Easy Cabbage Roll Soup: A Comforting and Hearty Dish

This Easy Cabbage Roll Soup captures all the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the fuss. It’s a comforting and hearty one-pot meal filled with tender cabbage, ground beef, and rice, simmered in a savory tomato broth. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, this soup is not only delicious but also simple to prepare. Let’s get started on this warm and satisfying dish!

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small head of cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups)
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 1/2 cup uncooked white rice
• 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once fully cooked, drain any excess fat.
2. Add the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the ground beef. Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the Vegetables and Rice: Stir in the chopped cabbage, sliced carrots, and uncooked rice. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.
4. Build the Soup Base: Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Stir to combine everything well.
5. Simmer: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the rice is cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom.
6. Season and Serve: Remove the bay leaf from the soup and discard. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot.

How to Prepare

This Easy Cabbage Roll Soup is a wonderful way to enjoy all the comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls with much less effort. The combination of ground beef, tender cabbage, and rice in a rich tomato broth makes for a filling and satisfying meal. The soup is versatile and can easily be adapted with your favorite spices or additional vegetables.

Preparation Time

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 40 minutes
• Total time: 55 minutes

Servings

This recipe serves 6-8 people.

FAQs

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice? Yes, but note that brown rice takes longer to cook. You may need to simmer the soup for an additional 10-15 minutes or pre-cook the brown rice.
• Can I freeze this soup? Absolutely! Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Can I make this soup vegetarian? Yes, substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat or beans, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• What can I serve with this soup? A side of crusty bread or a simple green salad pairs perfectly with this hearty soup.