Indulge in the comforting embrace of a hearty bowl of **Cabbage Roll Soup**, a culinary masterpiece that captures all the beloved flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls, but with remarkable ease. This simple yet robust recipe brings together lean ground beef, tender rice, crisp cabbage, and rich tomatoes, all simmered to perfection in a savory broth. It’s a satisfying meal that promises to warm both body and soul, perfect for family dinners any night of the week.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup
If you’re a fan of classic cabbage rolls, you already know the irresistible combination of savory meat, rice, and cabbage infused with a tangy tomato sauce. The only drawback? The time and effort involved in the rolling process. This “unstuffed” Cabbage Roll Soup eliminates that hassle entirely, transforming a laborious dish into a quick, one-pot wonder. You get all the authentic flavors you crave without the fuss, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you still want a homemade, nourishing meal.
This soup isn’t just convenient; it’s also incredibly versatile and deeply satisfying. It’s packed with wholesome ingredients, offering a balanced meal that’s both comforting and good for you. Whether you’re navigating the chill of winter or simply seeking a hearty, flavorful dish, this Cabbage Roll Soup recipe is sure to become a cherished staple in your cooking repertoire.
The Allure of Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
The concept of “unstuffed” dishes has gained immense popularity, and for good reason. It’s about deconstructing a beloved classic into a more accessible format. In this case, instead of meticulously wrapping individual portions, all the delicious components—ground beef, rice, and cabbage—are chopped and simmered together in a rich, tomato-flavored broth. This approach allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a harmonious and robust taste profile that is distinctly reminiscent of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls. The result is a substantial and fulfilling soup that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
A Pantry-Friendly Meal for Any Season
One of the greatest advantages of this Cabbage Roll Soup is its reliance on readily available pantry staples. Beyond a fresh head of cabbage and some ground beef, most of the ingredients are likely already in your kitchen cupboards. Diced tomatoes, tomato paste, rice, onions, and garlic are common items that form the backbone of many delicious meals. Cultivating a well-stocked pantry not only makes meal preparation a breeze but also empowers you to whip up nutritious and flavorful dishes like this soup spontaneously. If you’re keen on organizing your kitchen essentials, consider exploring tips for an organized pantry – it truly streamlines your cooking experience.
Versatile Cooking Methods: Stove Top, Slow Cooker, or Instant Pot
This incredibly adaptable Cabbage Roll Soup can be prepared using your preferred cooking method, catering to your schedule and kitchen setup. Whether you need a quick meal, a hands-off approach, or something in between, this recipe delivers.
- Stove Top: For a meal ready in about 45 minutes, the stove top method is ideal. Brown your meat and sauté the aromatics, then combine all ingredients and let it simmer. It’s perfect when you need a hearty dinner on the table relatively quickly.
- Slow Cooker (Crock Pot): If you prefer a “set it and forget it” approach, the slow cooker is your best friend. After browning the beef, simply add all ingredients to your crock pot and let it cook on low for approximately 5 hours. This method deepens the flavors beautifully, making it perfect for busy days or when you want the aroma of a delicious meal filling your home.
- Instant Pot: For the ultimate in speed, the Instant Pot can bring this soup to life in just minutes of active cooking time, after browning. It’s a fantastic option for truly last-minute dinners, delivering tender cabbage and perfectly cooked rice in record time.
The flexibility in preparation ensures that this nourishing and hearty Cabbage Roll Soup fits seamlessly into any lifestyle.
Essential Ingredients for the Best Cabbage Roll Soup
The magic of this soup lies in its simple yet powerful combination of ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the rich, authentic flavor profile of classic cabbage rolls.
- Lean Ground Beef: The foundation of this hearty soup. Using lean ground beef ensures a flavorful broth without excessive grease. It’s typically the choice for traditional cabbage rolls, providing a robust base.
- Green Cabbage: The undisputed star! When chopped and simmered, green cabbage softens to a delightful tenderness, absorbing the flavors of the broth and adding its signature texture.
- Onion: White onion is often preferred for its crisp bite and balanced flavor, but any onion variety will add essential aromatic depth to the soup.
- Salt and Pepper: These fundamental seasonings are crucial for enhancing all the other flavors. Always adjust to your personal preference for the perfect balance.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic delivers a pungent, savory kick that elevates the overall aroma and taste of the soup.
- Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes provide a burst of natural sweetness and acidity, forming the backbone of the tomato-rich broth.
- Tomato Paste: A concentrated burst of tomato flavor, paste is key for thickening the soup and deepening its savory notes.
- Tomato Juice: Adds further tomato richness and helps create the ideal soup consistency, ensuring every spoonful is bursting with flavor.
- Rice: Instant brown rice is a convenient choice, cooking directly in the soup and absorbing the delicious broth. It adds a wonderful texture and makes the soup even more filling.
