This Cabbage Roll Soup has all the comforting flavors of classic cabbage rolls without the extra work of stuffing and rolling individual cabbage leaves. Tender cabbage, ground beef, tomatoes, rice, and simple seasonings come together in a warm and satisfying soup that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Soup
- Hearty and filling
- Easy one-pot meal
- Classic cabbage roll flavors
- Simple ingredients
- No cabbage rolling required
- Perfect for cold days
- Great for family dinners
- Easy to make ahead
- Freezer-friendly
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small head green cabbage, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef broth
- ½ cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, if needed
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, optional
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar, optional
For Garnish
- Fresh parsley
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Freshly cracked black pepper
How to Make Cabbage Roll Soup
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
Drain excess grease if necessary.
Step 2: Add the Onion and Garlic
Add the diced onion to the pot.
Cook for approximately 3–4 minutes, until the onion begins to soften.
Add the minced garlic.
Cook for another 30–60 seconds, stirring frequently.
Step 3: Add the Cabbage
Add the chopped cabbage to the pot.
Stir everything together.
Cook for approximately 3–5 minutes, allowing the cabbage to begin softening.
It may look like a lot at first, but the cabbage will reduce as it cooks.
Step 4: Add the Tomatoes and Broth
Add:
- Diced tomatoes
- Tomato sauce
- Beef broth
Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Step 5: Season the Soup
Add:
- Paprika
- Oregano
- Black pepper
- Salt
- Worcestershire sauce, if using
- Brown sugar, if using
Stir everything together.
Step 6: Add the Rice
Rinse the rice under cool water.
Add the uncooked rice to the pot.
Stir well.
Step 7: Simmer
Bring the soup to a gentle boil.
Reduce the heat to low.
Cover the pot and simmer for approximately 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
The rice should become tender and the cabbage should be soft.
Step 8: Check the Seasoning
Taste the soup.
Add additional salt or black pepper if needed.
If you prefer a slightly sweeter tomato flavor, add a small amount of brown sugar.
Step 9: Serve
Ladle the hot soup into bowls.
Garnish with:
- Fresh parsley
- Parmesan cheese
- Black pepper
Serve warm.
Tips for the Best Cabbage Roll Soup
Don’t Chop the Cabbage Too Small
Medium-sized pieces hold their texture better during cooking.
Brown the Beef Well
Browning the ground beef first adds extra savory flavor to the soup.
Don’t Overcook the Rice
Rice continues absorbing liquid as it sits.
If you plan to have leftovers, you may want to cook the rice separately and add it to individual servings.
Adjust the Thickness
If the soup becomes too thick, add a little extra beef broth or water.
Turkey Cabbage Roll Soup
Ground turkey can be substituted for ground beef.
The soup will have a lighter flavor while still keeping the classic cabbage-and-tomato combination.
Sausage Cabbage Roll Soup
Replace part of the ground beef with Italian sausage for a richer and more savory flavor.
If using sausage, taste the soup before adding extra salt because sausage can already be well seasoned.
Low-Carb Cabbage Roll Soup
For a lower-carbohydrate version, leave out the rice.
Add extra cabbage or another vegetable such as cauliflower instead.
What to Serve With Cabbage Roll Soup
This soup pairs well with:
- Crusty bread
- Garlic bread
- Dinner rolls
- Green salad
- Cornbread
- Roasted vegetables
- Steamed vegetables
Make Ahead
Cabbage Roll Soup is excellent for meal preparation.
Prepare the soup and allow it to cool before transferring it to covered containers.
Refrigerate until ready to serve.
The flavors often become even better after resting.
Storage
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Because the rice continues absorbing liquid, the soup may become thicker after refrigeration.
Add a little broth when reheating if necessary.
For longer storage, freeze the soup in suitable freezer-safe containers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey?
Yes. Ground turkey is an easy substitute for ground beef.
Can I make this soup without rice?
Yes. Simply leave out the rice or replace it with cauliflower rice.
Can I use red cabbage?
Yes, although it will change the color and slightly alter the flavor.
Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but brown rice generally requires a longer cooking time than white rice.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes. Brown the beef and onion first, then transfer the ingredients to a slow cooker and cook until the cabbage and rice are tender.
Can I freeze Cabbage Roll Soup?
Yes. Allow it to cool completely before freezing in freezer-safe containers.
Recipe Card
Recipe: Cabbage Roll Soup
Category: Dinner / Soup / Healthy Recipes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small head green cabbage, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef broth
- ½ cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, optional
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar, optional
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large pot.
- Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Add onion and cook until softened.
- Add garlic and cook briefly.
- Add chopped cabbage.
- Stir in diced tomatoes and tomato sauce.
- Add beef broth.
- Season with paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Add Worcestershire sauce and brown sugar if desired.
- Stir in rinsed rice.
- Bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 25–30 minutes.
- Cook until cabbage and rice are tender.
- Adjust seasoning.
- Garnish and serve hot.
Medical & Food Safety Disclaimer
This recipe is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not medical advice.
Nutritional values can vary depending on the ground meat, broth, rice, sauces, and portion sizes used.
Ground beef should be cooked thoroughly, and leftovers should be refrigerated promptly.
If you have diabetes, food allergies, or another medical condition requiring specific dietary restrictions, consider your individual nutritional needs and consult a qualified healthcare professional.