Hearty Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe: Cozy Comfort in a Bowl

Warming winter nights call for a hearty cabbage roll soup that brings comfort straight to your kitchen.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this delicious one-pot meal.

Polish and Ukrainian traditions inspired this remarkable culinary creation packed with robust flavors.

Tender cabbage, savory ground meat, and rich tomato broth combine in a soul-satisfying dish.

Seasonal vegetables add depth and nutritional value to each spoonful.

Fresh herbs and a sprinkle of paprika elevate this classic recipe from simple to spectacular.

Let this soup become your new cold-weather companion and warm you from the inside out.

Catchy Twists For Cabbage Roll Soup

• Low-Carb Cabbage Soup: Replace rice with cauliflower rice, reducing carbohydrate content and creating a keto-friendly version of the original recipe.
• Vegetarian Protein Packed Option: Swap ground meats with plant-based crumbles or lentils, maintaining the soup's hearty texture while eliminating animal proteins.
• Spicy Southwestern Variation: Add diced jalapeños, cumin, and chili powder to transform the soup's flavor profile, creating a zesty Mexican-inspired rendition.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Bowl: Confirm all ingredients are certified gluten-free, substituting standard rice with quinoa or brown rice to accommodate dietary restrictions.

What Goes Well With Cabbage Roll Soup

• Hearty Wine Companion: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Zinfandel to complement the robust meat and vegetable flavors, cutting through the richness with its balanced acidity.
• Rustic Bread Pairing: Serve with crusty sourdough or rustic whole wheat bread, perfect for soaking up the savory broth and adding textural contrast to each spoonful.
• Fresh Herbal Garnish: Top with chopped fresh parsley or green onions, bringing a bright, crisp element that lifts the deep, hearty soup and adds a vibrant visual appeal.
• Tangy Side Salad: Prepare a simple green salad with light vinaigrette dressing, offering a refreshing counterpoint to the warm, substantial soup and cleansing the palate between bites.

How To Keep Cabbage Roll Soup Fresh

• Transfer cooled soup to airtight containers, seal tightly, and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep portions separate to maintain freshness and prevent rapid spoilage.
• Pour soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving one-inch headspace. Label with date and contents, then freeze for 2-3 months. Avoid freezing rice-based soups for optimal texture.
• Place desired portion in microwave-safe bowl, cover with microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute warmth evenly. Add splash of broth if soup seems dry.
• Pour soup into saucepan, heat over medium-low temperature.

Questions About Cabbage Roll Soup Answered

• Can I use different types of meat in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef and pork with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Ensure the meat is browned thoroughly and cooked to the proper internal temperature.

• Is this soup gluten-free?

The recipe contains rice, which is gluten-free. However, check your beef broth label to confirm it’s gluten-free, as some brands might contain gluten-based additives.

• How can I make this soup more nutritious?

Add extra vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or kale during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking. These will boost the nutritional value and add more color and texture to the soup.

Why Cabbage Roll Soup Is A Comfort Favorite

• Craft Quick Comfort: Dive into a hearty soup that brings warmth and satisfaction with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for busy home cooks seeking delicious meals.
• Boost Nutrition Powerhouse: Packed with lean proteins, vibrant vegetables, and wholesome rice, this recipe delivers a balanced meal that nourishes body and soul in one pot.
• Maximize Flavor Potential: Slow-simmered ingredients create a rich, deeply seasoned broth that transforms simple components into a restaurant-quality dining experience at home.
• Versatile Meal Champion: Adaptable to various dietary preferences, this soup welcomes easy substitutions and serves wonderfully as a complete meal or crowd-pleasing gathering dish.

What You’ll Need For Cabbage Roll Soup

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that provides rich flavor and substantial texture to the soup.
• Ground Pork: Adds depth and additional richness to the meat base of the dish.
• Cabbage: A traditional ingredient that brings a subtle sweetness and tender texture to the soup.
• Rice: Serves as a filling grain that absorbs the flavorful broth and adds body to the meal.

• Onions, Garlic: Create a foundational flavor base with their aromatic and savory characteristics.
• Carrots, Celery, Green Bell Pepper: Contribute layers of vegetable complexity and nutritional value to the soup.

• Beef Broth: Provides a deep, meaty liquid foundation that enhances the overall soup flavor.
• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Paste: Add acidity, richness, and a vibrant color to the soup.
• Olive Oil: Helps to sauté vegetables and create a smooth cooking base.
• Dried Thyme, Salt, Black Pepper, Bay Leaf: Deliver essential seasoning and aromatic depth to the entire dish.

