Cozy Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe: Heartwarming Winter Comfort

A steaming bowl of hearty cabbage roll soup beckons with comfort and nostalgia.

Traditional European kitchens have long celebrated this delightful dish.

Rich flavors mingle beautifully, creating a warm embrace of culinary memories.

Each spoonful carries generations of home-cooked wisdom and love.

Tender cabbage leaves dance alongside savory meat and fragrant herbs.

Robust ingredients promise a satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out.

Grab a ladle and savor every delicious moment of this soul-soothing recipe.

Simple Method For Cabbage Roll Soup

Step 1: Sizzle The Beef

Brown ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sprinkle with salt and pepper while breaking up the meat. Let the beef develop a golden crust and drain any excess fat.

Step 2: Awaken Aromatic Flavors

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Stir and cook until onions become translucent and release their sweet fragrance, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Build Hearty Soup Base

• Chopped cabbage
• Sliced carrots
• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Tomato paste
• Beef broth
• Worcestershire sauce
• Brown sugar
• Bay leaf
• Italian seasoning

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, allowing flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Simmer And Transform

Sprinkle uncooked rice into the soup. Lower heat, cover the pot, and let everything simmer peacefully for 25-30 minutes. Watch as cabbage softens and rice becomes perfectly tender.

Step 5: Final Touches And Serve

Remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Optional: Scatter fresh parsley on top for a burst of color. Ladle into warm bowls and enjoy this soul-warming soup.

Tips To Boost Flavor In Cabbage Roll Soup

• Trim Fat Smartly: Remove visible fat from ground beef before browning to reduce excess grease and create a leaner, healthier soup base.
• Rice Rescue Technique: Prevent mushy rice by adding it later in the cooking process and using long-grain rice, which holds its texture better in soups.
• Veggie Boost Option: Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils to create a delicious vegetarian version that's packed with protein and flavor.
• Spice It Up: Enhance the soup's depth by adding a pinch of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes for a subtle kick that complements the cabbage and beef.
• Make-Ahead Magic: This soup tastes even better the next day, so consider preparing it in advance and letting the flavors meld overnight in the refrigerator.

How To Store Cabbage Roll Soup Without Losing Taste

• Refrigerate leftover cabbage roll soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Cool the soup completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Store rice separately from the soup to maintain its texture and prevent mushiness.
• When reheating, add a splash of beef broth to restore moisture and prevent the soup from becoming too thick.
• Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months, leaving some space at the top for expansion.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming.
• Always check for any signs of spoilage before consuming stored soup, such as unusual odors or mold growth.

Pairing Ideas For Cabbage Roll Soup Dinners

• Pair with Crusty Bread: Grab a warm, rustic sourdough or hearty rye bread to soak up the rich, savory broth. The crispy exterior and soft inside perfectly complement the soup's robust flavors.
• Match with Bold Red Wine: Uncork a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec to enhance the meaty, hearty notes of the cabbage roll soup. The wine's tannins will beautifully balance the tomato-based broth.
• Serve with Tangy Sour Cream: Add a dollop of cool, creamy sour cream on top to cut through the soup's richness. The slight tanginess provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, comforting flavors.
• Complement with Crisp Green Salad: Prepare a light, zesty salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a bright vinaigrette. The fresh, crunchy salad helps balance the soup's hearty and dense texture.

Warm Variations Of Cabbage Roll Soup

• Vegetarian Cabbage Patch: Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils. Add extra mushrooms for a hearty, meaty texture that keeps the soup rich and satisfying.
• Mediterranean Inspired: Replace beef broth with chicken stock. Mix in oregano, feta cheese, and kalamata olives. Sprinkle with fresh dill for a Greek-style transformation.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Add diced green chilies, cumin, and smoked paprika. Top with crispy tortilla strips and a dollop of sour cream. Include black beans for extra protein and southwestern flair.
• Creamy Nordic Version: Stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end. Incorporate diced potatoes and fresh dill. Garnish with a swirl of sour cream and chopped chives for a Scandinavian touch.

Answers To Cabbage Roll Soup Questions

FAQs for Cabbage Roll Soup:

• What makes cabbage roll soup different from traditional cabbage rolls?

