Easy Stuffed Cabbage Soup Recipe

Stuffed Cabbage Soup is a variation of the classic stuffed cabbage rolls. Instead of rolling the cabbage leaves, everything is combined in a soup pot. The soup includes cabbage, ground meat (like beef or turkey), rice, and a rich tomato-based broth, creating a savory and satisfying dish. The flavors meld together as the soup simmers, giving each bite a taste of comfort and tradition.

Preparing Stuffed Cabbage Soup usually takes about 15 minutes of prep time, with around 45 minutes to 1 hour of cooking time. The soup is easy to make, but allowing it to simmer ensures the flavors develop fully. You can also make it ahead of time; the soup often tastes even better the next day after the ingredients have had time to blend.

Cooking Stuffed Cabbage Soup brings a sense of tradition and home-cooked goodness. The process of simmering cabbage, meat, and rice in a flavorful broth creates a rich and aromatic dish. The combination of ingredients is simple, but the results are deeply satisfying. This soup has a way of bringing people together, whether it’s enjoyed with family or shared with friends. It’s a perfect dish for creating lasting memories around the dinner table.

Why You’ll Love It Stuffed Cabbage Soup

• Comforting & Hearty: This stuffed cabbage soup is a perfect comfort food. It’s warm, filling, and packed with flavors that remind you of home. The tender cabbage and rich broth make every spoonful satisfying.
• Packed with Nutrients: The soup is loaded with healthy vegetables, lean meat, and rice. It’s a nutritious option that provides vitamins, fiber, and protein, making it a balanced meal for all ages.
• Easy & Quick to Make: Despite its delicious flavors, stuffed cabbage soup is surprisingly easy to prepare. You don’t need to be a pro in the kitchen to whip up this flavorful dish in under an hour!

Ingredient Notes for a Stuffed Cabbage Soup

• Cabbage: Fresh cabbage is key to the texture and flavor of this soup. It adds a slight crunch and mild taste, making it the perfect base for the dish. Make sure to chop it into bite-sized pieces for easier eating.
• Ground Beef: Ground beef adds richness and protein. It gives the soup a savory depth and pairs perfectly with the other ingredients. You can also use lean ground beef for a lighter version.
• Onion: Onions provide a natural sweetness and savory undertone. Sautéing them brings out their flavor, helping to create a flavorful base for the soup.
• Carrots: Carrots bring sweetness and color to the soup. Their slight crunch balances well with the soft cabbage and adds extra vitamins and nutrients.
• Garlic: Garlic adds an aromatic depth to the soup. When sautéed, garlic infuses the broth with a rich, savory aroma that enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Cooked Rice: The cooked rice helps thicken the soup and adds a comforting, filling quality. It also absorbs the flavors of the broth, making each bite more satisfying.
• Tomatoes: Fresh or canned tomatoes bring acidity and sweetness, adding brightness to the soup. They also help to create a rich, flavorful broth.
• Beef or Vegetable Broth: The broth forms the soup’s base, providing a savory liquid that carries all the flavors. Beef broth will give a heartier taste, while vegetable broth offers a lighter, vegetarian alternative.
• Tomato Paste: Tomato paste deepens the tomato flavor and adds a touch of richness to the soup’s broth. It also helps thicken the soup, making it more satisfying.
• Dried Thyme: Thyme adds an earthy, herbal note to the soup. It complements the other flavors and brings warmth to the dish.
• Dried Basil: Dried basil offers a fragrant, slightly sweet taste that enhances the tomato-based broth and adds to the comforting flavor profile of the soup.
• Smoked Paprika: Smoked paprika introduces a subtle smokiness and warmth to the soup, giving it a unique and complex flavor that pairs well with the other spices.
• Salt & Ground Black Pepper: These two staples are essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors of the soup. Salt brings out the richness, while black pepper adds a mild heat and enhances the overall taste.