Making Cabbage Roll Soup Step By Step

Step 1: Heat Oil and Start Flavor Base

Warm olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, creating a delicious foundation for your hearty soup.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Toss diced onions into the hot oil, cooking until they turn translucent and release their sweet aroma. Add minced garlic and quickly stir for a brief moment.

Step 3: Brown the Meats

Introduce ground beef and ground pork to the pot. Break the meats into small crumbles, cooking until they’re completely browned with no pink remaining.

Step 4: Add Chopped Vegetables

• Carrots
• Celery
• Green bell pepper

Stir and let them soften slightly, adding depth to the soup’s flavor profile.

Step 5: Create the Liquid Base

• Beef broth
• Diced tomatoes with juices
• Tomato paste

Mix well to create a rich, robust liquid foundation.

Step 6: Season the Soup

• Dried thyme
• Salt
• Black pepper

Drop in a bay leaf to infuse additional layers of flavor.

Step 7: Bring to a Boil and Simmer

Bring the soup to a rolling boil, then reduce heat. Let it simmer uncovered, allowing the flavors to blend and intensify for 20 minutes.

Step 8: Add Rice and Cabbage

Stir in uncooked rice and chopped cabbage. Continue simmering for 15-18 minutes until rice becomes tender and cabbage softens.

Step 9: Remove Bay Leaf

Pluck out the bay leaf, ensuring it doesn’t remain in the final serving.

Step 10: Rest and Serve

Let the soup rest off the heat for 5 minutes. This final moment allows the flavors to fully marry and develop. Ladle into warm bowls and enjoy the comforting, hearty meal.

Tips For Cooking Cabbage Roll Soup Right

• Boost Meat Browning: Ensure ground beef and pork develop a deep, caramelized crust by patting meat dry before cooking and avoiding overcrowding the pan.
• Rice Perfection: Rinse rice beforehand to remove excess starch, preventing clumping and ensuring each grain remains separate and fluffy in the soup.
• Vegetable Texture Magic: Cut vegetables uniformly to guarantee even cooking and maintain a pleasant, consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Flavor Layering Technique: Add herbs and spices at different stages to build depth, starting with aromatics like onions and garlic, then introducing dried thyme for maximum taste impact.
• Soup Storage Hack: Cool completely before refrigerating, and store rice separately to prevent it from becoming mushy when reheating leftovers.

Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe

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4.5 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 60-64 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty cabbage roll soup brings Polish comfort to your kitchen, delivering nostalgic flavors in a single comforting bowl. Rich layers of ground meat, tender vegetables, and tangy tomato broth invite you to savor a classic recipe that warms both body and soul.

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Ingredients

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Meat Base:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 lb ground pork
• 1 large onion
• 2 cloves garlic

Vegetables:

• 4 cups chopped cabbage
• 2 carrots
• 2 celery stalks
• 1 green bell pepper

Liquid and Seasonings:

• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup uncooked rice

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat, preparing to build robust flavor foundations.
2. Sauté diced onions until translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes, then introduce minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
3. Add ground beef and ground pork, breaking meat into small crumbles and browning thoroughly until no pink remains, roughly 7-8 minutes.
4. Incorporate chopped carrots, celery, and green bell pepper, stirring to combine and allowing vegetables to soften slightly for 2-3 minutes.
5. Pour in beef broth, diced tomatoes with their juices, and tomato paste, creating a rich liquid base for the soup.
6. Sprinkle dried thyme, salt, and black pepper into the mixture, then drop in the bay leaf to infuse deep, layered seasonings.
7. Bring the soup to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and develop.
8. Stir in uncooked rice and chopped cabbage, continuing to simmer for an additional 15-18 minutes until rice is tender and cabbage is soft.
9. Remove bay leaf before serving, ensuring each bowl contains a harmonious blend of meat, vegetables, and aromatic broth.
10. Let soup rest for 5 minutes off the heat to further develop its complex flavor profile before ladling into warm bowls.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef or turkey for a lighter, healthier version of the soup that reduces overall fat content.
• Swap white rice with cauliflower rice or quinoa to create a low-carb, gluten-free alternative that maintains the dish’s hearty texture.
• Enhance meal prep by preparing larger batches and freezing portions, which develop even more intense flavors after reheating and allow convenient future meals.
• Consider adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice at the end for a bright, tangy note that cuts through the richness of the meat and broth.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 50-54 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Eastern European

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg