Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe
If you’ve ever loved the hearty, nostalgic flavors of stuffed cabbage rolls but wished for a quicker, easier way to enjoy them, this Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It captures all the cozy goodness with tender cabbage, savory ground beef, tangy tomato sauce, and comforting rice—all simmered into a luscious soup that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a busy weeknight, this soup packs delicious flavor without the fuss, making it a favorite to return to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, wholesome ingredients are the secret to this Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe’s incredible depth of flavor. Each component plays an essential role, from the tender cabbage adding subtle sweetness and texture to the rich tomato base that brings everything together with just the right balance of acidity.
- Converted long grain rice (1 ½ cups): This type of rice holds its shape well, making it perfect for soup without turning mushy.
- Water (5 cups total): Used to cook the rice and create the soup’s broth, keeping the flavors light yet hearty.
- Ground beef (1 pound): Adds savory richness and protein—the base flavor of traditional cabbage rolls.
- Pasta sauce (1 jar, 20 oz): Brings robust tomato flavor and a hint of herbs, boosting the soup’s tang and aroma.
- Tomato soup (1 can, 10 oz): Deepens the tomato taste and adds creamy smoothness without extra cream.
- Cabbage (3 pounds, chopped): The star ingredient, providing crunch and a mildly sweet note that ties the soup together.
- Onion (1, finely chopped): Imparts subtle sweetness and layers of flavor when cooked into the soup.
- Himalayan pink salt (to taste): A clean, mineral-rich salt that enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste): Adds a gentle bite and spice to balance the soup’s richness.
- Hot sauce (a dash): A small kick of heat to brighten and enliven the overall flavor.
How to Make Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Rice
Start by bringing 3 cups of water and the converted long grain rice to a boil in a large saucepan. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20 to 25 minutes. You want the rice tender and fully absorbing the water because this will add body and a comforting texture to the soup later on.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
While the rice is cooking, heat a large soup pot over medium-high heat and add your ground beef. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks to ensure even browning. When the beef is cooked through and nicely browned, drain any excess grease. This step creates a rich, meaty base loaded with flavor for your soup.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Next, add the cooked rice back into the pot with the browned beef. Pour in 2 more cups of water, then add the pasta sauce, tomato soup, chopped onion, and chopped cabbage. Season with Himalayan pink salt, freshly ground black pepper, and just a dash of hot sauce. Stir everything gently but thoroughly so all those wonderful flavors marry together beautifully.
Step 4: Simmer the Soup
Bring your soup mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cabbage has softened perfectly and all the flavors meld into one comforting, unforgettable blend. This simmering stage is where the magic really happens, transforming simple ingredients into a soul-soothing dish.
Step 5: Serve
Once the cabbage is tender and the soup is piping hot, taste it and adjust the seasonings as needed. Then ladle the soup into bowls and serve it up while it’s warm. This is the perfect time to gather around with family or friends and enjoy the cozy satisfaction of a homemade meal made with love.
How to Serve Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes can elevate your bowl of Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe from comforting to downright memorable. Try a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped dill for a bright green contrast. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt can add creaminess and a touch of tang that complements the tomato base gorgeously. For an extra kick, a few red pepper flakes or a drizzle of extra hot sauce can be delightful.
Side Dishes
This soup is wonderfully satisfying on its own, but pairing it with crusty bread or buttery garlic toast makes for an even cozier meal. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness, or roasted root vegetables can add another layer of warmth and texture. Keep it simple and let the soup shine as the main star.
Creative Ways to Present
For an inviting presentation, serve the soup in rustic bowls or even mini cast-iron pots to keep it warm longer. You can also ladle it into hollowed-out bread bowls for a fun twist. Layering visible chunks of cabbage and ground beef when spooning the soup makes it visually appealing, inviting everyone to dig in eagerly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The bright thing about this Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe is it keeps beautifully. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and it will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days. The flavors even deepen after sitting overnight, making your next meal taste even better.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup for longer storage without losing its comforting texture. Cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the soup appears too thick after refrigeration or freezing, simply add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up and bring back that perfect consistency.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for plant-based meat alternatives or hearty beans to keep it filling and delicious. You might want to add extra seasoning or mushrooms for that umami punch that ground beef usually provides.
What type of cabbage works best?
Green cabbage is classic and works wonderfully here because of its sturdy texture and slightly sweet flavor. However, you can experiment with savoy or Napa cabbage for a twist—they offer a different texture and slightly milder taste.
Is it okay to use white rice instead of converted long grain rice?
Yes, white rice can be used but may become softer and less distinct in the soup. Converted long grain rice holds up better to simmering, providing a pleasing texture that complements the cabbage and beef nicely.
Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?
You can, though you might want to adjust cooking times. Brown the beef first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the cabbage is tender.
How spicy is the soup with just a dash of hot sauce?
The dash of hot sauce adds just a subtle warmth that enhances the flavors without overpowering them. Feel free to adjust the heat level to your preference by adding more hot sauce or red pepper flakes while cooking or at serving.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably comforting and satisfying about this Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe. It’s a shining example of how a few humble ingredients can come together to create a dish that feels like a warm, homemade hug. If you’re craving the familiar flavors of cabbage rolls without the fuss, this soup will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again.
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Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Cabbage Roll Soup recipe is a comforting and hearty dish that captures the flavors of classic cabbage rolls in a warm, easy-to-make soup. Featuring ground beef, cabbage, rice, and a rich tomato-based broth, this soup is perfect for a family meal and comes together in just over an hour.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups converted long grain rice
- 3 cups water (for cooking rice)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups water (for soup)
- 1 (20 oz) jar pasta sauce
- 1 (10 oz) can tomato soup
- 3 pounds cabbage, chopped
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- Himalayan pink salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 dash hot sauce
Instructions
- Cook the Rice: In a large saucepan, bring 3 cups of water and 1 ½ cups of converted long grain rice to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and water is absorbed.
- Brown the Beef: While the rice cooks, heat a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned all over. Drain excess grease and set beef aside.
- Combine Ingredients: Into the soup pot with the browned beef, add the cooked rice, 2 cups of water, 1 (20 oz) jar of pasta sauce, 1 (10 oz) can of tomato soup, 1 finely chopped onion, 3 pounds chopped cabbage, Himalayan pink salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a dash of hot sauce. Stir thoroughly to combine.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until cabbage is tender and flavors meld together.
- Serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use converted long grain rice for best texture that holds well in soup.
- If preferred, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based alternatives.
- Adjust hot sauce quantity according to spice preference.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
- Adding fresh herbs like parsley or dill can enhance flavor if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