- Beef Bouillon: Using beef bouillon cubes intensifies the beefy flavor of the soup, adding a layer of umami that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
- Worcestershire Sauce: This secret weapon provides a complex, savory depth, a subtle tang, and a hint of umami that rounds out the flavor profile perfectly.
- Water: The liquid base that brings all the ingredients together, creating a comforting broth. You can also use beef broth for even more flavor.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Best Cabbage Roll Soup
Preparing this easy Cabbage Roll Soup is incredibly straightforward, promising a delicious and hearty meal with minimal fuss. Follow these simple steps for a perfect bowl every time.
- Brown the Meat and Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a touch of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add your lean ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until the meat is thoroughly browned and the onions are softened and translucent. Drain any excess fat to keep the soup light and flavorful.
- Wilt the Cabbage: Add the chopped green cabbage to the pot with the browned beef mixture. Stir well to combine, allowing the cabbage to cook down and wilt for approximately 5 minutes. This step helps soften the cabbage and allows it to begin absorbing the foundational flavors.
- Combine and Simmer: Pour in the diced tomatoes (including their juices), tomato paste, tomato juice, beef bouillon cubes, Worcestershire sauce, and water. Stir everything together until well combined. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for about 30 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the flavors have fully melded.
- Stir in Rice and Finish: Add the uncooked instant brown rice to the soup. Continue to simmer, covered, for another 10-15 minutes, or until the rice is tender. The rice will absorb some of the liquid and thicken the soup slightly.
Once cooked, ladle the hot Cabbage Roll Soup into bowls and serve immediately. This comforting meal is wonderful on its own or paired with a crusty slice of bread.
Make Ahead and Storage for Convenience
This Cabbage Roll Soup is excellent for meal prepping and freezes beautifully, ensuring you always have a comforting meal on hand. Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, this hearty cabbage soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. If using freezer bags, remember to leave some space at the top for expansion as the soup freezes. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove top or in the microwave until warmed through.
Cooking Cabbage Roll Soup in the Crock Pot
Embrace the convenience of slow cooking with this Cabbage Roll Soup. To prepare in your crock pot, begin by browning the ground beef with onion and garlic in a separate skillet. Once browned, drain any excess fat. Transfer the seasoned ground beef, along with all the remaining ingredients (cabbage, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato juice, beef bouillon, Worcestershire sauce, rice, and water), into your slow cooker. Stir everything together, cover, and cook on low for approximately 5 hours, or until the cabbage is tender and the rice is cooked through. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld deeply, resulting in an incredibly rich and satisfying soup.
Frequently Asked Questions about Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup
- Is Cabbage Roll Soup Keto-friendly? This particular recipe, as written, is not keto-friendly due to the inclusion of rice. Both white and brown rice are high in carbohydrates, making them unsuitable for ketogenic diets. However, you can easily adapt this recipe to be low-carb and keto-friendly by substituting the traditional rice with cauliflower rice. This simple swap allows you to enjoy all the delicious flavors while adhering to your dietary preferences.
- How do you make cabbage roll soup from scratch? You’ve found the perfect place! This detailed recipe provides all the steps needed to create this hearty and flavorful Cabbage Roll Soup entirely from scratch, using fresh ingredients and common pantry staples. Just follow the instructions above for a delicious homemade meal.
- What kind of meat is typically used in cabbage roll soup? Traditionally, ground beef is the meat of choice for Cabbage Roll Soup, offering a rich and savory flavor that pairs wonderfully with the tomato and cabbage base. However, the recipe is quite versatile, and you can easily substitute other ground meats.
- Can I make cabbage roll soup vegetarian or vegan? Absolutely! To transform this into a vegetarian or vegan cabbage roll soup, you can replace the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat substitute or use canned beans (such as kidney beans or cannellini beans) for protein. Be sure to substitute the beef bouillon with vegetable bouillon or vegetable broth to maintain the flavor without animal products.
- How do I store leftover cabbage roll soup? Leftover Cabbage Roll Soup can be stored effectively in the refrigerator or freezer. For refrigeration, place the soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. For freezing, use an airtight container or freezer-safe bags. If using bags, ensure you leave a small amount of headspace to allow for expansion during freezing.
- Can cabbage roll soup be frozen? Yes, this delicious Cabbage Roll Soup is an excellent candidate for freezing! It retains its flavor and texture well after thawing. Many people, myself included, often make a double batch specifically to freeze half for future quick meals.
Creative Substitutions to Customize Your Soup
Cooking is an art, and recipes are often just a starting point. Feel free to get creative with this Cabbage Roll Soup recipe and adapt it to your personal taste, dietary needs, or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Making it your own is part of the fun!
Tomato Base: Instead of using separate tomato paste and tomato juice, a single can of crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce can be a convenient alternative. This simplifies the ingredient list while still delivering rich tomato flavor.
Broth Options: For an even deeper, more complex flavor profile, consider replacing the water and beef bouillon cubes with store-bought or homemade beef broth or chicken broth. This will add more savory notes to your soup.
