Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe for Chilly Evenings

My grandma’s hearty cabbage roll soup brings comfort straight from her Eastern European kitchen.

Memories of her warm, steaming pot still dance in my mind.

Traditional ingredients mingle with modern cooking techniques, creating a soul-warming experience.

Rich, savory broth embraces tender cabbage and perfectly seasoned meat in each spoonful.

Fragrant herbs and slow-simmered vegetables tell a story of culinary heritage.

Hearty and satisfying, this soup connects generations through its delicious simplicity.

You’ll want to ladle up this delightful recipe and savor every delectable bite.

Why You’ll Keep Going Back for Cabbage Roll Soup

• Effortlessly transform classic cabbage rolls into a hearty, warming soup that saves time and energy.
• Master this recipe with simple steps and basic ingredients, perfect for home cooks of all skill levels who want delicious results without complicated techniques.
• Minimize kitchen cleanup by preparing everything in a single pot, reducing dishes and making mealtime preparation stress-free and convenient.
• Pack essential nutrients into a single bowl with protein-rich beef, fiber-filled vegetables, and wholesome rice, creating a balanced meal that appeals to both kids and adults.

Ingredients That Bring Cabbage Roll Soup to Life

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that adds richness and protein to the soup.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Provides depth and umami flavor to enhance the meat's taste.

• Cabbage, Carrots: Classic soup vegetables that add nutrition, texture, and earthy sweetness.
• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic base that builds a robust flavor foundation for the soup.
• Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce, Tomato Paste: Create a tangy, slightly sweet sauce with rich tomato depth.

• Bay Leaf, Italian Seasoning: Provides complex herbal notes and traditional soup flavor.
• Brown Sugar: Balances acidity and adds subtle sweetness to the soup.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential for enhancing and brightening all the soup's flavors.

• Rice: Adds substance, makes the soup more filling, and creates a comforting texture.

• Fresh Parsley: Optional bright, fresh herb to add color and light herbal notes.

• Beef Broth: Creates the soup's base, adds richness, and helps cook the ingredients.

Simmer Up a Pot of Cabbage Roll Soup with These Steps

Step 1: Sizzle and Brown Ground Beef

Heat a large pot over medium-high flame. Toss in ground beef, sprinkling with salt and black pepper. Break up the meat while cooking until it develops a rich, golden-brown color. Tip out any excess grease to keep the soup light.

• Ground beef
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 2: Awaken Aromatic Flavors

Slide chopped onions and minced garlic into the pot. Let them dance and soften, releasing their mouth-watering fragrance for 3-4 minutes.

• Onions
• Garlic

Step 3: Build Soup Foundation

• Chopped cabbage
• Sliced carrots
• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Tomato paste
• Beef broth
• Worcestershire sauce
• Brown sugar
• Bay leaf
• Italian seasoning

Bring the mixture to a gentle bubble over medium-high heat.

Step 4: Simmer and Soften

Sprinkle uncooked rice into the soup. Lower the heat, cover the pot, and let everything mingle and soften for 25-30 minutes. The cabbage and rice should become tender and delicious.

Step 5: Final Touch and Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Fish out the bay leaf. Optional: Scatter fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. Ladle into bowls and enjoy steaming hot.

Smart Tips for Flavorful Cabbage Roll Soup Every Time

• Choose Lean Ground Beef: Select 90/10 or 93/7 ground beef to reduce excess fat while maintaining rich flavor and keeping the soup lighter.
• Chop Cabbage Uniformly: Cut cabbage into consistent, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and better texture throughout the soup.
• Rice Cooking Trick: Rinse uncooked rice before adding to prevent starchiness and help maintain a clearer broth consistency in the soup.
• Enhance Depth of Flavor: Add a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar when sautéing aromatics to elevate the soup's overall taste profile and complexity.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the soup in advance and store in refrigerator for 3-4 days, as flavors will continue to develop and intensify over time.

Save and Reheat Cabbage Roll Soup the Right Way

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freezes perfectly for up to 3 months. Leave slight space at top for expansion.
• Warm gently in saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add splash of beef broth if soup seems too thick. Heat until steaming and reaches 165°F.
• Move from freezer to refrigerator night before serving. Reheat slowly on stovetop, stirring frequently to prevent rice from sticking or burning.

What Pairs Perfectly with Cabbage Roll Soup

• Serve warm, crusty sourdough or rye bread slices to soak up the rich, savory broth and add delightful texture contrast.
• Select a medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or Zinfandel, which complements the hearty beef and provides a smooth, balanced flavor profile.
• Prepare a crisp mixed green salad with tangy vinaigrette to cut through the soup's richness and provide a refreshing counterpoint.
• Add a dollop of sour cream or traditional Eastern European yogurt on top to enhance creaminess and introduce a subtle tanginess that elevates the entire dish.

Creative Variations to Try for Cabbage Roll Soup

• Vegetarian Cabbage Soup: Replace ground beef with plant-based protein like lentils, crumbled tofu, or chickpeas. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a hearty meat-free version.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap rice with cauliflower rice or omit grains entirely. Increase vegetable content to maintain volume and nutrition.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all ingredients like Worcestershire sauce and tomato products are certified gluten-free. Use tamari instead of traditional Worcestershire sauce.
• Slow Cooker Method: Brown beef and sauté aromatics first, then transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours for tender, flavor-packed results.

Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Polish Cabbage Roll Soup weaves comfort and tradition into a single comforting bowl. Tender cabbage, savory beef, and rice mingle with rich tomato broth, inviting you to savor a delicious journey through Eastern European culinary heritage.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) lean ground beef

Vegetables:

• 4 cups green cabbage, chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 can (14.5 ounces/411 grams) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (8 ounces/227 grams) tomato sauce
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• ½ cup uncooked long-grain rice (or instant brown rice)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Initiate meat preparation by searing ground beef in a spacious pot over robust heat, methodically crumbling and seasoning until achieving a rich, golden-brown coloration. Eliminate any surplus rendering.
2. Incorporate finely minced aromatics, introducing diced onions and crushed garlic. Sweat these ingredients until translucent and releasing fragrant essence.
3. Layer foundational soup components – shredded cabbage, julienned carrots, crushed tomatoes, tomato concentrate, and tomato sauce. Introduce liquid foundation with beef stock, complemented by Worcestershire sauce and a hint of caramelized brown sugar.
4. Integrate aromatic herbs like Italian seasoning and a singular bay leaf. Elevate mixture to a gentle, rolling simmer, promoting flavor melding and ingredient integration.
5. Introduce raw rice grains directly into the liquid landscape. Reduce thermal intensity, seal with a protective lid, and allow gentle cooking for approximately thirty minutes.
6. Assess seasoning profile, adjusting salt and pepper levels for optimal taste equilibrium. Remove bay leaf as final preparatory step.
7. Ladle steaming soup into awaiting vessels, optionally adorning with freshly chopped parsley for vibrant visual and flavor enhancement.

Notes

• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a lighter soup base.
• Consider draining most of the fat after browning to maintain a cleaner, less greasy texture.
• Experiment with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a healthier protein option.
• Ensure rice is fully cooked by checking its tenderness before serving, adding extra broth if needed for desired consistency.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Eastern European

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg