Craving the comforting flavors of cabbage rolls but without the fuss? Then Cabbage Roll Soup is exactly what you need! This hearty soup delivers all the savory goodness of classic cabbage rolls in a simple, satisfying bowl. It’s packed with tender cabbage, flavorful ground meat, and a tangy tomato broth – the ultimate comfort food for a chilly day!
What is Cabbage Roll Soup?
Ever stopped to wonder why we call it “Cabbage Roll Soup” when there aren’t actually any rolls involved? I mean, where’s the cabbage cleverly cradling a meaty filling? Is it rebellion? Lazy cooking transformed into a culinary revelation? Or perhaps a genius cook simply forgot the rolling part one day and accidentally created a masterpiece?
Maybe it’s like that old saying: ‘the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach… even if the cabbage isn’t rolled properly!’ Whatever the origin, it’s pure comfort in a bowl. Ready to ditch the rolling and dive into some serious flavor? Grab your spoons and let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Cabbage Roll Soup:
Get ready to fall in love with this Cabbage Roll Soup! The best part? It’s packed with all the delicious flavors of traditional cabbage rolls, but without the time-consuming rolling. Plus, making this soup at home is incredibly budget-friendly. Forget expensive takeout – this recipe lets you feed the whole family for less.
Don’t forget the toppings! A dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh dill elevate this simple soup. Think of it as a cousin to tomato soup but with vegetables. Intrigued? Then roll up your sleeves (pun intended!) and get ready to make this easy and affordable soup.
Key Ingredients for Cabbage Roll Soup:
Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting soup:
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides the rich, savory base of the soup.
- 1 large onion, chopped: Adds aromatic flavor and sweetness.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the soup with a pungent and savory note.
- 1 large head of cabbage, shredded: The star of the show, providing a tender and slightly sweet flavor. Medium sized cabbage is preferred.
- 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained: Adds a tangy and juicy element to the broth.
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce: Thickens the broth and intensifies the tomato flavor.
- 6 cups beef broth: Forms the flavorful liquid base of the soup.
- 1/2 cup uncooked long-grain rice: Adds texture and body to the soup.
- 1 tablespoon paprika: Provides a smoky and vibrant color.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds depth and umami. You can use coconut amino for a vegan option.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Contributes a savory and slightly peppery note.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a fresh and vibrant touch.
- Sour cream (optional, for serving): Provides a creamy and tangy counterpoint to the soup.
How to Make Cabbage Roll Soup:
The convenience of this soup doesn’t mean you’re sacrificing on delicious, hearty flavours. This Cabbage Roll Soup comes together in under an hour! This soup is a perfect one and done meal.
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Brown the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the ground beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the Rest: Stir in the shredded cabbage, diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, beef broth, uncooked rice, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
Simmer and Cook: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the cabbage and rice are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Taste and Adjust: Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or paprika to suit your preference.
Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and a dollop of sour cream (optional).
What to Serve Cabbage Roll Soup With:
This cabbage roll soup is a hearty meal on its own, but if you want to round it out, here are some great options:
- Crusty Bread: A slice of crusty bread, such as baguette or sourdough, is perfect for soaking up the delicious broth.
- Side Salad: A simple side salad with mixed greens, vinaigrette, and some cherry tomatos adds a fresh contrast to the savory soup.
- Garlic Knots: If you are looking for something bolder, warm garlic knots with parmesan are delicious!
Top Tips for Perfecting Cabbage Roll Soup:
- Don’t Overcook the Cabbage: Keep a close watch on your cabbage, overcooking it can render it mushy.
- Use Fresh Herbs: If you have access to fresh oregano, it wil elevate the flavor greatly.
- Spice it Up: For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup.
- Customize with Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, celery, or bell peppers to the soup.
- Brown the Beef Well: Don’t skip the browning step! Searing the ground beef adds depth and richness to the soup.
- Rinse the Rice: Rinsing the uncooked rice before adding it to the soup helps remove excess starch, preventing it from becoming too gummy.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Storing:
- Refrigerate: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, transfer the cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Be sure to leave some headspace in the containers, as the soup will expand when frozen.
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Reheat the refrigerated or frozen soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Add a little broth or water if the soup becomes too thick.
- Microwave: Reheat individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl, coveredloosely, on high for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
Final Thoughts:
This Cabbage Roll Soup is is a healthy, easy and hearty meal to feed and please your family! It’s a perfect meal for beginners due to its relative simpilicty. This meal is cheap and flavourful. It’s a blank canvas, you can add any vegetables you want to it. Best of all it can be eaten all year round, but the spicey aromatic smells will keep you in the holiday spirit.
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest
FAQs:
Q: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?
A: Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works just as well. It will change the flavor slightly, but it will still be delicious.
Q: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
A: Yes! Brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A: Yes, but keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook. You may need to increase the cooking time by 15-20 minutes.
Q: Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
A: Of course! Carrots, celery, bell peppers, and green beans all make great additions.
Q: How can I make this soup vegetarian?
A: Omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth. You can also add a can of drained and rinsed lentils or beans for added protein.
Q: Can I make a bigger batch of this soup to freeze for later?
A: Yes! This soup freezes beautifully. Just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing it in airtight containers.