Cabbage Roll Soup is a twist on the classic stuffed cabbage rolls. Instead of rolling cabbage leaves, everything is cooked together in a pot, making it a much simpler, quicker option. Ground beef, cabbage, tomatoes, and a variety of seasonings come together to create a warm, comforting dish. It’s a hearty soup that’s both satisfying and nutritious.
The total time to prepare Cabbage Roll Soup is about 45 minutes, including prep and cooking. The hands-on time is only about 15-20 minutes, while the soup simmers for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop. It’s a relatively quick and easy meal that doesn’t require much time in the kitchen, making it ideal for busy nights.
Cabbage Roll Soup is a favorite for those seeking a filling, flavorful meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. The combination of cabbage, ground beef, and seasonings creates a comforting, hearty dish that hits the spot every time. The simplicity of the recipe makes it easy to adapt to personal tastes, whether you prefer a little more spice or extra vegetables.
Why You’ll Love This Cabbage Roll Soup
- Comfort in a Bowl: Cabbage roll soup offers a warm, hearty meal that feels like a hug on a cold day. Its rich flavors and tender cabbage make it the perfect comfort food that you can enjoy anytime.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and a short prep time, this recipe is incredibly easy to make. You don’t need to be a chef to cook up a batch of this delicious cabbage roll soup. It’s a straightforward, no-fuss dish.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with vegetables like cabbage, tomatoes, and onions, this soup is a nutritious choice. It’s a great way to get in your daily veggies while enjoying a tasty and filling meal.
Ingredient Notes for Cabbage Roll Soup
- Ground Beef: Adds rich flavor and protein. It’s the base of the soup, giving it a hearty texture.
- Onion: Brings sweetness and depth to the dish. It softens and blends perfectly with other ingredients.
- Garlic: Offers a savory, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste of the soup.
- Cabbage: A key ingredient, providing crunch and a slightly sweet flavor that balances the richness of the beef.
- Carrots: Adds natural sweetness and color, making the soup more vibrant and flavorful.
- Tomatoes: They add a tangy base, contributing to the soup’s richness and helping to create a smooth broth.
- Tomato Paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the soup, making it more filling.
- Beef or Vegetable Broth: The liquid base that adds depth. Beef broth enhances the meaty flavor, while vegetable broth offers a lighter option.
- Paprika: Gives the soup a mild smokiness and a touch of heat. It’s a key seasoning to boost the flavor.
- Dried Thyme: Adds an earthy, herbal note that complements the cabbage and beef.
- Dried Basil: Brings a hint of sweetness and aromatic richness, balancing the dish’s savory elements.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds umami and a slight tangy taste, making the broth more complex.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning. Salt enhances all the flavors, while pepper adds a subtle heat.
- Olive Oil: Used to sauté the onions and garlic, providing a smooth base for the soup.
- Bay Leaf: Adds a mild, aromatic flavor that infuses into the soup as it simmers.
Cabbage Roll Soup Variation
If you’re looking to switch up your cabbage roll soup, there are plenty of variations to try. Here are a few ideas:
- Use Different Meats: Instead of ground beef, you can use ground pork, turkey, or even chicken. Each type of meat brings a different flavor, so feel free to experiment.
- Add Vegetables: You can boost the soup’s nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini. Simply chop them into small pieces and add them with the cabbage.
- Spicy Version: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes, or use spicy sausage instead of the ground meat.
- Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian option, use plant-based ground meat or simply leave out the meat entirely. You can add more beans, lentils, or extra rice for protein.
- Different Grains: Instead of white rice, try using quinoa, brown rice, or even barley for a different texture and flavor.
How to Serve Cabbage Roll Soup
Cabbage roll soup can be served in a variety of ways to suit your meal. Here are a few ideas:
- With Crusty Bread: A slice of crusty bread or a warm dinner roll is perfect for dipping into the soup and soaking up all the flavorful broth.
- Topped with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, on top of the soup for an extra layer of richness.
- With Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream can add a creamy texture that complements the soup’s tangy flavors.
- As a Main Course: This soup is hearty enough to be served as a main course on its own. Pair it with a simple side salad for a balanced meal.
Storage Options
Cabbage roll soup is easy to store and keeps well for several days, making it a great option for meal prep. Here are some tips for storing and reheating:
- Refrigeration: Allow the soup to cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 4-5 days.
- Freezing: Cabbage roll soup freezes well. Once cooled, transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove.
- Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stove over medium heat until it’s heated through. You may need to add a little more broth or water if the soup thickens too much after storage.
FAQs About Cabbage Roll Soup
How do you make Cabbage Roll Soup?
To make cabbage roll soup, brown ground meat, then add chopped cabbage, rice, broth, and tomatoes. Simmer until the cabbage is tender and the flavors meld together.
Can I use a different type of meat for Cabbage Roll Soup?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even pork, depending on your preference. Each type of meat brings a different flavor to the soup.
Is Cabbage Roll Soup healthy?
Yes, Cabbage Roll Soup can be a healthy meal, as it’s low in calories and high in vitamins. The cabbage and tomatoes provide important nutrients while the lean meat adds protein.
Can I freeze Cabbage Roll Soup?
Absolutely! Cabbage roll soup freezes well for later use. Just store it in an airtight container, and it will stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months.
Easy Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Brown the Meat: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground meat (beef or turkey), breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Brown the meat for about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat, then set the meat aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing for about 2-3 minutes until they are soft and fragrant.
- Cook the Carrots and Cabbage: Add the sliced carrots and chopped cabbage to the pot. Stir and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the cabbage to soften slightly.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato paste, and beef broth. Add Worcestershire sauce, paprika, thyme, and basil. Drop in the bay leaf, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the soup to a boil.
- Simmer: Once the soup reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, uncovered, for about 40-45 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or paprika to suit your preference.
- Serve: Remove the bay leaf and ladle the soup into bowls. Serve hot with a slice of crusty bread or a dollop of sour cream for an extra creamy touch.
