Craving the classic flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the tedious rolling? This cabbage roll soup brings all the delicious elements of the beloved dish into a simple, warming, and incredibly satisfying one-pot meal that’s perfect for cold days and hungry families.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 450g (1 lb) ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 medium carrot, peeled and diced
- 1 celery rib, diced (optional)
- 1/2 head of green cabbage (approximately 4 cups), chopped
- 1/2 cup uncooked white rice
- 4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth)
- 2 cups water
- 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (400g) tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed soup pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent and slightly softened.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring to prevent burning.
- Add ground beef or turkey to the pot. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon and cook until browned, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in diced carrots and celery (if using). Cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Add chopped cabbage and cook for another 2-3 minutes until it begins to soften.
- Pour in beef broth, water, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Stir to combine.
- Add uncooked rice, dried oregano, paprika, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
- If using, add Worcestershire sauce for extra depth of flavor.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 25-30 minutes or until rice is tender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley.
Nutritional Information
Per Serving (approximately):
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
Preparation Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes Total Time: 50-55 minutes Servings: 6-8
Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Use lean ground meat to reduce overall fat content
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground meat with lentils or plant-based meat alternatives
- Cut cabbage into uniform pieces for even cooking
- Rinse rice before adding to remove excess starch
- Let soup rest for 10 minutes before serving to enhance flavors
Possible Variations and Substitutions
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free broth and omit Worcestershire sauce
- Low-Carb: Replace rice with cauliflower rice
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce
- Different Proteins: Try ground chicken or plant-based crumbles
- Vegetable Variations: Add bell peppers or zucchini
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker? Yes, combine all ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Q2: How long can I store this soup? Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days. Freezes well for up to 3 months.
Q3: Can I use brown rice instead of white? Yes, but increase cooking time by 15-20 minutes.
Q4: Is this soup healthy? It’s a nutritious, balanced meal with lean protein, vegetables, and whole grains.
Q5: Can I make this soup ahead of time? Absolutely! It often tastes even better the next day.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Cool completely before storing
- Refrigerate in sealed containers
- Reheat gently on stovetop, adding splash of broth if needed
- Freezes excellently for future meals
Enjoy this comforting and hearty cabbage roll soup that brings all the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls into an easy, delicious one-pot meal!