Cabbage Roll Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55-65 minutes
- Yield: Servings: 6
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Cabbage Roll Soup is a hearty and comforting one-pot meal that captures all the classic flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the rolling hassle. Featuring ground meat, tender cabbage, tomatoes, and savory spices, this soup is perfect for a nutritious, satisfying dinner any time of year.
Ingredients
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Ground beef or ground turkey
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Onion
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Garlic
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Green cabbage (chopped)
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Carrots
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Diced tomatoes (canned)
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Tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
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Beef or vegetable broth
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White or brown rice (optional)
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Olive oil
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Salt and pepper
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Paprika
- Dried thyme or Italian seasoning
Instructions
Notes
Substitute lentils or plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version.Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce for a spicy kick.Use quinoa or barley instead of rice.Fresh herbs like dill or basil make great garnishes.Add extra vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or celery for variety.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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All the flavor, less work: All the taste of cabbage rolls in a simple soup form.
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Healthy and hearty: Loaded with vegetables and lean protein.
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One-pot convenience: Minimal cleanup and easy prep.
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Perfect for any season: Warm and comforting on cold days, light and fresh when served hot.
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Family-friendly: Loved by adults and kids alike.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Ground beef or ground turkey
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Onion
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Garlic
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Green cabbage (chopped)
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Carrots
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Diced tomatoes (canned)
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Tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
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Beef or vegetable broth
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White or brown rice (optional)
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Olive oil
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Salt and pepper
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Paprika
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Dried thyme or Italian seasoning
Directions
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Cook the meat: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef or turkey, breaking it up, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
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Sauté aromatics: Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook until softened.
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Add vegetables: Stir in chopped cabbage and sliced carrots, cooking until slightly tender.
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Add liquids and seasonings: Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
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Add rice (optional): Stir in rice for a more filling soup.
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Simmer: Bring soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until vegetables and rice are tender.
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Adjust seasoning: Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed.
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Serve: Ladle into bowls and enjoy hot, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 6
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 40 minutes
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Total Time: 55 minutes
Variations
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Vegetarian version: Substitute meat with lentils or plant-based crumbles.
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Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
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Different grains: Use quinoa or barley instead of rice.
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Herb variations: Fresh dill or basil work well as garnish.
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Extra veggies: Add bell peppers, zucchini, or celery.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
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Freezing: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
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Reheating: Warm gently on the stove or microwave until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a leaner alternative and works well.
Is rice necessary in the soup?
No, rice is optional and can be omitted or substituted with other grains.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown meat and sauté vegetables first, then transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
How do I prevent the cabbage from becoming mushy?
Add cabbage later in the cooking process and avoid overcooking.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, fresh diced tomatoes can be used but may alter cooking time.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free broth and no added gluten ingredients.
Can I add more spices?
Absolutely, adjust seasonings to your taste.
What can I serve with this soup?
Crusty bread, rolls, or a side salad.
How thick should the soup be?
It’s meant to be brothy but hearty; adjust broth quantity for desired thickness.
Can I freeze the soup with rice?
Yes, but rice may soften further when reheated; consider adding rice fresh when reheating.
Conclusion
Cabbage Roll Soup is a comforting, easy-to-make dish that delivers all the delicious flavors of traditional cabbage rolls in a warm and hearty soup. Its simple preparation and wholesome ingredients make it a perfect choice for weeknight meals or meal prep, bringing satisfying taste and nutrition to your table with minimal effort.
