Last Updated on September 4, 2025 by recipeinspire
Table of Contents
Cabbage Roll Soup: 7 Steps to Your New Favorite Comfort Food
Are you craving comfort food? What if there was a cozy delight you could whip up in just 90 minutes? Introducing the delightful Cabbage Roll Soup! This hearty soup not only warms your soul but also boasts incredible nutritional benefits. With the colder months approaching, there’s no better time to dive into this easy recipe that could easily become your go-to for every meal.
Ingredients List

Here’s what you will need to make this delicious Cabbage Roll Soup:
- 1 pound ground beef (or substitute with turkey or a plant-based alternative)
- 1 large head of green cabbage, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter option)
- 1 cup long-grain rice, rinsed
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Timing
The total time to prepare this comforting recipe is just 90 minutes, which is 20% less time than the average soup recipe. Breaking it down, you will spend about 15 minutes on prep and 75 minutes to cook this hearty soup. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. This aromatic base will enhance the flavor of your soup and create a comforting atmosphere.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
Add 1 pound of ground beef to the pot. Cook until the meat is browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. This should take about 7-10 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat if necessary for a healthier dish.
Step 3: Add the Cabbage
Stir in the chopped cabbage and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing it to wilt. The cabbage will add a crunch and nutritious element to the soup that balances the richness of the meat.
Step 4: Mix in the Tomatoes and Broth
Pour in 1 can of diced tomatoes and 4 cups of beef broth. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. The tomatoes bring a slight acidity to the dish, which enhances its flavor profile.
Step 5: Incorporate the Rice
Add 1 cup of rinsed long-grain rice to the pot and sprinkle in 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning. Stir everything together and bring it to a boil.
Step 6: Let it Simmer
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let your soup simmer for about 60 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the rice to become tender.
Step 7: Final Touches
After simmering, remove the pot from heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. A quick taste test here can help you adjust the flavor to your liking!
Nutritional Information
This delicious Cabbage Roll Soup serves about 6 and contains approximately:
- Calories: 325
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
For those looking to enhance the nutritional profile while still keeping the scrumptious flavor, here are a few modifications:
- Swap ground beef for lean turkey or chicken to reduce fat content.
- Use quinoa instead of rice for added protein and fiber.
- Opt for low-sodium broth to control sodium intake.
- Incorporate more vegetables, like bell peppers or carrots, for added vitamins.
Serving Suggestions
This soup is versatile! Here are some serving ideas to elevate your meal:
- Serve with a crusty piece of bread or grilled cheese for dipping.
- Top with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for added richness.
- Pair with a light salad for a balanced meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure your soup turns out perfectly every time, keep these common pitfalls in mind:
- Overcooking the meat: Brown it just enough to develop flavor and keep it juicy.
- Not rinsing the rice: Rinse before adding to the soup to avoid a gummy texture.
- Skipping seasoning: Taste throughout the cooking process, as flavors can develop and evolve.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
If you have leftovers—lucky you! Here’s how to store them properly:
- Cool the soup to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container.
- Store it in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop when ready to enjoy again, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen it up if it thickens.
Cabbage Roll Soup
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Cabbage roll soup is a hearty, comforting dish that transforms the classic flavors of stuffed cabbage rolls into a rich, warming one-pot soup. Perfect for chilly days and easy enough for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium head cabbage, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup uncooked rice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles.
- Add onion, garlic, carrots, and bell pepper. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in chopped cabbage and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Add rice, paprika, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30–35 minutes until rice and cabbage are tender.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
This soup freezes well. For best texture, cook rice separately and add just before serving if planning to store leftovers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Eastern European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: cabbage roll soup, stuffed cabbage soup, ground beef soup, hearty soup recipe
Conclusion
The comforting embrace of Cabbage Roll Soup will surely warm your heart and satisfy your cravings. Remember the 7 simple steps we discussed, and you’ll have a favorite cozy dish in no time! Don’t forget to try this recipe, and let us know how you enjoyed it by leaving your feedback in the comments below!
FAQs
Q: Can I make this soup in advance?
A: Absolutely! In fact, the flavors deepen and improve when the soup sits overnight in the fridge.
Q: Is this soup gluten-free?
A: Yes! As long as you use gluten-free broth, it’s entirely gluten-free. Just ensure your rice is also gluten-free.
Q: Can I use frozen cabbage?
A: While fresh cabbage yields the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen cabbage if that’s what you have on hand. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Dive into your kitchen and enjoy the delights of making your very own Cabbage Roll Soup! Happy cooking!







