Cabbage Roll Soup

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• All the Flavors of Cabbage Rolls: Enjoy the taste without the hassle of rolling.

• Hearty and Filling: Loaded with protein, veggies, and rice.

• Easy One-Pot Meal: Simple preparation and minimal cleanup.

• Family-Friendly: A comforting classic loved by all ages.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 pound ground beef or turkey

• 1 onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 4 cups chopped cabbage

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

• 6 cups beef or chicken broth

• 1/2 cup uncooked white rice

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional garnish: sour cream, fresh parsley

Directions

1. Brown Meat: In a large pot, cook ground beef or turkey over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.

2. Sauté Aromatics: Add onion and garlic to the pot; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

3. Add Vegetables and Tomatoes: Stir in chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. Cook for 3-4 minutes.

4. Add Broth and Rice: Pour in broth, add rice, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.

5. Simmer: Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 25-30 minutes until rice and cabbage are tender.

6. Serve: Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with sour cream and parsley if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes

• Cooking Time: 40 minutes

• Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian: Omit meat and use beans or lentils instead.

• Add Heat: Include red pepper flakes or hot sauce.

• Use Brown Rice: Substitute brown rice but increase cooking time.

• Extra Vegetables: Add carrots, bell peppers, or celery for more texture.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• Freezing: Freeze soup in portions for up to 3 months.

• Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use ground pork or sausage?

Yes, either works well in this soup.

How do I prevent rice from overcooking?

Check rice doneness and add more broth if needed.

Can I prepare this soup ahead?

Yes, flavors deepen after resting overnight.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, naturally gluten-free.

Can I use canned cabbage?

Fresh cabbage is preferred for best texture.

How spicy is this soup?

Mild; adjust with added spices or hot sauce.

Can I add noodles instead of rice?

Yes, add noodles during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

How do I store leftovers?

Use airtight containers in the fridge or freezer.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, cook on low for 6-8 hours, adding rice in the last hour.

What sides pair well?

Serve with crusty bread or a fresh salad.

Conclusion

Cabbage Roll Soup is a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that captures the essence of classic cabbage rolls in a hearty soup. Perfect for family meals or meal prep, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.