The Best Cabbage Roll Soup: A Hearty, Cozy Meal for Any Day

Cabbage Roll Soup is the epitome of comfort food. If you love the classic flavors of stuffed cabbage rolls but don’t have time to stuff and roll cabbage leaves, then this soup is the perfect solution. It combines all the delicious ingredients—ground meat, rice, and cabbage—into a savory tomato-based broth. Plus, it’s easy to make, filling, and perfect for cold nights or busy weeknights. Whether you’re craving a healthy comfort food, an easy weeknight dinner, or a high-protein meal, this Cabbage Roll Soup will satisfy all your cravings with its rich flavors and cozy, homey vibes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple to Make: Cabbage Roll Soup offers all the comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls, but it’s far easier to prepare! You don’t have to spend time rolling cabbage leaves—everything is cooked together in one pot, making it a quick and easy meal.
• Comfort in a Bowl: The hearty combination of ground meat, cabbage, rice, and tomatoes creates a filling soup that’s perfect for family dinners or budget-friendly recipes. It’s the ultimate in healthy comfort food, and it’s sure to warm you up on chilly evenings.
• Customizable: Whether you prefer high-protein meals or need a lighter version, this recipe can easily be adapted. You can swap out the ground beef for ground turkey, or even use cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative. It’s a meal planning chicken option too, as you can use cooked chicken for a faster version.
• Perfect for Leftovers: This soup actually tastes even better the next day, which makes it great for meal prep. You can store it in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze it for later—it’s the ideal make-ahead meal.
• Great for Feeding a Crowd: Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or preparing a big batch for a week’s worth of lunches, this soup is sure to please. It’s hearty, filling, and sure to leave everyone satisfied.

What Makes This Recipe Special?

What I absolutely love about this soup is how it simplifies the traditional cabbage roll recipe while keeping all the flavor. The combination of beef (or turkey), rice, cabbage, and tomatoes creates a rich and savory broth that fills the entire house with warmth and deliciousness. I also love how versatile this dish is. You can add extra vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or beans for added nutrition, or adjust the seasonings to your liking.

But the best part? It’s all cooked in one pot. You don’t have to worry about cooking the rice separately or fussing with rolling and baking the cabbage. Everything simmers together, making it perfect for those quick family meals when you want comfort food but don’t have time for anything complicated.

Ingredients

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For this flavorful and filling soup, you’ll need the following:

• Ground Meat: Ground beef is traditional, but ground turkey, chicken, or even a meat substitute works wonderfully here too. This is a high-protein ready-made meal that you can easily customize.
• Cabbage: A head of green cabbage, chopped into bite-sized pieces, is key for that authentic cabbage roll flavor.
• Rice: Uncooked long-grain white rice or brown rice will add texture and substance to the soup, helping to make it a complete meal. You can also use quinoa if you’re looking for a gluten-free option.
• Vegetables: Onion, garlic, and carrots bring extra flavor to the soup. You can also toss in bell peppers, peas, or green beans for more vegetables.
• Broth: Beef or chicken broth forms the savory base. If you’re looking for a lighter version, chicken broth works great and gives a nice depth of flavor.
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce add layers of flavor and richness to the soup.
• Optional Add-ins: Feel free to throw in extra veggies or beans to make the soup more hearty and nutritious.

How to Make It Step-by-Step

1. Sauté the Vegetables
   In a large pot, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and sauté them until fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Add the carrots and cook for another 3-4 minutes until softened.
2. Brown the Meat
   Add the ground meat to the pot. Cook it until browned and fully cooked through, breaking up the meat as it cooks. If you’re using beef, make sure to drain any excess fat.
3. Add Cabbage and Rice
   Once the meat is cooked, stir in the chopped cabbage and rice. Cook for a few minutes until the cabbage begins to soften slightly.
4. Pour in the Broth
   Add the beef (or chicken) broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste to the pot. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Simmer the Soup
   Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the flavors have melded together. If you want a thicker soup, let it simmer a little longer.
6. Taste and Adjust
   Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more salt, pepper, or paprika depending on your preference.
7. Serve and Enjoy
   Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Serve with a side of crusty bread or crackers to soak up all the delicious broth.

