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Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.3 from 80 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This hearty and comforting Cabbage Roll Soup brings the classic flavors of traditional cabbage rolls in an easy-to-make soup form. Loaded with ground beef, tender cabbage, tomatoes, and seasoned with paprika and thyme, this soup is perfect for a warming meal. It’s simple to prepare on the stovetop and makes eight generous servings, ideal for families or meal prep.


Ingredients

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1 pound ground beef (or mix of beef and pork)
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped (about 8 cups)

Tomatoes and Sauces

  • 2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes
  • 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste

Liquids and Grains

  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1/2 cup uncooked long-grain white rice

Seasonings

  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped


Instructions

  1. Brown the Meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef (or beef and pork mix) until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat to keep the soup from becoming greasy.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the browned meat. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onions are translucent and fragrant, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
  3. Add Cabbage and Tomato Base: Stir in the chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Mix everything thoroughly to combine the fresh and canned ingredients evenly.
  4. Incorporate Rice and Broth: Add the uncooked long-grain white rice, beef broth, bay leaves, dried thyme, paprika, cayenne pepper if using, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir well, then increase the heat and bring the soup to a rolling boil.
  5. Simmer the Soup: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer gently for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice and cabbage are tender and flavors have melded together.
  6. Season to Taste: Remove from heat and taste the soup. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Optional: add a splash of lemon juice or a dollop of sour cream to brighten the flavors.
  7. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Enjoy your comforting homemade cabbage roll soup!

Notes

  • For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
  • Use brown rice instead of white, but increase simmering time to ensure it’s fully cooked.
  • Adding a dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lemon enhances the soup’s flavor and richness.
  • This soup freezes well; store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
  • You can omit the cayenne pepper if you prefer a milder flavor.