Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe

Introduction

Cabbage Roll Soup combines all the wonderful flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls but in a comforting, easy-to-make soup. This hearty dish brings together tender cabbage, savory ground beef, rice, and a rich tomato-based broth, making it the perfect meal for chilly days or when you’re craving something filling and wholesome. The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity—each ingredient complements the other, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

If you’re a fan of stuffed cabbage rolls but want a quicker, more straightforward recipe, this Cabbage Roll Soup is the perfect solution. It delivers the same delicious taste, but without the time-consuming process of rolling cabbage leaves. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or making a comforting meal for your family, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Let’s take a closer look at how to make this satisfying soup!

Why You’ll Love Cabbage Roll Soup

• Comforting and Hearty: With ground beef, rice, and tender cabbage, this soup is a filling and satisfying meal. It has all the comforting qualities of a classic cabbage roll but is much easier to prepare.
• Rich, Flavorful Broth: The tomato-based broth is seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices, creating a savory and tangy flavor that ties all the ingredients together.
• Quick and Easy: Unlike traditional cabbage rolls that require time-consuming preparation and rolling, this soup comes together in about 45 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a homemade meal.
• Affordable and Nutritious: Made with budget-friendly ingredients like cabbage, ground beef, and rice, this soup is both nutritious and economical, making it a great choice for feeding a family.
• Perfect for Leftovers: This soup stores well in the fridge for several days and even tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 6-8 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 250-300 calories per serving, depending on portion sizes and specific ingredients used.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 250-300 kcal
• Fat: 15-18g
• Carbohydrates: 15-20g
• Protein: 15-20g
• Fiber: 3-4g
• Sugar: 6-8g

Ingredients

For the Cabbage Roll Soup:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (you can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped (about 6-8 cups)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
• 4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown rice, depending on your preference)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for added tanginess)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional, to balance the acidity of the tomatoes)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Sour cream (optional, for serving)

Special Equipment

While making Cabbage Roll Soup doesn’t require specialized equipment, having a few key items will make the process easier:

1. Large Pot or Dutch Oven: A large pot or Dutch oven is necessary to cook the ground beef and vegetables and allow the soup to simmer without overflowing.
2. Sharp Knife: A sharp knife is essential for chopping the cabbage, onion, and garlic efficiently and safely.
3. Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: These are great for stirring the ingredients and breaking up the ground beef as it cooks.
4. Measuring Spoons and Cups: Accurate measurements for the spices, rice, and liquids will help ensure the right balance of flavors in the soup.
5. Cutting Board: A cutting board provides a safe surface for chopping and dicing the vegetables.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Ground Beef

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef to the pot and cook it, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it browns. Cook the beef for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s fully browned and cooked through. If there is excess grease, drain it off, leaving a small amount to cook the vegetables.

2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Once the beef is browned, add the diced onion to the pot and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant. The onion and garlic will add depth and aroma to the soup base.

3. Add the Cabbage

Add the chopped cabbage to the pot and stir it in with the beef, onion, and garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage begins to soften and wilt. This step helps the cabbage release its natural sweetness and blend with the other ingredients.

4. Stir in the Tomatoes and Broth

Next, add the canned diced tomatoes (with their juices) and tomato paste to the pot. Stir everything together to combine, then pour in the beef broth. Add a cup of water if you prefer a slightly thinner consistency. Stir again to mix, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot, which will add flavor to the soup.

5. Season the Soup

Add the dried basil, oregano, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir to combine, then taste the broth and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you’d like to balance the acidity of the tomatoes, you can stir in 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and 2 tablespoons of brown sugar for added tang and sweetness.

6. Simmer the Soup

Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes. This will give the cabbage time to become tender and allow the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

7. Add the Rice

Once the soup has simmered and the cabbage is tender, stir in the cooked rice. Allow the soup to continue simmering for another 5 minutes to heat the rice through and allow it to absorb some of the flavors from the broth. If you’re using leftover rice, this step should only take a few minutes.

8. Serve the Soup

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish each serving with fresh chopped parsley. For an extra creamy touch, you can add a dollop of sour cream on top of each bowl. The sour cream adds a rich, tangy flavor that complements the savory soup base.

Tips for Perfect Cabbage Roll Soup

• Use a Lean Ground Meat: For a healthier version, use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. It still provides great flavor but with less fat.
• Customize the Rice: You can use white rice, brown rice, or even quinoa as the base for this soup. Brown rice or quinoa will add a nutty flavor and more texture to the soup.
• Balance the Acidity: Tomatoes can sometimes make the soup too acidic. If that’s the case, you can adjust the flavor by adding a small amount of sugar or honey. The apple cider vinegar also helps balance the acidity.
• Add More Vegetables: If you’d like to increase the nutritional value of the soup, you can add other vegetables such as carrots, celery, or bell peppers. Simply chop them and sauté them with the onions and garlic at the beginning.
• Don’t Overcook the Cabbage: Cabbage cooks down quickly, so be sure to not overcook it. You want it to stay tender but not mushy.

Variations of Cabbage Roll Soup

• Vegetarian Cabbage Roll Soup: To make this soup vegetarian, simply replace the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative or increase the amount of vegetables and add beans (like kidney or white beans) for added protein.
• Spicy Cabbage Roll Soup: Add some heat by stirring in crushed red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño pepper with the onions and garlic. You can also use spicy sausage in place of the ground beef for extra flavor.
• Stuffed Pepper Cabbage Roll Soup: Add chopped bell peppers to the soup for a stuffed pepper twist. The peppers will enhance the flavor and texture of the soup.
• Slow Cooker Version: For a slow cooker version, brown the ground beef and sauté the onions and garlic in a skillet, then transfer everything to the slow cooker with the remaining ingredients. Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.

Storage and Shelf Life

Cabbage Roll Soup stores well and can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. To store, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a little water or broth to adjust the consistency if necessary.

This soup also freezes well for longer storage. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and heat it on the stove over medium heat, adding a bit of broth or water if needed.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Cabbage Roll Soup

• Crusty Bread: Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the delicious broth.
• Green Salad: A fresh mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is a great accompaniment to this soup, adding a light and refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the soup.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or Brussels sprouts make for a hearty and healthy side dish that pairs perfectly with the soup.
• Cheese: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese on top of the soup can add a creamy, salty finish.

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Conclusion

Cabbage Roll Soup is a perfect comfort food that combines the best parts of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls in a quick and easy soup form. With hearty ingredients like ground beef, rice, cabbage, and a rich tomato broth, this soup is filling, flavorful, and ideal for any meal. Whether served with a slice of crusty bread or topped with a dollop of sour cream, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. It’s simple to make, delicious, and perfect for leftovers, making it a must-try recipe in your kitchen. Enjoy!