Hello friends, Chef André here.
If you love classic cabbage rolls but don’t love the time it takes to make them, this Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe is about to become your new favorite comfort dinner. It captures all the cozy, nostalgic flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage savory ground meat, tender cabbage, rice, and rich tomato broth but in an easy, one-pot soup form.
This recipe is warm, filling, and incredibly satisfying. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or simply enjoying a big bowl on a chilly evening. Simple ingredients, deep flavor, and minimal effort—this is comfort food done the smart way.
Why This Cabbage Roll Soup Is So Popular
This soup is a favorite because it’s:
- Easier than traditional cabbage rolls
- Naturally gluten-free
- Hearty and filling
- Great for leftovers and freezing
- Perfect for family dinners
All the flavor, none of the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Soup Base
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Vegetables & Grains
- 1 small head green cabbage, chopped
- ¾ cup uncooked white rice
- 2 carrots, sliced (optional)
Broth & Seasoning
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (14 oz) can tomato sauce
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnish
- Fresh parsley
- Sour cream
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 2
Add diced onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened.
Step 3
Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4
Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir well.
Step 5
Add chopped cabbage, rice, carrots, paprika, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Step 6
Bring soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
Step 7
Cover and simmer 30–35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until rice is tender and cabbage is soft.
Step 8
Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with optional garnish.
Chef André’s Tips for the Best Cabbage Roll Soup
- Chop cabbage into bite-size pieces
- Stir occasionally so rice doesn’t stick
- Use lean meat for a lighter soup
- Let it rest 10 minutes for thicker texture
Simple steps, rich results.
Easy Variations to Try
- Use brown rice (add extra simmer time)
- Swap beef for ground turkey
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes
- Use cauliflower rice for low-carb
This soup adapts beautifully.
What to Serve with Cabbage Roll Soup
It’s hearty on its own, but pairs well with:
- Crusty bread
- Simple green salad
- Garlic toast
Pure comfort on the table.
Storage and Reheating
- Store leftovers in the fridge up to 4 days
- Freeze up to 3 months
- Reheat gently on the stovetop
For safe handling of cooked meat, follow USDA Food Safety guidelines:
https://www.usda.gov/food-safety
FAQ – Cabbage Roll Soup
Does this taste like cabbage rolls?
Yes—all the classic flavors.
Can I make it ahead?
Absolutely, it gets better with time.
Is it freezer-friendly?
Very—perfect for batch cooking.
Is it kid-friendly?
Yes, mild and comforting.
Approximate Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: ~420 kcal
- Protein: 28 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
Values vary based on meat and rice used.
Final Words from Chef André
This Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe brings old-fashioned comfort into an easy, modern format. Warm, hearty, and full of flavor, it’s the kind of meal that makes everyone feel at home.
If you try it, tell me—extra cabbage or extra broth?
Chef André 👨🍳