This Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe has all the comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the extra work of stuffing and rolling individual cabbage leaves. Ground beef, tender cabbage, tomatoes, rice, and savory seasonings simmer together in a hearty broth for an easy family dinner.
Why This Recipe Works
- Easy one-pot meal: Everything cooks together in one pot.
- Comforting and hearty: Beef, rice, and cabbage make it filling.
- Simple ingredients: Uses affordable pantry and refrigerator staples.
- Perfect for busy nights: Minimal preparation makes this an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 cups chopped green cabbage
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 5 cups beef broth
- ¾ cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
How to Make Cabbage Roll Soup
1. Brown the Beef
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned. Drain excess grease if necessary.
2. Cook the Onion and Garlic
Add the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
3. Add the Cabbage
Stir in the chopped cabbage and cook for about 3–4 minutes, allowing it to soften slightly.
4. Add the Remaining Ingredients
Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, beef broth, rice, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
5. Simmer the Soup
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice and cabbage are tender.
6. Finish and Serve
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Stir in fresh parsley and serve hot.
Tips for the Best Cabbage Roll Soup
Use lean ground beef to keep the soup from becoming overly greasy. For extra flavor, you can substitute ground pork or use a combination of beef and pork.
If the soup becomes too thick as it sits, add a little extra beef broth before reheating. The rice will continue absorbing liquid, so adding broth helps restore the soup’s consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe is a warm, hearty, and simple alternative to traditional cabbage rolls. With savory ground beef, tender cabbage, rice, and a rich tomato broth, it is an easy comfort food that’s perfect for chilly evenings and cozy family dinners.