Tips for Best Results

• Make it Ahead: Cabbage roll soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop. Make a big batch on Sunday and store it for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. It’s a great meal prep microwave lunch option that keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Customize Your Ingredients: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor. You can even mix in some beans like kidney or cannellini beans for a more filling dish.
• Spice It Up: If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or cayenne pepper. This is a great way to make this low-calorie high-nutrition meal even more exciting.
• Garnish: Top your soup with fresh parsley, dill, or a dollop of sour cream. A sprinkle of shredded cheese or a splash of vinegar can add richness and balance the flavors.

Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

• Ground Meat: While ground beef is traditional, ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives for a leaner version of this soup. You can even use plant-based meat if you’re going for a vegan meal prep plan.
• Rice: If you need a gluten-free meal prep, you can easily swap out the rice for quinoa or leave it out altogether for a low-carb version. You could also use cauliflower rice if you want a more keto-friendly version.
• Broth: If you prefer a lighter, vegetarian version of this soup, substitute the beef broth with vegetable broth.
• Veggies: Add extra veggies like mushrooms, green beans, or spinach to boost the nutritional content. Feel free to get creative based on what you have in your fridge.

Serving Suggestions

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• With Bread: This soup is delicious with crusty bread, garlic bread, or even a soft dinner roll. A slice of buttered bread is perfect for dipping into the flavorful broth.
• Side Salad: Pair this soup with a light side salad to balance the richness of the broth. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette is a great choice.
• Cheese: If you’re a fan of cheesy goodness, sprinkle some shredded cheddar or Parmesan on top of each bowl of soup. The melty cheese adds an extra layer of flavor.

Pairing Ideas (Drinks, Sides, etc.)

• Drinks: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light red like Pinot Noir pairs well with the heartiness of this soup. For a non-alcoholic option, try sparkling water with a splash of lemon or a refreshing iced tea.
• Sides: Serve the soup with roasted vegetables or a fresh garden salad to add a healthy touch. You can also enjoy it with a side of crackers or pita chips.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

• Refrigeration: Allow the soup to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop, adding a bit of broth or water if it’s become too thick.
• Freezing: This soup freezes wonderfully. To freeze, let it cool completely and store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.
• Reheating: When reheating from frozen, you may want to add a little more broth to thin it out. Reheat over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through.

Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips

• Meal Prep: This soup is great for meal prepping! Make a big batch on Sunday and store it in the fridge for a few days’ worth of lunches or dinners. For healthy eating for two, divide the leftovers into individual portions to reheat as needed.
• Freezer-Friendly: For longer storage, freeze the soup without the rice. You can add fresh rice when you reheat the soup. Freezing the rice separately helps keep it from becoming too mushy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Rice: Keep an eye on the rice while it’s simmering in the soup. If you cook it for too long, it can become mushy. If you want to ensure the texture stays just right, cook the rice separately and add it to the soup when it’s done.
• Too Much Liquid: If the soup becomes too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a little longer to reduce the broth. Alternatively, you can add a slurry of flour and water to thicken the soup.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use different types of meat in cabbage roll soup?
   Yes! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian substitute. Just note that different meats will slightly change the flavor and texture of the soup.
2. Can I make cabbage roll soup in advance?
   Yes! This soup is great for make-ahead meals. It can be prepared up to 5 days in advance and stored in the fridge. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months.
3. Is cabbage roll soup gluten-free?
   Yes, as long as you use gluten-free rice and broth, this soup can be made gluten-free. Always check the labels of your ingredients to ensure they’re gluten-free.
4. Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
   Absolutely! Feel free to add carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, or any other vegetables you like. Just adjust the cooking time to make sure everything is tender.

Cooking Tools You’ll Need

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board and knife

If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to save it on Pinterest or share it with a friend!