Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe

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This Cabbage Roll Soup takes all the delicious flavors of traditional cabbage rolls and turns them into an easy, comforting one-pot meal. It’s filled with tender cabbage, hearty ground beef, rice, and a rich tomato broth, making it a perfect dish for those who love the taste of cabbage rolls without the extra work.

Ingredients:

  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 pound ground beef (90% lean recommended)
  • 1 onion, finely diced
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 4 cups coarsely chopped green cabbage
  • 2 carrots, peeled, quartered, and sliced
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 3 (8-ounce) cans tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup uncooked long-grain rice
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Brown the Ground Beef:
  • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned, about 4-5 minutes. This step builds the flavor base of the soup by caramelizing the beef.

  1. Add Onion and Garlic:
  • Once the beef is browned, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions are softened and the garlic is fragrant.

  1. Add Vegetables, Broth, and Tomato Sauce:
  • Stir in the chopped cabbage, sliced carrots, beef broth, and tomato sauce. These ingredients will create the flavorful broth for the soup.

  1. Add Rice and Seasonings:
  • Add the uncooked rice, bay leaf, and brown sugar to the pot. The brown sugar will balance out the acidity of the tomatoes and enhance the overall flavor. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

  1. Simmer the Soup:
  • Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and cook for about 25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the flavors have melded together. Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

  1. Finish and Serve:
  • Once the rice is fully cooked, remove the bay leaf and discard it. Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish.

Serving Suggestions:

This Cabbage Roll Soup is hearty enough to be served on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread or a green salad for a complete meal.*

Tips:

  • Rice Substitution: If you prefer, you can use brown rice or quinoa instead of long-grain white rice, but keep in mind that the cooking time may vary.
  • Make it Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Simply store it in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.
  • Freezing: This soup freezes well! Cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.

Enjoy this Cabbage Roll Soup for a cozy, satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite!

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