Cabbage Roll Soup

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🍲 Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe

  • Prep time: 15 minutes

  • Cook time: 30 minutes

  • Servings: 6–8

  • Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 lb (450g) Lean ground beef (or ground turkey)

  • 1 Large yellow onion, diced

  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced

  • 1 small head Green cabbage (about 2 lbs), chopped into 1-inch pieces

  • 2 cans (14.5 oz each) Diced tomatoes (undrained)

  • 1 can (8 oz) Tomato sauce

  • 4 cups Beef broth (low sodium preferred)

  • 1 cup Cooked white or brown rice

  • 2 tbsp Brown sugar (adjust to taste)

  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 tsp Dried thyme

  • 1 tsp Smoked paprika

  • Salt & Pepper to taste

  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Brown the Meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onions. Cook until the beef is no longer pink. Drain any excess grease.

  2. Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

  3. Simmer the Base: Add the chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and paprika. Stir well.

  4. Cook: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender.

  5. Add Rice: Stir in the pre-cooked rice and let it sit for 5 minutes to heat through. (See Tips for why we use cooked rice!)

  6. Season & Serve: Season with salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.

💡 Notes & Pro-Tips

  • The Rice Rule: Always add already cooked rice at the very end. If you cook raw rice in the soup, it will soak up all the broth and turn into a thick porridge overnight.

  • Balance the Tang: Traditional cabbage rolls have a “sweet and sour” profile. If your soup tastes too acidic, add an extra teaspoon of brown sugar or a splash of apple cider vinegar to balance it out.

  • The “Better Next Day” Effect: Like most stews, this tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to mingle.

🥗 Nutritional Info & Benefits

Per serving (approximate):

Nutrient Amount
Calories 285 kcal
Protein 22g
Fat 9g
Carbs 31g
Fiber 5g

Health Benefits

  • Cabbage Power: Cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable packed with Vitamin C and K. It’s excellent for digestion and inflammation.

  • High Protein: Keeps you satiated for longer.

  • Low Calorie, High Volume: Because cabbage is mostly water and fiber, you can eat a large portion for relatively few calories.

❓ Common Questions (Q&A)

Q: Can I freeze this soup?

A: Yes, but freeze it without the rice. Rice becomes mushy when frozen in liquid. Add fresh rice when you reheat the soup.

Q: Can I make this in a Slow Cooker?

A: Absolutely! Brown the beef/onions first, then throw everything (except rice) in the crockpot for 4 hours on high or 7-8 hours on low. Stir in rice at the end.

Q: I don’t like beef; what else can I use?

A: Ground turkey or pork works beautifully. For a vegetarian version, use lentils or a plant-based crumble with vegetable broth.

 

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