Cabbage Roll Soup
Cabbage Roll Soup is a delightful dish that brings warmth and comfort to your dinner table, especially on those chilly fall evenings. This soup is not only hearty but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight meals or family gatherings. With its rich flavors and nutritious ingredients, this Cabbage Roll Soup will quickly become a favorite in your household.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful Comfort: This Cabbage Roll Soup combines the rich taste of beef with savory vegetables and spices, delivering a satisfying meal.
- Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious dinner ready in no time.
- Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to modify the recipe by adding different vegetables or grains to suit your taste.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and store leftovers for a quick lunch or dinner throughout the week.
- Family-Friendly: Kids love the comforting taste, making it an ideal dish for families.
Tools and Preparation
To make this Cabbage Roll Soup efficiently, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes cooking easier and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Dutch oven or large soup pot
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Dutch oven or large soup pot: Ideal for evenly cooking soups over medium heat while allowing for ample space for all ingredients.
- Sharp knife: A sharp knife ensures safe and efficient chopping of vegetables, which speeds up the prep time.
- Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping ingredients while keeping your kitchen tidy.

Ingredients
Cabbage Roll Soup recipe is a delicious dinner recipe that will warm your belly on a cold and crisp fall day. This is the ultimate comfort food!
Main Ingredients
- 2 tsp. vegetable oil
- 1 lb. lean ground beef
- salt and pepper
- 1 medium yellow onion (diced finely)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 cups chopped green cabbage
- 2 medium carrots (quartered and sliced)
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 3 8 oz. cans tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup white rice (uncooked)
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 tbsp. light brown sugar
- 2 tbsp. fresh chopped parsley
How to Make Cabbage Roll Soup
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
In a dutch oven or large soup pot, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and season with salt and pepper as desired. Cook until browned.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until onions are tender, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Stir in chopped cabbage, sliced carrots, tomato sauce, beef broth, white rice, bay leaf, and brown sugar until well combined.
Step 4: Simmer the Soup
Bring the soup to a simmer. Let it cook for about 25 minutes until the rice is tender.
Step 5: Final Touch
Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Now you have a comforting bowl of Cabbage Roll Soup ready to enjoy! Serve it with crusty bread for an even more satisfying meal.
How to Serve Cabbage Roll Soup
Cabbage Roll Soup is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, consider these serving suggestions to enhance the experience.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Parsley: Adds freshness and color to the soup.
- Dill Sprigs: A hint of dill complements the cabbage flavor beautifully.
Pair with Bread
- Crusty Bread: Serve with a loaf of warm, crusty bread for dipping.
- Garlic Bread: The buttery, garlicky goodness pairs perfectly with the soup’s flavors.
Add a Side Salad
- Garden Salad: A light garden salad provides a refreshing contrast.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw can add texture and balance to the meal.
Top with Cheese
- Shredded Cheddar: Sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese on top for a rich, creamy addition.
- Parmesan: Grated Parmesan adds a savory touch that enhances the overall taste.
How to Perfect Cabbage Roll Soup
Making perfect Cabbage Roll Soup is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance flavors significantly.
- Brown the Meat Well: Searing the ground beef properly adds depth to your soup.
- Adjust Seasoning Gradually: Taste as you go, adjusting salt and pepper gradually for balance.
- Simmer Longer if Needed: If you have time, let it simmer longer for richer flavors.
- Store Leftovers Properly: Refrigerate promptly and reheat gently to maintain quality.
Best Side Dishes for Cabbage Roll Soup
Pairing side dishes with your Cabbage Roll Soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options:
- Garlic Bread: Toasted bread with garlic butter makes for an irresistible side.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine, croutons, and Caesar dressing provide crunch and flavor contrast.
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread complements the savory notes of the soup perfectly.
- Stuffed Peppers: Stuffed peppers can echo the flavors of cabbage rolls in a different form.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted veggies add warmth and texture to your meal.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges are great for dipping into the soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking a delicious Cabbage Roll Soup can be simple, but avoiding common mistakes is key.
- Ignoring ingredient freshness: Always choose fresh vegetables and quality meat. Fresh ingredients enhance flavor and texture.
- Neglecting seasoning: Don’t skip on salt and pepper! Proper seasoning during cooking brings out the best flavors in your soup.
- Overcooking the rice: Be mindful of cooking time for the rice. Adding it too early can lead to mushy texture; add it when you add the broth.
- Skipping the bay leaf: The bay leaf adds depth to your soup. Always remember to include it and remove it before serving.
- Not letting it simmer: Allow the soup to simmer properly. This helps all the flavors meld together beautifully for a comforting dish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Cabbage Roll Soup in an airtight container.
- It will remain fresh for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Cabbage Roll Soup
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags.
- It can last up to 3 months in the freezer for best quality.
Reheating Cabbage Roll Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes.
- Microwave: Transfer soup into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through until hot.
- Stovetop: Pour soup into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions regarding Cabbage Roll Soup.
What is Cabbage Roll Soup?
Cabbage Roll Soup is a hearty dish that combines all the classic flavors of stuffed cabbage rolls in a comforting soup form.
Can I use different meats in Cabbage Roll Soup?
Yes! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or lamb based on your preference.
How do I make Cabbage Roll Soup vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, replace the meat with plant-based protein and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
What can I serve with Cabbage Roll Soup?
This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh side salad for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
Cabbage Roll Soup is not only comforting but also versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or spices. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly evening or serving it at a family gathering, this recipe is sure to satisfy!
Cabbage Roll Soup
Cabbage Roll Soup is a warm and hearty dish that will quickly become a staple in your home. This comforting soup captures all the delicious flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls but in a simpler, more convenient form. Perfect for chilly evenings, it’s packed with tender beef, nutritious vegetables, and rich tomato broth, making it both satisfying and nourishing. With easy preparation and versatile ingredients, this Cabbage Roll Soup is ideal for weeknight dinners or family gatherings, delivering comfort in every spoonful.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 tsp. vegetable oil
- 1 lb. lean ground beef
- salt and pepper
- 1 medium yellow onion (diced finely)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 cups chopped green cabbage
- 2 medium carrots (quartered and sliced)
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 3 8 oz. cans tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup white rice (uncooked)
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 tbsp. light brown sugar
- 2 tbsp. fresh chopped parsley
Instructions
- In a large soup pot, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add lean ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned.
- Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic; sauté until onions are tender.
- Add chopped cabbage, sliced carrots, tomato sauce, beef broth, uncooked white rice, bay leaf, and brown sugar. Mix well.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 25 minutes or until the rice is tender.
- Remove the bay leaf and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
