Craving a comforting and hearty meal that’s packed with flavor and easy to make? This Cabbage Roll Soup recipe has you covered! It’s the deconstructed, delicious, and stress-free version of classic cabbage rolls, perfect for a chilly evening or any time you need a satisfying one-pot wonder.
What is Cabbage Roll Soup?
Cabbage Roll Soup is the ultimate comfort food, essentially a deconstructed version of traditional cabbage rolls. Imagine all the delicious flavors of ground meat, tender cabbage, hearty tomatoes, and savory spices, simmered together in a flavorful broth – all without the fuss of rolling individual cabbage rolls.
It’s a naturally gluten-free and lower carb alternative, making it a great choice for a variety of diets. This soup is incredibly versatile, easily customizable with different meats, vegetables, and seasonings to suit your preferences. Ready to enjoy a warm, comforting, and incredibly flavorful soup? Give this Cabbage Roll Soup recipe a try!
Key Ingredients for Cabbage Roll Soup:
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey, pork, or a combination)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium head of green cabbage, shredded or chopped
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown) – optional, but adds heartiness
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)
- Sour Cream, dollop for garnish (optional)
How to Make Cabbage Roll Soup:
This Cabbage Roll Soup is surprisingly easy to make and ready in about 45 minutes from start to finish! It’s a one-pot dish that’s both delicious and comforting, blending ground beef, tender cabbage, and a rich tomato broth. The flavors meld together beautifully, creating a hearty and satisfying meal that everyone will love.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Brown the Meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess grease.
Sauté Aromatics: Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the browned beef. Cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the Cabbage: Stir in the shredded or chopped cabbage. Cook until the cabbage begins to soften, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Incorporate Tomato Products: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir to combine.
Add Broth and Spices: Pour in the beef broth. Add dried oregano, dried basil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
Simmer the Soup: Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, to allow the flavors to meld. The longer it simmers, the better it tastes!
Add Rice (Optional): If using rice, stir in the cooked rice during the last 10 minutes of cooking. This will prevent the rice from becoming mushy.
Taste and Adjust: Taste the soup and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or spices according to your preference.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley and a dollop of sour cream (optional). Enjoy hot!
Why You’ll Love This Cabbage Roll Soup:
The main highlight of this Cabbage Roll Soup is its incredible flavor – it captures all the essence of classic cabbage rolls without the tedious work. This recipe is also a budget-friendly superstar! Ground beef and cabbage are relatively inexpensive ingredients, making it a cost-effective way to feed a family.
Plus, you can easily stretch the soup with extra vegetables or beans. Toppings elevate this soup to the next level. A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and tang, while fresh parsley brightens the flavors.
If you love soups with a similar heartiness, try our unstuffed pepper soup for another easy and delicious deconstructed favorite. Don’t wait – make this Cabbage Roll Soup tonight and enjoy a warm, comforting, and flavorful meal!
What to Serve Cabbage Roll Soup With:
- Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread or rolls for dipping into the flavorful broth.
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a fresh contrast to the richness of the soup.
- Mashed Potatoes: For an even heartier meal, serve with a scoop of mashed potatoes.
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of the soup.
- Grilled Cheese: A grilled cheese sandwich is the perfect partner.
Top Tips for Perfecting Cabbage Roll Soup:
- Meat Alternatives: Feel free to substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground pork, or even a combination of meats. You can also use Italian sausage for a spicier flavor.
- Vegetable Variations: Add other vegetables like carrots, celery, or bell peppers to customize the soup to your liking. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
- Broth Options: If you don’t have beef broth, chicken broth or vegetable broth can be used as a substitute. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.
- Rice Alternatives: If you don’t have cooked rice, you can add other grains like quinoa or barley. For a low-carb option, omit the rice altogether.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. You can also use spicy Italian sausage for a bolder flavor.
- Low and Slow: Simmering the soup for a longer period of time allows the flavors to meld together even more. If you have the time, let it simmer for up to 2 hours.
- Cabbage Prep: To save time, you can buy pre-shredded cabbage at the grocery store. Make sure to rinse it before adding it to the soup.
- Acid Check: A splash of apple cider vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens the flavors.
5 Facts about Cabbage Roll Soup:
- It’s Budget-Friendly: Cabbage Roll Soup is an economical way to feed a crowd.
- It’s Gluten-Free (Often): Typically gluten-free, but always check your broth ingredients!
- It’s Highly Adaptable: Easily customized to your dietary needs and preferences.
- It’s A One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup makes this an ideal weeknight meal.
- It Gets Better with Time: The flavors deepen and meld together the next day.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Storing: Allow the soup to cool completely before storing. Transfer the soup to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers or zip-top freezer bags. Be sure to leave some room at the top, as the soup will expand when frozen. Properly stored, the soup can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, simply place the soup in a pot on the stovetop over medium heat. Heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat the soup in the microwave in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute or so until heated through. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup seems too thick after reheating.
Final Thoughts:
Cabbage Roll Soup is a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its simple ingredients and customizable nature, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re looking for a hearty weeknight meal or a cozy weekend dinner, this soup is sure to satisfy. Enjoy!
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest
Cabbage Roll Soup FAQs:
Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A: Yes! Brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic as directed. Then, transfer everything to a slow cooker, add the remaining ingredients, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Check for doneness and adjust seasonings before serving.
Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A: Absolutely. Brown rice will add a nuttier flavor and more fiber to the soup. Just be sure it’s fully cooked before adding it to the soup. You may also need to add a little more broth as brown rice tends to absorb more liquid.
Q: Can I make this soup without meat?
A: Definitely! You can omit the meat entirely or substitute it with plant-based ground meat alternatives. You can also add lentils or beans for extra protein and heartiness. Adjust seasonings accordingly.
Q: How can I make this soup spicier?
A: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup. You can also use spicy Italian sausage instead of regular ground beef.
Q: Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
A: Yes! Carrots, celery, bell peppers, and diced tomatoes are great additions to this soup. Add them along with the cabbage for a more flavorful and nutritious meal.
Q: Is it better to chop or shred the cabbage?
A: It’s a matter of personal preference. Shredded cabbage will cook down more and become more tender, while chopped cabbage will retain more of its texture.
Q: What if my soup is too watery?
A: If your soup seems too watery, simmer it uncovered for a longer period of time to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to thicken the soup.