If you’re craving all the comforting flavors of a hearty traditional meal but want something quick and easy, you have to try this Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe. It captures the essence of classic stuffed cabbage rolls in a cozy, warm bowl without the fuss of rolling each leaf. Packed with savory ground beef and pork, tender cabbage, fragrant herbs, and simmered rice, it’s a soul-satisfying dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Whether you’re a longtime cabbage roll fan or new to this flavor combination, this soup brings everything you love to the table with a fuss-free twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each component plays a key role in building layers of flavor, vibrant color, and comforting texture. From the savory meats to the tender cabbage and the aromatic seasonings, this list ensures you end up with a soup that tastes like a homemade classic.
- Olive oil: Perfect for sautéing onions and garlic, infusing the base with warmth and depth.
- Yellow onion: Adds a subtle sweetness that softens as it cooks, creating a gentle flavor foundation.
- Garlic cloves: Boost the aroma and add a wonderful savory punch.
- Ground beef and ground pork: The star proteins that bring richness and heartiness to the soup.
- Carrots: Small diced pieces add a pop of color and a touch of natural sweetness.
- Tomato sauce: Provides a tangy base that ties together all the flavors beautifully.
- Diced tomatoes: Their slight acidity and texture make the soup feel fresh and vibrant.
- Beef broth: Deepens the savory background with rich, meaty notes.
- Uncooked white rice: Absorbs the broth and softens into tender bites that complement the cabbage.
- Green cabbage: Chopped to tender perfection, it’s the key vegetable that echoes traditional cabbage rolls.
- Bay leaf: A small but mighty herb that infuses a subtle earthiness.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami richness that elevates the overall taste.
- Paprika: Brings a gentle smokiness and vibrant color to the soup.
- Fresh parsley: The finishing touch for a burst of fresh herbaceous brightness.
How to Make Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Vegetables
Start by warming olive oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped yellow onion and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until it becomes translucent and sweet-smelling. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an extra 30 seconds, releasing that irresistible garlicky aroma that sets the stage for the whole soup.
Step 2: Cook the Meat
Add both ground beef and ground pork to the pot. Using a wooden spoon, break the meat apart as it cooks so it browns evenly and crumbles nicely. This step not only locks in the savory flavor but also builds a hearty texture foundation that makes the soup truly satisfying.
Step 3: Add the Rest of the Ingredients
Once the meat is beautifully browned, it’s time to layer in the flavors that turn this into a comforting masterpiece. Stir in the diced carrots, tomato sauce, drained diced tomatoes, beef broth, uncooked rice, chopped cabbage, bay leaf, Worcestershire sauce, and paprika. Each of these adds complexity—whether it’s texture, tang, or warmth—to the soup.
Step 4: Simmer Until Tender
Bring the entire mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Let it cook uncovered for about 25 minutes until the rice is perfectly tender and the cabbage melts softly in your mouth. This slow cooking step allows all the ingredients to mingle and create that unforgettable homemade flavor.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once everything is tender and flavorful, ladle the soup into bowls. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top to send it over the edge with a hint of bright color and fresh taste. This Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe is ready to warm you up and fill you up in the best way.
How to Serve Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic go-to, but you can also add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese for extra richness. A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten and personalize each bowl to your liking.
Side Dishes
This soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but if you want to round it out, crusty bread or a warm slice of garlic toast pairs wonderfully. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette would add a refreshing contrast that balances the comforting heaviness of the soup.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this soup in rustic bowls with a sprinkle of paprika or smoked paprika on top for a pop of color. For a fun presentation, offer toppings like chopped green onions, crushed red pepper flakes, or even a swirl of cream so each guest can customize their own bowl of cozy goodness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe, let leftovers cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making the next-day soup even better!
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully, which makes it an excellent dish for meal prep. Portion the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of broth or water if it’s too thick after storing. You can also reheat in the microwave, covered, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef and pork?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works as a leaner alternative and still pairs wonderfully with the cabbage and tomatoes in this soup. Just be sure to brown it well for maximum flavor.
Is it necessary to use rice in the soup?
While rice adds lovely texture and heartiness, you can substitute with cooked quinoa or leave it out entirely if you prefer a lower-carb version. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the ground beef and pork for plant-based crumbles or extra beans, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Adding smoked paprika helps maintain that savory depth.
Why does the soup need Worcestershire sauce?
Worcestershire sauce adds a subtle umami kick that deepens the flavors, giving the soup a rich, complex profile reminiscent of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls.
How long does the soup keep its best flavor after cooking?
For best taste and texture, enjoy your soup within 3 days of refrigeration. Flavors continue to meld, but the cabbage will start to soften too much after that point.
Final Thoughts
This Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy all the flavor and comfort of a classic dish without the extra effort of rolling cabbage leaves. It’s straightforward to prepare, irresistibly tasty, and warms you down to your core. I really hope you give it a try and find yourself reaching for this soup whenever you want that cozy, homemade feeling in a bowl.
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Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that captures the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the hassle of stuffing. This soup combines ground beef and pork with savory tomato sauce, tender cabbage, and rice, all simmered to perfection in a rich beef broth. Perfect for a cozy family meal, it’s easy to prepare and packed with satisfying flavors.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ yellow onion, chopped (about ½ cup)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ pound ground beef
- ½ pound ground pork
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 2 (14.5-ounce) cans beef broth
- ½ cup uncooked white rice
- ½ small head green cabbage, chopped (about 4 cups)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil over medium heat in a Dutch oven. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Cook Meat: Add the ground beef and ground pork to the pot. Cook until browned, breaking the meat apart with a spoon as it cooks to ensure even browning and proper texture.
- Add Ingredients: Stir in the diced carrots, tomato sauce, drained diced tomatoes, beef broth, uncooked rice, chopped cabbage, bay leaf, Worcestershire sauce, and paprika. Mix all ingredients thoroughly to combine.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for 25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the cabbage is tender, stirring occasionally.
- Serve: Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your hearty meal.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, cook a few minutes longer to reduce excess liquid.
- Use lean ground meats to reduce fat content.
- Substitute brown rice if preferred, but increase cooking time accordingly.
- Fresh parsley adds a nice fresh finish but can be omitted.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and freeze beautifully.