Helpful Tips and Add Your Touch

Stuffed cabbage soup is a comforting dish that combines savory flavors with healthy ingredients. To make it even better, consider adding fresh herbs like dill or thyme. These herbs bring a burst of flavor and pair perfectly with the cabbage and ground meat, enhancing the overall taste.

Adjust the seasoning to fit your taste. You can add more garlic or paprika for a deeper flavor profile. A little extra salt or pepper can also make a difference, depending on your preferences. Experiment with different spices to find what works best for you.

For a richer soup, try adding a splash of cream or a dollop of sour cream just before serving. This will give the broth a creamy texture and a bit of tanginess. It’s a simple yet effective way to elevate the dish.

Stuffed Cabbage Soup Variation

You can easily vary Stuffed Cabbage Soup to suit different tastes. For a vegetarian version, replace the ground meat with plant-based protein like lentils or mushrooms. You can also add extra vegetables, like carrots or potatoes, to enhance the texture and flavor. Experiment with spices to suit your preferences.

How to Serve Stuffed Cabbage Soup

To serve Stuffed Cabbage Soup, ladle it into bowls and garnish with a dollop of sour cream or fresh herbs like parsley. Pair it with a slice of crusty bread for dipping, making the meal more filling. It’s perfect as a main course or a light lunch option.

For a heartier meal, consider serving it with a side salad or roasted vegetables. The soup’s rich flavor makes it versatile and satisfying. Whether enjoyed solo or with a side, Stuffed Cabbage Soup is sure to please your taste buds and keep you full.

Storage Options

Stuffed Cabbage Soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Make sure to let the soup cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

FAQs About Stuffed Cabbage Soup

How do I make Stuffed Cabbage Soup?
To make stuffed cabbage soup, sauté onions and garlic, then add cabbage, tomatoes, and broth. Simmer with ground meat and rice until everything is tender and well combined.

Can I make Stuffed Cabbage Soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can make stuffed cabbage soup ahead of time. It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors have more time to blend together.

Is Stuffed Cabbage Soup healthy?
Stuffed cabbage soup can be a healthy meal, especially when made with lean ground meat and plenty of vegetables. It’s low in calories but rich in fiber and protein.

Can I freeze Stuffed Cabbage Soup?
Yes, stuffed cabbage soup freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container, and it can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.

Easy Stuffed Cabbage Soup Recipe

Stuffed Cabbage Soup is a variation of the classic stuffedcabbage rolls. Instead of rolling the cabbage leaves, everything is combined ina soup pot. The soup includes cabbage, ground meat (like beef or turkey), rice,and a rich tomato-based broth, creating a savory and satisfying dish. Theflavors meld together as the soup simmers, giving each bite a taste of comfortand tradition.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Course: Soup

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 medium head of cabbage chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey, pork, or a combination
• 1 medium onion diced
• 2 large carrots peeled and diced
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 cup cooked rice white or brown
• 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 4 cups beef or vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika optional, but adds great depth of flavor
• 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil for sautéing

Equipment

• Large Stockpot
• Large skillet
• Wooden Spoon or Stirring Spoon
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Ladle
• Strainer

Method

 

1. Brown the Meat: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, transfer the meat to a plate and set aside.
2. Sauté the Veggies: In the same skillet, add the diced onions, carrots, and garlic. Sauté over medium heat until the onions are translucent and the vegetables have softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Start the Soup Base: In a large stockpot, combine the cooked meat, sautéed vegetables, chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and broth. Stir everything together to combine.
4. Season: Add the rice, thyme, basil, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir again, making sure all the flavors are evenly distributed.
5. Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat. Once it’s simmering, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally to ensure the cabbage is tender and the flavors are well combined.
6. Final Taste Check: After simmering, taste the soup and adjust the seasonings with extra salt or pepper if needed.
7. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and a dollop of sour cream if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

The key to making Stuffed Cabbage Soup delicious is to allow it to simmer for long enough to fully soften the cabbage and meld all the flavors together. The slow cooking helps create a deep, rich taste. If you’re short on time, you can reduce the cooking time, but the soup won’t have the same depth of flavor.