If you’re craving the comforting flavors of classic cabbage rolls but want something quicker and easier to whip up on a busy night, this Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe is an absolute game-changer. It captures all the hearty goodness of the traditional dish with tender cabbage, savory ground meats, and a rich tomato broth, but without the fuss of rolling each little parcel. It’s warm, satisfying, and perfect for sharing — a true hug in a bowl that will have you coming back for seconds and maybe even thirds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully to create layers of flavor. Every item plays an important role, delivering texture, aroma, and color that make the soup as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
- Olive oil: The foundation for sautéing, bringing a subtle richness and helping to soften the veggies.
- Yellow onion: Adds a mild sweetness and depth when cooked down.
- Garlic: Gives a punch of savory aroma that brightens the whole soup.
- Ground beef: Brings hearty flavor and meaty texture — choose lean or a mix for balance.
- Ground pork: Adds juiciness and a touch of sweetness, enriching the meat blend.
- Carrots: Offer a natural sweetness and lovely color contrast.
- Tomato sauce: Creates the vibrant, comforting base of the broth.
- Diced tomatoes: Add freshness and texture in bites throughout the soup.
- Beef broth: Deepens the flavor, making the soup robust and savory.
- Uncooked white rice: Turns tender and slightly chewy, making the soup more filling.
- Green cabbage: The star veggie, tender yet with a slight crunch that’s a must in this recipe.
- Bay leaf: Infuses subtle herbal notes that elevate the aroma.
- Worcestershire sauce: A secret weapon that adds umami and complexity.
- Paprika: Lends smoky warmth and a beautiful reddish hue.
- Fresh parsley: For a bright, fresh garnish that finishes each bowl perfectly.
How to Make Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by warming olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in the chopped yellow onion and let it cook gently for about 4 to 5 minutes until it turns translucent and sweet-smelling. Add the minced garlic last because it cooks quickly—just 30 seconds is enough to release its fragrance without burning. This step builds the delicious aromatic base that takes the soup to the next level.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
Next, add the ground beef and ground pork straight into the pot. Break the meat apart with your spoon and stir it as it cooks until it’s evenly browned. This process seals in the flavors and creates those tiny caramelized bits that add extra depth. The combined flavors of beef and pork give richness without heaviness, making your Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe irresistibly hearty.
Step 3: Combine the Veggies and Liquids
Now comes the fun part where everything starts coming together. Stir in the diced carrots, tomato sauce, drained diced tomatoes, beef broth, uncooked rice, and chopped cabbage. Toss in the bay leaf, Worcestershire sauce, and paprika for that final punch of warm, savory flavor. Mix everything thoroughly so the rice starts soaking up the liquid and the cabbage can begin softening as it simmers.
Step 4: Simmer Until Tender
Bring the entire mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Let it cook uncovered for about 25 minutes. This slow simmering cooks the rice until tender while giving the cabbage the chance to soften but still keep a slight bite. The flavors meld together beautifully during this time, creating a savory, nourishing broth that feels like a cozy embrace on a chilly day.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Once everything is perfectly tender, scoop the soup into bowls and add a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top. This last touch not only adds a pop of green color but brings a bright, fresh flavor that balances the richness of the soup. Now it’s time to dive in and savor every comforting spoonful of your homemade Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe.
How to Serve Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your serving experience, consider topping the soup with freshly chopped parsley, sour cream, or a sprinkle of shredded sharp cheddar or Parmesan cheese. These add layers of flavor and creaminess that make each bite even more satisfying. A twist of freshly cracked black pepper can also add a subtle kick to wake up your palate.
Side Dishes
This soup holds its own perfectly, but if you want to round out your meal, crusty bread or warm dinner rolls are excellent companions for dipping. A crisp green salad with a vinegar-based dressing will help balance the heartiness and add a refreshing crunch. For something cozy, mashed potatoes or roasted root vegetables complement the soup’s homey vibe beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls to combine your soup and bread in one edible dish. Layer it in individual mason jars for a picture-perfect lunch or picnic option that keeps well and looks adorable. You can even top your bowls with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a sprinkling of toasted nuts or seeds for interesting texture contrasts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your leftover Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe into airtight containers and pop them in the fridge. It stays fresh for about 3 to 4 days, making it a fantastic option for quick weekday lunches or dinners. Flavors often deepen after resting, so you might find it tastes even better the next day.
Freezing
This soup freezes wonderfully! Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving a bit of room for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much, just add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up to your desired consistency. Don’t forget to remove the bay leaf before serving to keep every spoonful perfectly flavored and enjoyable.
FAQs
Can I use different types of meat for this soup?
Absolutely! While the traditional recipe uses ground beef and pork, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage to customize the flavor profile. Just be mindful of fat content, which can affect richness and texture.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the meats with plant-based ground alternatives or hearty vegetables like mushrooms and lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. It won’t have the exact same depth of flavor but will still be delicious and filling.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
You can, but brown rice takes longer to cook. To avoid undercooked rice, consider cooking the rice separately and adding it near the end of cooking or simmer the soup longer to give the brown rice time to soften fully.
How spicy is this soup?
This recipe isn’t spicy by default. The paprika adds a mild smoky warmth, but you can easily adjust the heat by adding crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like more of a kick.
Does the soup freeze well with the rice in it?
Yes, it freezes well, but rice can sometimes change texture slightly after freezing and reheating. If you prefer, you can freeze the soup without rice and cook fresh rice to add when reheating for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a meal that feels like it was made with love and care without taking all day, and this Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe absolutely delivers. It’s a perfect blend of savory meats, tender veggies, and hearty rice that comforts and delights with each spoonful. Whether you’re cooking for family or just treating yourself, don’t hesitate to give this cozy classic a try — your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.5 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and hearty Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup that captures all the classic flavors of traditional cabbage rolls in a warm, flavorful soup. This recipe combines ground beef, ground pork, fresh vegetables, tomatoes, and rice in a savory broth seasoned with Worcestershire sauce and paprika. Ready in just under an hour, it’s a perfect weeknight meal that’s simple to prepare and satisfying to eat.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ yellow onion, chopped (about ½ cup)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ pound ground beef
- ½ pound ground pork
- 2 carrots, diced
- ½ small head green cabbage, chopped (about 4 cups)
Liquids and Canned Goods
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 2 (14.5-ounce) cans beef broth
Grains and Seasoning
- ½ cup uncooked white rice
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Heat olive oil over medium heat in a Dutch oven. Add chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Brown the Meat: Add ground beef and ground pork to the pot. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks to ensure even cooking and to blend flavors.
- Add Vegetables and Liquids: Stir in the diced carrots, tomato sauce, drained diced tomatoes, beef broth, uncooked rice, chopped cabbage, bay leaf, Worcestershire sauce, and paprika. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for about 25 minutes, or until the rice and cabbage are tender and cooked through.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove the bay leaf. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley for a bright, fresh finish. Serve immediately for a warm and hearty meal.
Notes
- For a healthier option, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef and pork.
- If you prefer a spicier soup, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes along with the paprika.
- You can prepare this soup in advance and refrigerate; flavors will deepen overnight.
- Leftovers store well and can be reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure Worcestershire sauce used is gluten-free.
