Warm up with this hearty cabbage roll soup—all the cozy flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls, but ready in a fraction of the time. Tender ground beef, vegetables, and rice simmer in a savory tomato broth for a comforting meal.
Why You’ll Love This Soup
- Quick & Easy: One pot, 40 minutes, done.
- Great for Meal Prep: Tastes even better the next day.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples and fresh vegetables.
- Customizable: Swap beef for turkey, rice for cauliflower rice, or add a kick of heat.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef (90/10 works best)
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced (or 2 teaspoons jarred minced garlic)
- 4 cups coarsely chopped green cabbage (about ½ small head)
- 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced into coins
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 2 (15-ounce) cans tomato sauce (or 3 8-ounce cans)
- ½ cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar (balances the tomato acidity)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For Serving (Optional):
- Fresh parsley or dill, chopped
- Crusty bread or a dollop of sour cream
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the Beef
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it into crumbles with a spatula. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes until no pink remains. - Sauté Aromatics
Add the diced onion and garlic to the pot. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened. - Build the Soup
Toss in the cabbage, carrots, beef broth, tomato sauce, rice, brown sugar, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine. - Simmer to Perfection
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and the cabbage is soft. - Finish & Serve
Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning. Need more sweetness? Add a pinch more brown sugar. Ladle into bowls and top with fresh parsley. Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
Tips & Variations
- Too thick? Add ½ cup broth or water if the rice absorbs too much liquid.
- Vegetarian Twist: Use plant-based ground “meat” and swap beef broth for vegetable broth.
- Extra Flavor: Add 1 teaspoon smoked paprika or a splash of apple cider vinegar.
- Shortcut: Use pre-shredded coleslaw mix instead of chopping cabbage.
Storage
- Fridge: Cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze (without rice) for up to 3 months. Thaw, reheat, and add cooked rice.
Why This Recipe Works
This deconstructed cabbage roll soup captures the essence of the classic Eastern European dish without the fuss of rolling leaves. The combination of savory beef, sweet carrots, and tangy tomato broth creates a comforting, balanced flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak vegetables into picky eaters’ diets.
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