Cabbage Roll Soup – A Hearty, Comforting One-Pot Meal

If you love classic cabbage rolls but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, then Cabbage Roll Soup is the perfect alternative. This one-pot meal delivers all the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the hassle of rolling each leaf. It’s packed with tender cabbage, juicy ground beef, tangy tomatoes, and flavorful spices, making it an excellent choice for cozy nights.

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Why Cabbage Roll Soup is Easier Than Traditional Cabbage Rolls

Traditional cabbage rolls require boiling, filling, rolling, and baking, which can be time-consuming. However, this unstuffed cabbage roll soup simplifies the process while maintaining the rich, comforting taste. Additionally, it’s loaded with nutrients—cabbage is rich in fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants (read more about cabbage’s health benefits).

For those who love meal prepping, this soup is a fantastic option. Not only does it come together quickly, but also it freezes beautifully. If you’re unsure how to properly store soups, check out these expert soup storage tips.

Meanwhile, if you’re in the mood for another warm and cheesy dish, consider trying Gina’s Creamy Mushroom Lasagna—a perfect comfort food alternative.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe

✔ One-Pot Meal – Less cleanup and easy preparation.
✔ Comforting & Hearty – Packed with flavorful meat, tender cabbage, and savory broth.
✔ Great for Meal Prep – Freezes and reheats well for easy leftovers.
✔ Customizable – Easily adapt for different diets (low-carb, vegan, gluten-free).

Ingredients for Homemade Cabbage Roll Soup

Before getting started, it’s important to have all the ingredients ready. This way, the cooking process becomes seamless and efficient.

Essential Ingredients for a Flavorful Soup

1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
1 onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chopped green cabbage
2 carrots, peeled and sliced
4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter version)
3 (8-ounce) cans tomato sauce
1/2 cup uncooked long-grain rice (brown rice works, but requires longer cooking time)
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley for garnish

If you’re looking for a delicious side dish, try serving this soup with Black Bean and Corn Salad—a refreshing contrast to the hearty, tomato-based broth.

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Step-by-Step Instructions for the Best Cabbage Roll Soup

1. Browning the Meat and Aromatics

First, heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
Then, add ground beef, season with salt and black pepper, and cook until browned (about 4–5 minutes).
Next, stir in diced onions and garlic, cooking until fragrant (2–3 minutes).

2. Adding the Vegetables and Broth for Rich Flavor

At this point, stir in chopped cabbage and sliced carrots.
Then, pour in beef broth, tomato sauce, and uncooked rice.
After that, add bay leaf, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

3. Simmering to Create a Hearty Cabbage Soup

Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 25 minutes.
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and check if the rice is tender.
Finally, remove the bay leaf and discard it.

4. Garnishing and Serving This Comforting Meal

Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for added color and freshness.
Serve hot with crusty bread or a fresh green salad.

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Recipe Variations & Substitutions for Different Diets

Low-Carb & Keto Cabbage Roll Soup

Instead of regular rice, use cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
Additionally, using lean ground turkey instead of beef cuts down on fat.

Vegetarian and Vegan Cabbage Soup Recipe

For a meatless version, swap ground beef for lentils or plant-based crumbles.
Instead of beef broth, use vegetable broth.

Slow Cooker & Instant Pot Versions for Convenience

Slow Cooker: Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
Instant Pot: Use the sauté function for browning, then pressure cook for 15 minutes.
If you’re debating between cooking methods, read this Instant Pot vs. Slow Cooker guide.

Meanwhile, for another comfort food classic, check out Steak with French Onions and Mushrooms—a rich and flavorful dish that pairs wonderfully with soups.

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Serving Suggestions for a Complete Meal

Pair your hearty cabbage roll soup with:
✅ Garlic bread – Perfect for dipping.
✅ Side salad – A light, refreshing contrast.
✅ Dollop of sour cream – Adds extra creaminess.
✅ A glass of red wine – Complements the tomato-based broth.

Best Ways to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Refrigerate in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Reheat in a pot over medium heat or microwave for 2–3 minutes.
Tip: Add a splash of broth or water before reheating to maintain consistency.

Final Thoughts on This Delicious Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe

This easy, hearty meal delivers rich, nostalgic flavors with minimal effort. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or a cozy winter meal, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy.

Try this delicious, nourishing soup today, and let us know how it turned out!