This Hearty Cabbage Roll Soup is a comforting and flavorful one-pot meal inspired by classic stuffed cabbage rolls. It features ground meat, cabbage, tomatoes, rice, and aromatic seasonings, all simmered into a rich and satisfying broth. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 6-8
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 500g (1 lb) ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 small head of cabbage, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 can (400g/14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (400g/14 oz) tomato sauce
- 4 cups (1 liter) beef or vegetable broth
- ½ cup uncooked white or brown rice
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- 1 tbsp vinegar (apple cider or white vinegar, optional)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Directions
1. Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onions and garlic, cooking until softened (about 2 minutes).
2. Cook the Meat
- Add ground beef or turkey, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Cook until browned, then drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Add the Vegetables and Tomatoes
- Stir in chopped cabbage, carrots, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce.
- Pour in broth and mix well.
4. Add Rice and Seasonings
- Stir in rice, paprika, thyme, oregano, bay leaf, salt, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and vinegar.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
5. Simmer Until Tender
- Cover and simmer for 30-35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until rice is tender and flavors are well blended.
6. Serve
- Remove the bay leaf and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy with crusty bread or dinner rolls.
- Top with a dollop of sour cream for a creamy touch.
- Serve with a side of roasted potatoes for a heartier meal.
Cooking Tips
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
- For a thicker soup, simmer uncovered for an additional 10 minutes.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure your broth is gluten-free.
Nutritional Benefits
- Rich in protein and fiber from meat and vegetables.
- Packed with vitamins C and K from cabbage.
- Low in fat if using ground turkey.
Dietary Information
- Gluten-free (if using gluten-free broth)
- Dairy-free
- Can be made vegetarian by using lentils or plant-based ground meat
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Approx.)
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 10g
Storage
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months; thaw and reheat before serving.
- Reheating: Warm on the stove over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Hearty, warm, and comforting
✔ One-pot meal, easy to make
✔ Budget-friendly and meal-prep friendly
✔ Packed with nutrients and full of flavor
Conclusion
This Hearty Cabbage Roll Soup captures the delicious flavors of classic cabbage rolls in an easy-to-make soup. Whether you’re looking for a cozy winter meal, an easy weeknight dinner, or a make-ahead lunch, this soup is wholesome, filling, and absolutely delicious. Try it today and enjoy a comforting homemade dish!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use brown rice instead of white? Yes, but increase the cooking time by 10-15 minutes.
- Can I make this in a slow cooker? Yes! Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Can I make it without rice? Yes! Replace rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
- What other meats can I use? Ground chicken, turkey, pork, or sausage work well.
- Can I make it spicier? Yes! Add red chili flakes or cayenne pepper.
- Can I add beans? Yes! White beans or kidney beans add extra protein.
- How do I prevent mushy rice? Add the rice in the last 20 minutes of cooking.
- Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned? Yes! Use 3-4 fresh tomatoes, chopped.
- Can I add cheese? Yes! Sprinkle with grated Parmesan or mozzarella.
- Can I make this in an Instant Pot? Yes! Pressure cook on high for 15 minutes, then quick release.