If you crave the cozy, soul-soothing flavors of classic stuffed cabbage rolls but want the comfort of a big bowl of soup (with far less fuss), you need to try this hearty Cabbage Roll Soup. Bursting with tender cabbage, rich tomato broth, and savory ground beef (or turkey!), this one-pot wonder serves up all the nostalgia and warmth of the Eastern European favorite—with a weeknight-friendly twist. Perfect for chilly nights or for feeding a crowd, this soup balances vibrant veggies, aromatic spices, and filling rice, leaving everyone at the table happy and full.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for Cabbage Roll Soup are simple pantry stars, each one playing a crucial part in building comforting flavor and texture. Here’s how each essential element shines in your pot:
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps sauté the beef, onion, and garlic for extra flavor depth.
- Ground beef or ground turkey: Either gives a meaty base—beef for classic richness, turkey for a lighter approach.
- Onion: Diced onion creates a fragrant, savory foundation.
- Garlic: Brings bright, aromatic flavor that ties everything together.
- Green cabbage: The star, tender and slightly sweet, it soaks up the tomato broth wonderfully.
- Carrots: Add color, a hint of sweetness, and a lovely bite.
- Diced tomatoes: Provide tang and texture for a classic cabbage roll taste.
- Tomato sauce: Gives the soup its iconic red hue and rounds out the base.
- Beef or vegetable broth: Delivers savory depth; either works well depending on your preference or diet.
- White rice: Uncooked rice soaks up the flavors and makes the soup hearty and filling.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds that subtle savory zing reminiscent of traditional cabbage rolls.
- Paprika: Lends gentle warmth and gorgeous color.
- Dried oregano: Infuses earthy, herbal notes into the broth.
- Salt: Essential for bringing all those flavors together.
- Black pepper: A touch gives gentle heat.
- Bay leaf: Simmered for depth, then removed before serving for a clean, aromatic finish.
How to Make Cabbage Roll Soup
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Start by heating the olive oil in a big, heavy pot over medium heat. Toss in your ground beef (or turkey), breaking it up as you go. Let it cook until browned, which gives the soup incredible flavor. If there’s extra fat, feel free to drain it—especially if you prefer a leaner broth.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add the diced onion and minced garlic straight into the pot with your browned meat. Give them about two to three minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re soft and fragrant. This short step wakes up the savory base for your soup.
Step 3: Build the Soup Base
Now for the fun part: toss in your chopped cabbage, sliced carrots, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, uncooked rice, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and the whole bay leaf. Give it all a good stir, making sure nothing is stuck to the bottom.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Bring the soup up to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer uncovered. This is where the magic happens—let everything cook for 25 to 30 minutes, or until your rice is tender and the cabbage is melt-in-your-mouth soft. Before serving, fish out and discard the bay leaf.
Step 5: Taste and Adjust
Finally, taste your Cabbage Roll Soup and add a little more salt or pepper if needed. Every pot is a little different, so trust your taste buds. Then get ready to serve up bowls of pure comfort!
How to Serve Cabbage Roll Soup
Garnishes
A steaming bowl of Cabbage Roll Soup loves a flourish of toppings! A sprinkle of fresh parsley or dill adds brightness and a pop of color. For a creamy touch, try a dollop of sour cream or a swirl of Greek yogurt—just like classic cabbage rolls often pair with something tangy. A light dusting of smoked paprika never hurts, either, if you love a smoky hit.
Side Dishes
Hearty as this soup is, it plays so well with others. Serve alongside thick slices of crusty bread (perfect for dunking), a crisp green salad for freshness, or even roasted potatoes if you’re feeding a hungry crowd. Pickled vegetables or sauerkraut make a nod to the soup’s Eastern European roots.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting or just want to jazz things up, try serving Cabbage Roll Soup in rustic bread bowls or small individual cocottes for a fun, bistro-like vibe. For a homier twist, ladle the soup over a scoop of mashed potatoes, or make mini portions in mugs for a cozy appetizer at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, transfer leftover Cabbage Roll Soup to an airtight container and tuck it in the fridge. It keeps beautifully for up to four days—plenty of time for delicious, ready-to-serve lunches or quick weeknight dinners. The flavors deepen and get even tastier as they rest together!
Freezing
This soup is a true freezer hero. Simply cool the soup to room temperature, then ladle into freezer-safe containers (letting a little space for expansion). It’ll keep for up to three months. For the best texture, try freezing before you add the rice, or use cauliflower rice, which holds up especially well.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pour the soup into a saucepan and warm gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If it thickens too much (rice tends to absorb liquid as it sits), just add a splash of broth or water to loosen things up again. Microwave reheating works too—just cover loosely and heat in bursts, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I make Cabbage Roll Soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply use vegetable broth and swap the ground beef or turkey for lentils, plant-based crumbles, or even just extra veggies. It’s still wonderfully hearty and full of that signature cabbage roll essence.
What kind of rice is best for this soup?
Classic white rice cooks quickly and soaks up flavor, but you can use brown rice for a nuttier taste and boost of fiber—just add about 10 minutes to your simmer time. For a lower-carb option, cauliflower rice works, too.
How spicy is Cabbage Roll Soup?
With just a touch of paprika and black pepper, this soup is savory but not spicy. If you love a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce!
Can I use pre-shredded cabbage?
Yes! Pre-shredded cabbage saves time and works perfectly—just be sure to measure by cup to match the recipe’s amount. Whether you chop by hand or take a shortcut, you’ll get great results.
Is this gluten free?
Yes, as written, Cabbage Roll Soup is naturally gluten free (just double-check your Worcestershire sauce if you have sensitivities). It’s also dairy free, making it a fantastic option for lots of diets.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a big, steaming pot of comfort that brings all the nostalgic flavors of grandma’s kitchen—without hours of work—make this Cabbage Roll Soup part of your rotation. It’s a crowd-pleaser, a freezer superstar, and a hug in a bowl every time. Give it a try and see why this soup gets rave reviews at every table!
