Make Delicious Cabbage Roll Soup

by

How to Make Delicious Cabbage Roll Soup: A Hearty Comforting Meal

Cabbage roll soup is the perfect dish when you’re craving the rich, comforting flavors of cabbage rolls without the hassle of rolling individual cabbage leaves. This soup brings all the best elements of traditional cabbage rolls — hearty ground meat, tender cabbage, and savory seasonings — into a warm, filling bowl of goodness. With its robust flavor, cabbage roll soup is an ideal dish for chilly evenings or cozy family dinners. Below, we’ll guide you step by step on how to create this hearty and delicious cabbage roll soup with a perfect balance of textures and flavors.

Cabbage Roll Soup: A Complete Comfort Meal

This cabbage roll soup recipe delivers the satisfaction of a traditional cabbage roll but in the form of an easy-to-make, one-pot meal. The key ingredients include ground beef (or your choice of ground meat), chopped cabbage, and rice combined with a rich broth and seasoned with a variety of herbs and spices.

Unlike cabbage rolls that require individual rolling, this soup combines all the ingredients in a convenient and much quicker format. The combination of cabbage, rice, and broth makes for a nourishing and filling meal that is also incredibly easy to prepare.

Cabbage Roll Soup Ingredients: What You Need

Here’s what you’ll need to create a delicious cabbage roll soup that serves 6-8 people:

  • 1 lb ground beef (or ground pork, turkey, or a mix): Choose a leaner cut of ground meat to keep the soup light, or opt for a fattier mix for extra flavor.
  • 1 medium onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth to the soup’s base.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses the soup with savory richness.
  • 4 cups green cabbage, chopped (about 1 small head): Cabbage gives this soup its classic texture and flavor.
  • 1 large carrot, diced: Adds natural sweetness and a pop of color.
  • 1 cup uncooked rice (white or brown): The rice thickens the soup and adds substance.
  • 6 cups beef broth (or chicken broth for a lighter flavor): Broth is the foundation of the soup, adding depth and richness.
  • 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes: Provides acidity and a tangy backdrop.
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce: Enhances the richness and body of the soup.
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional, for extra depth): Adds richness and intensifies the tomato flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Brings a savory, umami flavor to the soup.
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional): Adds a smoky depth that enhances the overall flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme: A classic herb that complements the savory notes.
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds earthiness and balances the flavor profile.
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper: For seasoning to taste.
  • 1-2 teaspoons sugar (optional): To balance the acidity of the tomatoes, depending on your preference.

With these simple ingredients, you’ll be able to create a satisfying, hearty soup that’s rich in flavor and perfect for family gatherings or meal prep.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cabbage Roll Soup

Creating the perfect cabbage roll soup is an easy and straightforward process. Here’s how to prepare the soup, from cooking the meat to adjusting the seasoning for a final burst of flavor.

Step 1: Cook the Meat

Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 1 lb of ground beef (or your choice of ground meat) to the pot. Cook the meat, breaking it up into smaller pieces as it browns. Continue cooking until the meat is fully browned, and then drain any excess fat if necessary. This step helps create the base of your soup, adding rich, savory flavor to the broth.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Once the meat is browned, add 1 medium diced onion, 3 cloves minced garlic, and 1 large diced carrot to the pot. Sauté the vegetables for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. This step ensures that the flavors from the garlic and onion infuse the base of the soup, giving it a depth of flavor.

Step 3: Add Cabbage and Seasonings

Next, stir in the 4 cups of chopped cabbage. Cook the cabbage for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps to slightly soften the cabbage and blend it with the other ingredients. Once the cabbage begins to soften, add the seasonings: 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, and salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir the mixture to evenly coat the vegetables and meat with the seasonings.

Step 4: Add Liquids and Rice

Now it’s time to add the liquids that will form the base of the soup. Pour in 6 cups of beef broth, 1 can of diced tomatoes, and 1 can of tomato sauce. If you’re using tomato paste, add 1 tablespoon to deepen the flavor. Stir everything together to combine, ensuring the broth is well incorporated with the cabbage and meat. Then, add 1 cup of uncooked rice to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 5: Simmer the Soup

Once the soup reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. During this time, the rice will cook and the cabbage will become tender, creating a rich, hearty soup. Taste the soup towards the end of the cooking time and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Step 6: Adjust Seasoning and Serve

After simmering, taste the soup to see if it needs any adjustments. If the soup is too acidic due to the tomatoes, add 1-2 teaspoons of sugar to balance the flavors. Add more salt and pepper if necessary. Once everything is to your liking, serve the soup hot in bowls.

Optional Garnishes:

For an added touch, garnish the soup with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream. These toppings provide a fresh contrast to the rich soup and add an extra layer of flavor.

Tips for Perfect Cabbage Roll Soup

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your cabbage roll soup turns out perfectly:

  • Rice Options: For a nuttier flavor, use brown rice, but note that it will require a longer cooking time than white rice. Alternatively, you can use pre-cooked rice or instant rice and add it in towards the end of cooking for a quicker option.
  • Make It Ahead: Like many soups, cabbage roll soup tastes even better the next day. The flavors have more time to meld together, making it an excellent dish for meal prepping.
  • Freezer-Friendly: If you have leftovers, this soup freezes well. Cool it completely and store it in airtight containers. It can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave for a quick and delicious meal.
  • Low-Carb Version: For a keto-friendly or low-carb version, omit the rice or swap it with cauliflower rice. This will reduce the carb content while maintaining the soup’s comforting texture.

Conclusion

Cabbage roll soup offers the comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the need for rolling individual cabbage leaves. This easy-to-make, one-pot recipe is hearty, nutritious, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you prefer beef, turkey, or pork, this cabbage roll soup is sure to satisfy your craving for a delicious, filling meal.

Leave a Comment