This soup captures all the delicious flavors of classic cabbage rolls but is much easier to prepare. Instead of stuffing and rolling individual cabbage leaves, everything cooks together in one pot, saving time and effort.

• Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together. You can prepare it in advance and reheat gently on the stovetop when ready to serve.

• Is this soup nutritionally balanced?

Yes! The soup provides a great mix of protein from ground beef, vegetables like cabbage and carrots, and carbohydrates from rice. It’s a complete meal packed with nutrients and hearty enough to satisfy hunger.

• Can I use a different type of meat in this recipe?

Sure! Ground turkey or ground chicken can easily replace beef for a lighter version of the soup. Just make sure to adjust seasoning accordingly to maintain the rich flavor profile.

Why Cabbage Roll Soup Is Big On Comfort

• Comfort in a Bowl: Dive into this hearty cabbage roll soup that wraps you in warmth with its rich, satisfying flavors and minimal prep work.
• Quick Weeknight Warrior: Whip up this one-pot wonder in under an hour, making it perfect for busy families craving a delicious and nutritious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Nutritional Powerhouse: Packed with protein from ground beef, fiber-rich cabbage, and wholesome vegetables, this soup delivers a balanced meal that keeps you full and energized.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Using simple, affordable ingredients like ground beef, cabbage, and rice, this recipe proves you can create a restaurant-worthy meal without breaking the bank.

Ingredients To Make Cabbage Roll Soup Shine

• Ground Beef: Classic protein that adds rich, hearty flavor to the soup and provides substantial texture.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Helps enhance the meaty depth and adds complex umami notes to the beef.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational flavor builders that create a robust and warm base for the soup.
• Cabbage: Signature ingredient that provides a tender, slightly sweet vegetable element and traditional cabbage roll character.
• Carrots: Adds natural sweetness and contributes vibrant color and nutritional value.

• Beef Broth: Essential liquid base that creates depth and provides moisture for cooking rice and vegetables.
• Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce, Tomato Paste: Provides tangy, rich tomato flavor and helps create a thick, robust soup consistency.
• Rice: Adds hearty substance and helps thicken the soup while absorbing surrounding flavors.
• Brown Sugar: Balances acidity and adds subtle sweetness to complement the savory elements.
• Bay Leaf, Italian Seasoning: Introduces aromatic herb notes and complexity to the overall flavor profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings for enhancing and balancing the soup's taste.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish that adds fresh, bright finish and visual appeal.

Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty cabbage roll soup brings Polish comfort right to dinner tables with rich, savory depths of ground beef, tender vegetables, and robust tomato broth. Its warming flavors invite you to savor each spoonful of traditional goodness.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) lean ground beef

Main Vegetables:

• 4 cups (946 milliliters) green cabbage, chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquid and Seasoning Components:

• 4 cups (946 milliliters) beef broth
• 1 can (14.5 ounces/411 grams) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (8 ounces/227 grams) tomato sauce
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) uncooked long-grain rice
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prep the protein by searing ground beef in a spacious cooking vessel over robust heat. Crumble the meat while cooking, ensuring even browning and seasoning with salt and pepper. Eliminate any accumulated grease.
2. Infuse aromatic depth by introducing finely chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables become translucent and release their fragrant essence.
3. Transform the pot into a robust soup foundation by incorporating shredded cabbage, julienned carrots, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Pour in rich beef broth, splash Worcestershire sauce, and balance with a hint of brown sugar. Add bay leaf and Italian herb blend to elevate the flavor profile.
4. Introduce raw rice directly into the simmering liquid. Reduce temperature, cover the pot, and allow ingredients to meld together. Gently cook until cabbage becomes tender and rice absorbs the savory broth, approximately 25-30 minutes.
5. Conduct a final flavor assessment, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remove bay leaf before serving. Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finishing touch.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier soup version.
• Use brown rice or quinoa for a more nutritious alternative to white rice, boosting fiber and protein content.
• Prep vegetables in advance to streamline cooking process and save time during meal preparation.
• Consider making this soup vegetarian by swapping ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a protein-packed meat-free option.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Eastern European

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg