Cabbage roll soup is a comforting bowl of goodness that captures all the warmth of traditional cabbage rolls, minus the tedious rolling. Imagine a melty blend of ground beef, tender vegetables, and perfectly cooked rice swimming in a rich and savory broth. This hearty dish isn’t just delicious; it’s also economical, making it a fantastic choice for busy weeknights or family gatherings.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Cabbage Roll Soup (All the Flavor, No Rolling)
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Cabbage Roll Soup (All the Flavor, No Rolling)

Cabbage Roll Soup (All the Flavor, No Rolling)

I first stumbled upon this recipe during a chilly autumn evening when all I craved was a warm, nourishing meal. After tasting it, I knew I had discovered a true gem. Every spoonful is a delightful reminder of home-cooked meals, and the best part? It’s ready in under an hour! With this Cabbage Roll Soup (All the Flavor, No Rolling), you can enjoy all the flavor without the fuss of assembly. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a staple in your home as well.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: It comes together in just about an hour, with only 10 minutes of prep work.
Irresistible Flavor: Juicy ground beef paired with tender cabbage and a symphony of spices brings an exceptional taste.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant mix of ingredients makes for a beautiful presentation in any bowl.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy it during cozy family dinners, for meal prep, or even as a savory lunch option.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable to gluten-free diets with simple ingredient swaps.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 lbs ground beef: This hearty protein forms the base of your soup. For a leaner option, you can substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the flavor of the beef and other vegetables.
½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a touch of warmth and subtle spice.
1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil: Used to sauté the vegetables; both oils provide a lovely flavor.
2 cups yellow onion – diced (about 1 medium onion): Adds a sweet base; use white or red onions if preferred.
1 cup carrots – sliced or diced: For sweetness and color; frozen mixed vegetables can be a quick substitute.
2 cloves garlic – minced: Infuses the soup with a robust aroma; fresh garlic is recommended for the best flavor.
1 lb green cabbage – chopped (about 1 medium head of cabbage): The star ingredient! Swap with Napa cabbage for a sweeter taste.
30 oz diced tomatoes: Provides acidity and richness; crushed tomatoes can make an excellent alternative.
8 oz tomato sauce: Adds depth to the soup; you can use a homemade version if you prefer.
6 cups gluten-free beef broth – or gluten-free chicken broth: The nourishing liquid base; if you don’t need it gluten-free, regular beef or chicken broth will do.
1 cup uncooked white rice: This absorbs flavors and adds heartiness; brown rice can be used but will alter the cooking time.
1 tablespoon gluten-free Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami; look for gluten-free options like Lea & Perrins.
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Brightens the flavors; a splash of vinegar could Work as a substitute.
1 tablespoon brown sugar: Balances the acidity; you can reduce or omit this based on taste preference.
2 teaspoons paprika: Provides earthiness; smoked paprika can give an added depth.
1 teaspoon dried oregano: Offers a touch of herbal aroma; Italian seasoning can work as an alternative.
½ cup fresh parsley – chopped: Adds freshness and color just before serving; swap for chives if desired.

How to Make Cabbage Roll Soup (All the Flavor, No Rolling)

Preheat the pot: Begin by preheating a large Dutch oven over medium heat. This will help your ground beef cook evenly and develop a nice brown color.

Brown the beef: Add 2 lbs ground beef to the pot, seasoning it with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Sauté this mixture for about 5-6 minutes, breaking the beef apart with a spatula as it cooks, ensuring it’s browned but not overcooked.

Sauté the vegetables: Drizzle in 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil, followed by 2 cups yellow onion. Stir well and let the mixture cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.

Add carrots and garlic: Toss in 1 cup carrots and 2 cloves minced garlic. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning the garlic. You want it all fragrant and flavorful!

Incorporate the cabbage: Gently mix in 1 lb chopped green cabbage, cooking it for a few minutes. You’ll notice it starting to wilt, giving way to its tender goodness.

Combine all ingredients: Now it’s time to bring it all together! Stir in 30 oz diced tomatoes, 8 oz tomato sauce, 6 cups gluten-free beef broth, 1 cup uncooked white rice, 1 tablespoon gluten-free Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 2 teaspoons paprika, and 1 teaspoon dried oregano. Everything should be well combined and looking saucy.

Bring to a boil: Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil. The bubbling broth is a promise of comfort ahead, so enjoy the anticipation.

Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid. Let it simmer for 30 minutes, allowing the rice to tenderize and the flavors to meld beautifully.

Garnish and serve: Before serving, stir in ½ cup chopped fresh parsley. This final touch not only adds a burst of color but also a refreshing taste. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting warmth with your favorite bread!

Storing & Reheating

To store your cabbage roll soup, let it cool to room temperature before transferring it into an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to save some for later, it can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to use freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through, which should take about 10-15 minutes. Keep in mind that the rice may absorb some liquid during storage, so you might want to add a splash of broth or water to refresh the texture.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the beef; it should be cooked just until browned to keep it tender.
If using brown rice instead of white, increase the broth by 1 cup to adjust for the longer cooking time.
To enhance flavor, you can sauté the garlic briefly before adding the onions.
For added creaminess, a splash of cream or milk can be stirred in during the last few minutes of cooking.
Don’t forget to adjust seasoning after it simmers; sometimes, a pinch of salt or an extra squeeze of lemon makes all the difference!

Cabbage Roll Soup (All the Flavor, No Rolling) combines all the cozy flavors of a classic dish with ease and convenience. It’s packed with nutritious ingredients and provides a hearty meal that everyone will enjoy. Feel free to experiment with the ingredients or add your favorite spices. Each bowl is a comforting reminder of home. Enjoy it with your loved ones, and don’t forget to relish every spoonful!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Brown the ground beef and sauté the vegetables beforehand, then transfer everything into your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for about 3-4 hours. This method enhances the flavors even more!

How can I make this soup vegetarian?

For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and the rest of the ingredients stay the same for a delicious vegetarian delight.

Is it safe to freeze soup with rice?

Yes, it is safe to freeze soup that contains rice. However, keep in mind that the rice may become softer when reheated. To maintain some texture, consider cooking the rice separately and adding it just before serving after defrosting the soup.

How do I adjust the spice level?

To make the soup spicy, consider adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while cooking. For a milder flavor, simply omit any additional spices and use fresh herbs for a fragrant touch without heat.

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Cabbage Roll Soup (All the Flavor, No Rolling)

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Author: Peter
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Soups
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

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Description

This Cabbage Roll Soup brings you all the comforting flavors of the classic dish without the hassle of rolling! Made with tender ground beef, hearty cabbage, and savory spices, this recipe is perfect for a quick and delicious dinner that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

2 lbs ground beef
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
2 cups yellow onion – diced (about 1 medium onion)
1 cup carrots – sliced or diced
2 cloves garlic – minced
1 lb green cabbage – chopped (about 1 medium head of cabbage)
30 oz diced tomatoes
8 oz tomato sauce
6 cups gluten-free beef broth – or gluten-free chicken broth
1 cup uncooked white rice
1 tablespoon gluten-free worcestershire sauce – i use lea & perrins which is labeled gf in the usa
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ cup fresh parsley – chopped

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Instructions

Preheat a large dutch oven over medium heat. Add ground beef seasoned with kosher salt and black pepper, and brown the meat for 5-6 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula.
Add olive oil and diced onion to the pot, stirring to combine. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion is tender.
Stir in sliced carrots and minced garlic, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring the garlic doesn’t burn.
Incorporate chopped cabbage and cook for a few minutes until it starts to soften.