If you have a soft spot for the classic comfort of cabbage rolls but crave something quicker and easier, this Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Imagine all those familiar flavors swirling together in a hearty, warming soup that’s perfect for any day when you want a cozy meal without all the fuss. It’s packed with tender cabbage, savory ground beef, and that rich tomato base, making every spoonful a delicious celebration of this beloved dish’s essence.

Ingredients You’ll Need

In a white round pan with green handles, there is one layer of raw ground meat in the center, pink and slightly textured with ridges. Underneath and around the meat is a layer of chopped white onions, small and unevenly cut. The pan sits on a flat white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe lies in how simple yet thoughtfully chosen the ingredients are. Each one plays its own role, whether adding depth, texture, or freshness, ensuring each bowl is bursting with balanced flavor.

Lean ground beef: Provides hearty protein and a satisfying meaty base without too much fat.
Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth when sautéed.
Garlic: Brings that classic savory punch that complements the beef perfectly.
Chopped cabbage: The star veggie, adding crunch and mild earthiness.
Tomato sauce: Creates a smooth, tangy foundation for the soup’s rich flavor.
Fire-roasted diced tomatoes with juices: Adds smoky complexity and vibrant texture.
Beef broth: Enriches the soup’s depth and keeps the flavors well-rounded.
Water: Balances the broth for the perfect soup consistency.
Paprika: Offers a subtle smoky warmth and beautiful color.
Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that ties all the flavors together.
Uncooked white rice (jasmine recommended): Adds comforting body and soaks up all those tasty juices.
Salt & pepper: Simple seasonings that bring out the best in every ingredient.

How to Make Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onion

Start by warming a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add your lean ground beef alongside the chopped onion. Cook them together until the beef is beautifully browned, which should take about 8 minutes. Remember to give it an occasional stir to break up the meat evenly. If you see a lot of fat accumulation, feel free to spoon most of it out to keep the soup lighter and less greasy.

Step 2: Layer in the Flavors

Next, stir in the minced garlic letting it become fragrant but not browned, then toss in the chopped cabbage. Follow this with the tomato sauce and fire-roasted diced tomatoes, including their juices, which are packed with smoky goodness. Pour in the beef broth and water to create the soup’s base. Add your paprika and Italian seasoning to build a wonderful aroma and flavor profile. Finally, sprinkle in the uncooked jasmine rice, ready to soak up all that delicious broth.

Step 3: Simmer to Perfection

Bring your pot to a boil over high heat. Once bubbles emerge, give everything a good stir, then reduce the heat to low and cover your pot, leaving the lid slightly ajar. Let the soup simmer gently for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender. Stir occasionally during this time to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom and to help the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 4: Season and Serve

Once your rice is perfectly cooked, it’s time to taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking. This final touch will bring all the flavors into vivid focus. Your Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe is now ready to be ladled into bowls for a heartwarming meal.

How to Serve Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe

A close-up view of a thick stew inside a white pot with a black ladle lifting a portion. The stew has a rich reddish-brown color with visible bits of ground meat, chopped tomatoes, onion slices, and rice mixed throughout. Small pieces of green herbs are sprinkled across the stew, adding a touch of color. The stew’s surface is glossy and slightly chunky with a hearty texture. The white marbled surface beneath is barely visible around the pot. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Brighten up each bowl with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of tangy plain yogurt can add a lovely creaminess that balances the soup’s acidity. If you like heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes is a fantastic way to spice things up without overwhelming the classic comfort flavors.

Side Dishes

This soup is hearty on its own, but pairing it with a warm crusty bread or buttered garlic toast turns the meal into a full-on cozy feast. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast, while some roasted root vegetables add an earthy, satisfying complement to the tender cabbage and rich broth.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your cabbage roll soup in individual bread bowls—perfect for dipping and adding extra texture. You can also top the soup with crispy bacon bits or toasted pumpkin seeds for a delightful crunch. If you’re feeling adventurous, try layering the soup with a sprinkle of shredded cheese and a quick broil for a gooey, comforting finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer your leftover cabbage roll soup into airtight containers and keep them in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 3 to 4 days to maintain freshness and flavor intensity. The rice will continue to soak up broth, so the soup might thicken a bit, but a splash of broth or water during reheating will fix that right up.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully, making it a perfect candidate for meal prep. For best results, freeze in portion-sized containers. Keep in mind that the texture of cabbage and rice might change slightly when frozen and thawed, but the soulful flavors remain intact and comforting.

Reheating

To reheat, warm your soup gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup is too thick, add a little broth or water to reach the consistency you desire. Microwaving works well too—just heat in intervals and stir in between to ensure even warming and to preserve the flavors and textures.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option and will give the soup a lighter flavor. Just be sure to brown it thoroughly to develop that rich, savory base.

Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, you can replace the ground beef with plant-based protein or simply skip it and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Adding mushrooms can also bring a nice umami depth to the soup.

What type of rice works best in this recipe?

Uncooked white rice, particularly jasmine as recommended, cooks up tender and fragrant, mingling beautifully with the soup. Avoid pre-cooked rice, as it can become mushy during simmering.

Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?

Definitely! Brown the beef and onions first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, ensuring the rice and cabbage become tender and flavors marry perfectly.

How spicy is this soup?

This recipe has a mild warmth thanks to the paprika and Italian seasoning, but it’s not spicy hot. If you enjoy extra heat, feel free to add chili flakes or hot sauce to your taste either during cooking or when serving.

Final Thoughts

There’s something wonderfully satisfying about a bowl of homemade soup that captures the heart of a classic dish, and this Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe does exactly that. It’s easy, comforting, and incredibly flavorful, making it perfect for weeknights or anytime you need a little culinary hug. Give this recipe a try, and you might just find yourself reaching for it again and again.

Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe