If you’re craving cozy home-cooked comfort but don’t want to fuss with rolling cabbage leaves, this Homemade Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe is your dream come true. It’s a hearty, soul-warming bowl inspired by classic stuffed cabbage rolls—loaded with tender beef, veggies, rice, and a robust tomato broth, all simmered together for a dish that’s equal parts satisfying dinner and nostalgic treat. You get all the rich flavors of traditional cabbage rolls, but with a fraction of the effort. Grab your favorite soup pot and let’s get started!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the things I absolutely love about this recipe is how it takes humble, everyday ingredients and transforms them into something deeply flavorful. Each item below brings something crucial to the table, whether it’s building that savory depth or giving our soup its signature heartiness.
- Olive oil: A splash to start everything off and give the beef and veggies richness right from the first sizzle.
- Ground beef: The hearty backbone and main source of protein, bringing that classic cabbage-roll flavor.
- Onion: A diced onion sets a sweet, savory base for our soup’s flavor to build on.
- Garlic cloves: Using fresh minced garlic instantly lifts all the other flavors and gives the broth depth.
- Green cabbage: Chopped and tender, this is the star of the show, soaking up all those wonderful juices.
- Carrots: Sliced carrots add sweetness and a pop of color that make each spoonful inviting.
- Canned diced tomatoes: This gives our soup both body and bright tomato flavor in every bite.
- Tomato sauce: A silky, tangy addition that thickens the broth and ties everything together.
- Beef broth: The foundational broth, savory and rich—definitely pick a good-quality one for max flavor.
- Uncooked long-grain white rice: This soaks up the broth, thickens the soup, and transforms it into a meal.
- Worcestershire sauce: Just one tablespoon adds a subtle savory complexity that sets this apart.
- Paprika: Adds gentle warmth and beautiful color throughout the soup.
- Dried thyme: A little thyme gives an herby aroma that perks up the earthy flavors.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning, making sure everything pops.
- Black pepper: For a dash of mild spice and balanced flavor.
- Bay leaf: It quietly infuses the entire pot with a round, soft background note.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A bright green garnish that lifts the finished soup visually and taste-wise.
How to Make Homemade Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating up the olive oil in a big sturdy pot—Dutch ovens work wonders here—over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with your spoon as it cooks. You want a nice even browning since those caramelized bits will add so much flavor. It usually takes about 6 to 8 minutes. If your beef releases a lot of fat, just drain off the excess before moving on.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Next, toss in your diced onion and minced garlic. Stir them around with the beef for a couple of minutes until the onion softens and everything smells cooking-show incredible. This sets the tone for a truly crave-worthy Homemade Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe!
Step 3: Add Veggies and Sauté
Stir in the chopped cabbage and sliced carrots. Let them cook together for about 5 minutes with the meaty base, so they start to soften and soak up all that savory goodness.
Step 4: Build the Brothy Base
Now the fun part—add your diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, and uncooked rice. Drop in the Worcestershire sauce, paprika, thyme, salt, pepper, and a bay leaf. Give it all a happy stir!
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Bring your pot to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover it. Let it simmer for 25 to 30 minutes. The rice becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, the cabbage is silky, and the flavors all come together like a family reunion. Don’t forget to remove the bay leaf before serving!
Step 6: Taste and Adjust
Give your soup a taste and adjust the seasoning if you like extra salt or pepper—this is your masterpiece, after all. Serve warm, and don’t be shy with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley!
How to Serve Homemade Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe
Garnishes
My go-to topping for this soup is lots of chopped fresh parsley, which makes every bowl look extra vibrant and inviting. For a little kick, try a pinch of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. And if you love a touch of richness, a dollop of sour cream can transform each spoonful into pure magic.
Side Dishes
To round out the meal, a hunk of crusty bread or warm rolls for dunking is irresistible. Simple green salads work great for balance, and you can’t go wrong with roasted potatoes or buttered noodles if you want something heartier. The beauty of a Homemade Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe is that it plays well with so many classic sides!
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy gathering, ladle the soup into deep stoneware bowls and set up a DIY garnish bar—everyone customizes their bowl! Or serve it in small mugs as a starter at your next family dinner. If you’re feeling playful, sprinkle crispy fried onions or crunchy croutons on top for an unexpected twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Simply store it in a covered container, and you’ll have comforting Homemade Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe ready for lunch or dinner later in the week. The flavors actually deepen and taste even better the next day!
Freezing
This soup is one of those gems that freezes like a dream. Cool it completely, portion it into airtight freezer containers or bags, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight when you’re ready for a taste of comfort food on a busy night.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it’s thickened too much in storage. In a pinch, microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring halfway through until steaming hot.
FAQs
Can I use a different ground meat in the Homemade Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works just as well if you want a lighter version. You may want to add a touch more olive oil for richness if using leaner meats.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
Swap the ground beef for lentils or a plant-based meat substitute, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You’ll still get all the classic flavor and satisfying texture.
Will brown rice work instead of white?
Yes, you can use brown rice! Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the simmering time and keep an eye on the liquid so the soup doesn’t get too thick.
Can I prepare this Homemade Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe in advance?
It’s a fantastic make-ahead dish. In fact, the flavors get even deeper after resting overnight. Simply store, chill, and reheat when you’re ready to serve.
What vegetables can I add or substitute?
Feel free to toss in diced bell pepper, celery, or even a handful of baby spinach near the end of cooking. This recipe is flexible, so make it your own and use up what you have on hand.
Final Thoughts
If you’re dreaming of a hearty, easy meal that wraps you up like a warm hug, you need to try this Homemade Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe. It’s incredibly forgiving, always flavorful, and perfect for sharing. Give it a spot in your soup lineup—you’ll be amazed at how often you crave it!
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Homemade Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This hearty Homemade Cabbage Roll Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for chilly days. It combines all the delicious flavors of traditional cabbage rolls in an easy-to-make soup form.
Ingredients
For the soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 head green cabbage, chopped (about 4 cups)
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned.
- Add aromatics: Saute the diced onion and garlic until softened and fragrant.
- Cook veggies: Stir in the cabbage and carrots and cook for 5 minutes.
- Add remaining ingredients: Mix in tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, rice, Worcestershire sauce, and spices. Simmer for 25–30 minutes.
- Finish and serve: Adjust seasoning, remove bay leaf, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
- For a leaner option, use ground turkey or chicken.
- You can substitute brown rice, adjusting cooking time and liquid levels.
- This soup freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Eastern European-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 640 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
