Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe
Introduction
Cabbage Roll Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that captures the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls in a warm, easy-to-make soup. It’s perfect for cozy dinners and offers all the savory goodness in every spoonful.

Ingredients
- 1 lb ground meat (beef, pork, or a mix)
- 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
- 1/2 cup rice, rinsed
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups beef or vegetable broth
- 1 onion, diced (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Remove excess fat if needed.
- Step 2: Add diced onion and garlic if using, sauté until soft and fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in chopped cabbage, rice, diced tomatoes with their juice, and broth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Step 4: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer. Cook uncovered for about 30-40 minutes until the cabbage and rice are tender.
- Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning before serving hot.
Tips & Variations
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground meat with lentils or plant-based meat alternatives and use vegetable broth.
- Adding a splash of vinegar or lemon juice before serving brightens the flavors and mimics the tang of traditional cabbage rolls.
- Use brown rice for a nuttier taste, but increase cooking time accordingly.
Storage
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until hot, adding a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I freeze cabbage roll soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! Use about 2 cups of fresh diced tomatoes and cook a little longer to soften them, as fresh tomatoes have more water and less concentration than canned.
PrintCabbage Roll Soup Recipe
A comforting and hearty Cabbage Roll Soup that combines ground meat, cabbage, rice, and tomatoes simmered together to create a flavorful and satisfying meal reminiscent of classic cabbage rolls in an easy-to-make soup form.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground meat (beef, pork, or a mix)
- 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups)
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth or water
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil or oregano (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Chop the cabbage, onion, and mince the garlic. Measure out the rice and open the canned tomatoes.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Cook the Ground Meat: Add the ground meat to the pot. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and optional paprika or herbs.
- Add the Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the chopped cabbage, uncooked rice, diced tomatoes (with juices), and beef broth or water. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer gently for about 30-40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the cabbage is soft.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, add less broth or let it simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes to reduce.
- For added flavor, try adding a splash of vinegar or a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Leftovers reheat well and flavors deepen after a day.
Keywords: Cabbage Roll Soup, Ground Meat Soup, Hearty Soup, Comfort Food, Easy Soup Recipe

