Cabbage Roll Soup

Cabbage Roll Soup is a comforting and hearty dish inspired by the traditional flavors of stuffed cabbage rolls but with the convenience of a soup. It combines all the classic ingredients like ground beef, cabbage, tomatoes, and rice in a simple one-pot meal that is perfect for any cozy night. This soup offers the robust flavors of savory beef and tender cabbage with the tang of tomatoes, creating a balanced dish that is both satisfying and flavorful.

Ingredients

To make this delicious and hearty Cabbage Roll Soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef
    This serves as the base of the soup, providing richness and depth. Ground beef is a classic choice for cabbage rolls and brings a meaty flavor to the dish.
  • 1 onion, chopped
    Onions add sweetness and complexity to the soup as they cook down with the beef.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
    Garlic offers an aromatic layer, deepening the flavor profile of the soup.
  • 1 small head cabbage, chopped
    Cabbage is the star of the dish, offering texture and a slight sweetness as it becomes tender during cooking.
  • 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
    Diced tomatoes provide acidity and a bright, tangy flavor that balances out the richness of the beef and cabbage.
  • 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
    Tomato sauce helps create a rich, thick base for the soup, making it more substantial.
  • 4 cups beef broth
    Beef broth adds savory depth to the soup and complements the ground beef. It serves as the liquid base for the soup.
  • 1/2 cup uncooked white rice
    Rice helps thicken the soup and adds a starchy, hearty component that makes it a complete meal.
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
    Paprika provides a subtle smokiness and enhances the overall flavor of the soup.
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
    Oregano adds a mild, earthy flavor that works well with the tomatoes and beef.
  • Salt and pepper to taste
    Essential for seasoning the soup and bringing all the flavors together.

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large pot, heat over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook until the beef is fully browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Make sure it’s nicely browned as this adds flavor to the base of the soup.

Step 2: Cook the Onions and Garlic

Once the beef is browned, stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for about 3-5 minutes until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant. This step helps build layers of flavor as the onions and garlic soften.

Step 3: Add the Cabbage and Tomatoes

Stir in the chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes (with their juice), and tomato sauce. The cabbage will soften as it simmers, becoming tender and absorbing the flavors of the broth and tomatoes.

Step 4: Add the Broth, Rice, and Spices

Pour in the beef broth and stir in the uncooked rice, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. The broth helps bring all the ingredients together, while the rice cooks directly in the soup, thickening it and soaking up the flavors.

Step 5: Simmer the Soup

Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the rice is fully cooked. Stir occasionally to ensure the rice doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot.

Step 6: Taste and Adjust Seasoning

Once the soup is done, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or paprika if necessary to balance the flavors.

Step 7: Serve

Serve the Cabbage Roll Soup hot. You can top it with a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess or sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a burst of freshness.

Serving & Storage

Serving Suggestions:

Cabbage Roll Soup is a hearty meal on its own, but you can pair it with some additional sides for an even more complete meal:

  • Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the rich broth.
  • Sour Cream: Add a dollop of sour cream on top of the soup to provide a creamy contrast to the tangy tomatoes.
  • Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh parsley or dill to brighten the dish.

Storage Tips:

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little water or broth if the soup has thickened.
  • Freezing: This soup freezes well! Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop.

Variations

This Cabbage Roll Soup recipe is versatile and can be easily adjusted to fit your personal preferences or dietary needs:

1. Substitute the Protein

  • Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a leaner option, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. These lighter meats will absorb the flavors of the broth and spices while making the soup a bit lower in fat.

2. Make It Spicy

  • Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for an extra kick of heat. This can add a little zing to the hearty dish.

3. Try a Different Grain

  • Swap the Rice for Quinoa or Barley: For a twist on the classic, swap out the white rice for quinoa or barley. These grains provide additional texture and nutrients while keeping the soup filling.

4. Vegetarian Option

  • Make it Meatless: Omit the ground beef and beef broth for a vegetarian version. Replace the beef broth with vegetable broth and add extra vegetables like carrots, celery, or bell peppers for more substance.

FAQ

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice, but it may take longer to cook. Add an additional 10-15 minutes to the cooking time, or cook the brown rice separately and stir it into the soup when it’s nearly done.

How can I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?

If the soup seems too thin, you can simmer it uncovered for a few extra minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, you can mash some of the potatoes in the soup to naturally thicken it.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! Cabbage Roll Soup is great for meal prepping. You can make it a day ahead of time and store it in the fridge. The flavors deepen as it sits, making it even more delicious the next day.

Conclusion

Cabbage Roll Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that brings the flavors of classic stuffed cabbage rolls into a simple, easy-to-make soup. Packed with ground beef, tender cabbage, and tangy tomatoes, it’s a filling meal that’s perfect for colder months. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the warmth and richness of this dish, and don’t forget to customize it to suit your taste!

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Cabbage Roll Soup


  • Author: Isabella Roberts
  • Total Time: 1 hour

Description

A hearty and comforting soup inspired by classic cabbage rolls.


Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef

1 onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 small head cabbage, chopped

1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes

1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce

4 cups beef broth

1/2 cup uncooked white rice

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste


Instructions

  1. In a large pot, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add in the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until onion is translucent.
  2. Stir in the chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, rice, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  3. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the rice is cooked.
  4. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.
  5. Optional: Serve with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top.
  • Prep Time: 20
  • Cook Time: 40

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