There is something incredibly comforting and heartwarming about a bowl of cabbage roll soup, and this Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe brings all the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls right into your spoon. It’s a vibrant, hearty soup bursting with tender cabbage, savory ground beef, aromatic herbs, and a rich tomato broth that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Whether you’re craving a satisfying weeknight dinner or a dish to share with loved ones, this recipe offers the perfect balance of taste and wholesome ingredients that will have you coming back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simple ingredient list fool you; every component plays an essential role in delivering the delicious flavor and texture of this soup. From the hearty ground beef to the tangy tomato paste and fragrant herbs, each ingredient brings something special to the bowl.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For browning the beef and adding a subtle fruity richness.
- 1 lb ground beef: The protein-packed base that makes the soup satisfying and hearty.
- 1 onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed with garlic.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: For a punch of aromatics that enhance the savory profile.
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes: Provides freshness and a vibrant tomato flavor.
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato essence giving the broth a rich body.
- 4 cups beef broth: The savory liquid base that carries all the flavors together.
- 1 cup water: Balances the broth to a perfect consistency.
- 1 cup cooked rice: Infuses subtle texture and makes the soup more filling, reminiscent of classic cabbage rolls.
- 2 cups cabbage, chopped: The star veggie adding crunch and sweetness as it softens in the broth.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: For a gentle herbal note that brightens the dish.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds earthiness and complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Lends a smoky warmth that elevates the overall flavor.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that bring all the ingredients into harmony.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional): A touch of sweetness to balance tomato acidity if desired.
- Fresh parsley (optional): For a fresh, vibrant garnish.
How to Make Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spoon. Cook it until it’s nicely browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step is crucial—it builds the deep, savory foundation of your soup with all those lovely browned bits at the bottom.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Next, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. This gentle sauté unlocks the natural sweetness of the onion and mingles flavors beautifully with the beef.
Step 3: Combine Tomatoes, Broth, Rice, and Spices
Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, and water. Stir in the cooked rice, chopped cabbage, dried basil, dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good mix and bring it all to a boil. This is the moment the ingredients come together for an explosion of classic, comforting flavors.
Step 4: Simmer for Tenderness
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let your soup simmer gently for 30 to 40 minutes. This slow cooking softens the cabbage perfectly while allowing all the flavors to meld into a rich, hearty broth that feels like a hug in a bowl.
Step 5: Adjust Sweetness if Needed
If you love a subtle sweetness to balance the tomato’s acidity, stir in a tablespoon of brown sugar now. It’s an optional touch but highly recommended for that well-rounded profile.
Step 6: Final Seasoning and Serve
Remove the soup from heat, taste, and adjust the seasoning as needed. Ladle into bowls and top with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness that makes the dish pop. Now your Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your soup elevates the eating experience. Fresh parsley adds a lively herbal brightness, while a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan can add creamy richness. Little touches like these make the soup feel special and personalized.
Side Dishes
This soup is hearty enough to stand on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crusty bread or warm dinner rolls for dipping. A simple green salad on the side can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe in charming bowls topped with colorful garnishes for an inviting presentation. For parties, consider serving it in mini soup cups or bread bowls to wow your guests with a cozy, rustic vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow the soup to cool to room temperature, then store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making the next-day meal even more delicious.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Be sure to leave some space at the top of the container to allow for expansion.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If it seems thick, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up. Avoid microwaving without stirring to ensure even heating.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well and makes the soup a bit lighter. Just make sure to brown it properly to develop good flavor.
Is it necessary to add cooked rice?
While rice adds texture and helps mimic the filling of traditional cabbage rolls, you can omit it or substitute with cooked quinoa or barley if preferred.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
You can swap out the ground beef and beef broth for plant-based alternatives like lentils and vegetable broth to create a delicious vegetarian version.
How spicy is this soup?
This soup has a gentle warmth mostly from the smoked paprika, which is mild. You can easily adjust the spice level by adding chili flakes or cayenne pepper if you like more heat.
Does the soup taste like traditional cabbage rolls?
Yes! This Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe captures all the key flavors—beef, cabbage, tomato, and herbs—giving you the essence of cabbage rolls without the wrapping hassle.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a cozy, easy, and flavorful meal, this Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe is a must-try. It’s the perfect blend of simplicity and comfort, sure to become a favorite in your family’s rotation. So grab your pot, gather your ingredients, and dive into a bowl of pure, savory goodness!
Print
Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and comforting Cabbage Roll Soup that captures the flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls in a warm, easy-to-make soup. Ground beef, cabbage, tomatoes, and rice come together in a savory broth seasoned with basil, thyme, and smoked paprika, perfect for a cozy family meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 2 cups cabbage, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for sweetness)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Cook until the onion softens and becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Liquids and Vegetables: Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, water, cooked rice, chopped cabbage, dried basil, dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the Soup: Reduce heat to low, cover, and let the soup simmer for 30-40 minutes, until the cabbage is tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Adjust Flavor: If you prefer a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity of the tomatoes, stir in the optional brown sugar. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Remove from heat and ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
- This soup can be made with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- For a gluten-free option, ensure the beef broth used is gluten-free.
- Cook the rice ahead of time or use leftover rice for convenience.
- Adding brown sugar is optional but helps to balance tomato acidity.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave before serving.
