Cabbage Roll Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines the comforting elements of traditional cabbage rolls into a convenient soup form. Packed with tender ground beef, nutritious vegetables, aromatic spices, and hearty rice, this soup offers a satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or meal prepping.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hearty and Filling: Combines ground beef, vegetables, and rice to create a robust and satisfying meal.
One-Pot Convenience: Simplifies cooking and cleanup by utilizing a single pot for preparation.
Freezer-Friendly: Leftovers freeze well, making it an excellent option for future meals.
Customizable: Easily adjust ingredients to suit personal tastes or dietary preferences.

Ingredients

2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1 pound lean ground beef
Salt and pepper to taste
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chopped green cabbage
2 medium carrots, quartered and sliced
4 cups low-sodium beef broth
3 (8-ounce) cans tomato sauce
½ cup uncooked white rice
1 bay leaf
3 tablespoons light brown sugar
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Sauté the Ground Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Add Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onions become tender and translucent.
Incorporate Vegetables and Liquids: Stir in the chopped cabbage, sliced carrots, beef broth, tomato sauce, uncooked rice, bay leaf, and brown sugar. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
Final Seasoning and Serving: Remove the bay leaf. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot.

Servings and Timing

Servings: This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

Protein Options: Substitute lean ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives for a different flavor profile.
Grain Choices: Replace white rice with brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for added nutritional benefits or to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Vegetable Additions: Incorporate other vegetables such as bell peppers, peas, or corn to enhance the soup’s nutritional value and flavor.
Spice Level: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped green chilies if you prefer a spicier kick.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave individual portions until hot.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular ground beef instead of lean ground beef?

Yes, you can use regular ground beef; however, lean ground beef helps reduce the soup’s fat content. If using regular ground beef, consider draining excess fat after browning.

2. Is it necessary to use beef broth, or can I substitute it?

Beef broth adds depth of flavor, but you can substitute it with vegetable broth or chicken broth if preferred.

3. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup tastes even better the next day as flavors meld. Prepare and store it in the refrigerator; reheat thoroughly before serving.

4. How can I make this soup vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and use plant-based meat alternatives. Ensure the broth is vegetable-based and use a grain like quinoa or rice.

5. Can I add more vegetables to this soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, peas, green beans, or spinach to boost the nutritional content and flavor.

6. How do I prevent the rice from becoming mushy?

Avoid overcooking by monitoring the simmering time. If storing leftovers, consider adding freshly cooked rice when reheating to maintain texture.

7. Can I use instant rice instead of uncooked white rice?

Yes, you can use instant rice; however, adjust the cooking time as instant rice cooks faster.

8. Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, this soup is gluten-free, provided that all ingredients, such as broth and rice, are certified gluten-free.

9. How can I make this soup spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, chopped green chilies, or a dash of hot sauce for added heat.

Conclusion

Cabbage Roll Soup offers the comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls in an easy-to-make, one-pot soup. With its hearty ingredients and customizable options, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Whether you’re looking for a filling family dinner or something to warm you up on a cold day, this soup is sure to please!