4 cups green cabbage, chopped (about ½ small head)
1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juice
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
4 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
½ cup uncooked long-grain white rice (or brown rice)
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp dried thyme
1 bay leaf
½ tsp kosher salt
¼ tsp black pepper

For Serving:

Optional: Sour cream, fresh parsley
Suggested Accompaniments: Crusty bread, dinner rolls
Suggested Pairings: Red wine, iced tea
Suggested Aesthetic: Serve in a white ceramic bowl
Suggested Equipment: Large pot or Dutch oven, wooden spoon, knife, cutting board, measuring cups/spoons

Step-by-Step Process

Brown Meat: Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon (5–7 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
Sauté Aromatics: Add onion, garlic, and carrot. Cook until softened (4–5 minutes).
Add Cabbage and Tomatoes: Stir in cabbage, diced tomatoes with juice, and tomato sauce. Cook for 2–3 minutes until cabbage begins to wilt.
Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in beef broth, then add rice, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25–30 minutes (white rice) or 40–45 minutes (brown rice), stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and the cabbage is soft.
Adjust Flavor: Remove the bay leaf. Taste a small spoonful and adjust with more salt, pepper, or Worcestershire for a balanced, tangy-savory flavor.
Serve: Ladle into white ceramic bowls. Optionally garnish with a dollop of sour cream and fresh parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread or dinner rolls, paired with red wine or iced tea.

Tips for Better Cabbage Roll Soup

Use lean ground beef to reduce grease; ground turkey works for a lighter option.
Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving to balance tangy, savory, and herbal notes.
Rinse rice briefly to prevent excess starchiness in the broth.
Cut cabbage into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Present in a white ceramic bowl to highlight the vibrant colors and hearty texture.
Make ahead: Prepare up to 2 days in advance; refrigerate and reheat gently (add broth if thickened).
Use a heavy-bottomed pot for even simmering.
Enhance aesthetic: Swirl sour cream for a creamy, rustic pop.

Variations and Customization

Gluten-Free Cabbage Roll Soup: Use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce; naturally gluten-free otherwise.
Vegetarian Cabbage Roll Soup: Replace beef with 1 cup lentils or plant-based crumbles; use vegetable broth.
Low-Carb Cabbage Roll Soup: Omit rice; add extra cabbage or cauliflower rice.
Spicy Cabbage Roll Soup: Add ¼ tsp red pepper flakes or 1 diced jalapeño.
Beef and Sausage Cabbage Roll Soup: Use ½ lb beef and ½ lb Italian sausage.
Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup: Brown beef and sauté aromatics, then transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker; cook on low for 6–8 hours.
Creamy Cabbage Roll Soup: Stir in ½ cup heavy cream or sour cream at the end.
Instant Pot Cabbage Roll Soup: Use the sauté function for steps 1–3, then pressure cook on high for 8 minutes (white rice) with quick release.

Storage and Serving Tips

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days; they can also be reheated on the stovetop with a splash of broth.
Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.
Serve hot for the best hearty texture and bold flavor.
Use as a main dish for dinners or gatherings.
Pair with red wine or iced tea to complement the tangy, savory broth.
Presented in a white ceramic bowl with garnishes for a rustic, comforting charm.

Nutritional Information

Based on 6 servings (about 1.5 cups each):

Calories: 280 kcal
Total Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 45mg
Sodium: 620mg
Total Carbohydrates: 28g
Dietary Fiber: 4g
Sugars: 8g
Protein: 20g
Vitamin A: 40% Daily Value
Vitamin C: 50% Daily Value
Calcium: 8% Daily Value
Iron: 15% Daily Value

Note: Values vary by ingredient brands and substitutions (vegetarian or low-carb options reduce cholesterol or carbs). High in protein and vitamin C.

Conclusion

This Cabbage Roll Soup recipe delivers a hearty, comforting dish perfect for family dinners or cozy nights. It transforms simple ingredients into a flavorful favorite. Its one-pot preparation and rustic presentation make it a go-to. The tender cabbage and rich broth delight with every spoonful. It’s sure to be a cherished recipe, loved for its warm, crowd-pleasing charm.