Rice Varieties: While instant brown rice is called for, feel free to use other types of rice. White rice will work just as well, though cooking times may vary slightly. For a low-carb alternative, cauliflower rice is an excellent substitution, especially if you’re following a keto diet.
Ground Meat Alternatives: Ground beef is traditional, but this soup is incredibly forgiving. Ground turkey or ground pork can be easily substituted for the beef, offering a lighter or different flavor profile. Any ground meat you have on hand will likely work beautifully.
Spice It Up: Introduce an Italian flair by adding a tablespoon of Italian seasoning, or give it a subtle kick with a pinch of chili powder or red pepper flakes if you enjoy a bit of heat.
Cheese Topping: A sprinkle of shredded Parmesan cheese over each bowl just before serving adds a wonderful salty, umami finish that complements the tomato base perfectly.
Expert Tips for Perfect Cabbage Roll Soup
Fresh Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley before serving adds a vibrant pop of green and a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the entire dish.
Layered Flavor: For an additional layer of depth and aroma, toss in a bay leaf or two while the soup simmers. Remember to remove them before serving.
Serving Suggestions: This hearty soup is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty bread for dipping, a fresh green salad, or even a dollop of sour cream on top for a creamy finish.
Don’t Overcook Cabbage: While cabbage needs to be tender, be careful not to overcook it, as it can become mushy. Keep an eye on it during the simmering process.
Let’s be honest, traditional cabbage rolls, as delicious as they are, can be quite a time commitment to make. While they remain a cherished favorite, they are often reserved for leisurely Sunday meals when there’s ample time to dedicate to their preparation. The beauty of this Cabbage Roll Soup, and even its skillet counterpart, lies in its ability to deliver those cherished flavors in a fraction of the time.
I am always seeking ways to simplify recipes without sacrificing flavor. That’s why, in addition to this fantastic soup, I also developed a super easy skillet meal version. This Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Skillet offers the same delicious concept: all the ingredients of cabbage rolls, chopped and quickly prepared in a single pan. It gets dinner on the table in minutes, not hours, proving that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated.
More Hearty Soup Recipes to Explore
If you love the comforting flavors of cabbage and hearty soups, you’re in for a treat! Here are a few more delicious recipes to add to your culinary adventures:
Instant Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage: A quick and easy way to enjoy a classic comfort food.
Stuffed Cabbage Rolls: The traditional inspiration for this soup, a truly satisfying meal.
Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Skillet: Another fantastic deconstructed version of cabbage rolls, made in a single pan for ultimate convenience.
Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner In The Crockpot: A hands-off approach to a flavorful and tender meal.
Creamy Cabbage and Bleu Cheese Soup (pictured above): A unique and incredibly rich soup for those who enjoy bold flavors.
- Brenda Gantt’s Cabbage Casserole: A wonderful casserole that highlights the versatility of cabbage.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting meal on a cold winter night, this Cabbage Roll Soup recipe is an absolute must-try. Its bold flavors and hearty nature make it a perfect addition to your recipe collection. Embrace the warmth and deliciousness it brings to your table!
For more inspiring and comforting meals, explore our extensive Collection of the Best Soups Ever. Or, take a moment to browse the dedicated soup category on our blog – with so many delightful options, you’re sure to find a new favorite!
Now, let’s get cooking and enjoy some incredible Cabbage Roll Soup!
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Print Recipe
Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe (Crockpot or Stove Top)
Equipment
- 12-Piece Black Sharp Knife Set with Covers, Cutting Board and Sharpener
- Meat Chopper, 5 Curve Blades Ground Beef Chopper
- Crock-Pot Cook & Carry 6-Quart Oval Portable Manual Slow Cooker
- Lodge 6 Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven. Classic Red Enamel Dutch Oven (Island Spice Red)
- AmazonBasics Enameled Cast Iron Covered Dutch Oven, 6-Quart, Blue
Ingredients
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 head green cabbage chopped
- 3/4 cup chopped onion
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 14.5 ounce cans of diced tomatoes + 3 cans water
- 3 beef bouillon cubes
- 3 Tablespoons Tomato Paste
- 1 1/2 cups tomato juice
- 1/2 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 3/4 cup instant brown rice uncooked
Instructions
- In your soup pot, brown ground beef with onion and garlic. Drain any excess fat.
- Add cabbage and combine to wilt for about 5 minutes.
- Add the remainder of the ingredients into the pot. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 30 minutes.
- Serve hot.
Notes
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. In the freezer, the cabbage soup will keep for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
Calories: 347 kcal |
Carbohydrates: 19 g |
Protein: 36 g |
Fat: 14 g |
Saturated Fat: 5 g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 7 g |
Cholesterol: 101 mg |
Sodium: 488 mg |
Fiber: 5 g |
Sugar: 8 g
This recipe was originally posted on October 31, 2018. It has been updated to improve user experience and re-shared on September 22, 2023.
