Cabbage Roll Soup

The comforting taste of cabbage rolls, without the hassle of rolling — that’s the beauty of this Cabbage Roll Soup. With tender cabbage, savory ground beef, juicy tomatoes, and soft rice simmered together, this dish delivers bold flavor and cozy nostalgia in every spoonful.

Perfect for chilly days, family dinners, or easy weekly meal prep, this one-pot wonder satisfies cravings and warms the soul. It’s everything you love about the traditional dish in a simplified, spoon-ready form. Serve with crusty bread and a sprinkle of fresh herbs to make it extra inviting.

Full Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 4 cups chopped green cabbage

• 2 medium carrots, sliced

• 4 cups beef broth

• 3 cups water

• 2 (14.5-ounce) cans diced tomatoes

• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce

• 1/2 cup uncooked long-grain white rice

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)

• Chopped parsley for garnish

Directions:

1. In a large soup pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.

2. Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pot. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and translucent.

3. Stir in the cabbage and carrots. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Pour in the beef broth, water, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Mix well.

5. Add uncooked rice, paprika, salt, pepper, thyme, and brown sugar (if using). Stir to combine.

6. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and vegetables are tender.

7. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 280 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

What Makes Cabbage Roll Soup So Special

Cabbage Roll Soup is a heartwarming dish inspired by the classic Eastern European favorite—stuffed cabbage rolls. However, instead of spending time wrapping cabbage leaves around a meat and rice mixture and baking them, this soup offers a convenient, one-pot solution that delivers all the same nostalgic flavors. The result is a rich, comforting bowl that combines savory ground beef, tender cabbage, flavorful herbs, and hearty rice simmered in a tomato-based broth.

This dish is not only practical for busy weeknights, but it’s also incredibly satisfying. It has that cozy, home-cooked quality that makes you feel instantly nourished and comforted. Whether you grew up eating cabbage rolls or are new to the concept, this soup delivers the experience in a much simpler and faster way.

Origins and Cultural Roots

Stuffed cabbage rolls are found in a variety of cultures—Ukrainian holubtsi, Polish gołąbki, Russian golubtsy, and even Middle Eastern malfouf mahshi. Each version has its own regional twist, but they typically include cabbage, ground meat, rice or grains, and a tomato-based sauce. Cabbage Roll Soup captures the essence of these traditional dishes while modernizing the preparation to suit today’s fast-paced lifestyles.

The soup form likely evolved as a natural way to simplify the more labor-intensive original. It’s a great example of culinary adaptation—preserving cultural flavor while increasing accessibility. It also makes the dish more approachable for newer generations or home cooks who want the taste of their heritage without the time commitment.

Why It’s a Family Favorite

This soup is incredibly family-friendly. It’s flavorful without being spicy, hearty enough to serve as a complete meal, and customizable for different palates or dietary needs. Kids often enjoy it because of its tomato-forward flavor and familiar ground beef texture, while adults appreciate the rich depth from the herbs and the filling nature of the dish.

Another reason it’s a go-to for families is that it makes great leftovers. In fact, the flavors deepen over time, making the soup even tastier the next day. It also freezes well, so you can cook once and enjoy multiple meals, which is a big win for meal prepping and saving money on groceries.

Nutritional Benefits

Cabbage Roll Soup isn’t just comforting—it’s also nourishing. Cabbage is a low-calorie vegetable rich in vitamins C and K, as well as antioxidants that support immune function and reduce inflammation. Ground beef offers protein and iron, while rice provides energy-boosting carbohydrates.

You can even make healthier versions of this soup by using lean ground beef, ground turkey, or even a plant-based meat substitute. Brown rice or cauliflower rice can be swapped in for added fiber or fewer carbs, and adding extra veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms boosts its nutrition even further.

This dish naturally aligns with many dietary preferences. It’s gluten-free as long as the broth and tomato sauce are gluten-free, and it’s easy to adapt for low-carb or dairy-free diets. You get a solid balance of macronutrients—protein, carbs, and fats—plus a boost of fiber and vitamins.

Flavor Profile and Texture

What makes this soup so comforting is the harmony of its ingredients. The tomato base provides a savory-sweet tang that plays perfectly against the richness of the beef and the subtle earthiness of cabbage. Carrots add natural sweetness and texture, while garlic and onion give the broth depth.

The rice makes the soup thicker and heartier than a basic broth-based soup, turning it into a satisfying main course. If you simmer it longer, the rice will soak up more of the broth and thicken the soup to a stew-like consistency—great for those who love robust textures.

The final touch—herbs like thyme or parsley—brightens everything up. It’s rustic yet refined, homestyle but not plain. It truly is a bowl full of warmth and depth.

Perfect Occasions to Serve Cabbage Roll Soup

This dish shines on cold evenings, snow days, or during the fall and winter seasons when your body craves warm and filling meals. But it’s also a great year-round option for meal planning. Because it reheats so well, it’s perfect for work lunches or lazy Sundays when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

It’s also a fantastic crowd-pleaser for potlucks or family gatherings. You can prepare a big batch, keep it warm in a slow cooker, and let everyone serve themselves. Add a basket of crusty bread or a side salad, and you’ve got a complete meal that satisfies everyone at the table.

Tips for Making the Best Cabbage Roll Soup

• Use Fresh Cabbage: While green cabbage is the traditional choice, you can also use Napa cabbage or savoy for a more delicate texture.

• Brown the Beef Well: Take time to sear the beef properly—it adds layers of flavor.

• Don’t Overcook the Rice: To prevent the rice from turning mushy, monitor it closely, especially if you’re reheating.

• Season in Layers: Season the beef as it cooks, and adjust the broth once everything is simmering for the best depth of flavor.

• Add a Splash of Vinegar: A small dash of white vinegar or apple cider vinegar at the end brightens the flavor and balances the richness.

Adaptations and Variations

• Low-Carb Version: Replace the rice with riced cauliflower or omit it entirely.

• Vegetarian Version: Use lentils or plant-based ground meat, and swap beef broth for vegetable broth.

• Spicy Kick: Add a touch of crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for heat lovers.

• Cheesy Finish: Add a sprinkle of shredded cheese just before serving for an extra indulgent twist.

• Creamy Twist: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk for a creamy tomato-based broth.

These tweaks allow you to cater to different diets and preferences while still enjoying the soul-warming essence of cabbage rolls.

How to Store and Reheat

Cabbage Roll Soup stores beautifully. Let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, place in freezer-safe containers, leaving a bit of room for expansion, and it will keep for up to 3 months.

When reheating, you can use the stovetop or microwave. If the soup thickens too much in storage, just add a bit of broth or water to loosen it up while heating.

Conclusion

Cabbage Roll Soup is the perfect intersection of tradition and convenience. It captures the deep, comforting flavors of classic cabbage rolls but transforms them into a dish that fits busy schedules, modern kitchens, and diverse dietary needs. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner, freezing portions for the week, or introducing a childhood favorite to your own family, this soup is a timeless recipe with broad appeal.

It’s nutritious, budget-friendly, freezer-safe, and full of flavor. With minimal prep and one pot, you can create a wholesome meal that feeds the body and comforts the soul. So grab your soup pot, chop that cabbage, and get ready for a warm, satisfying bowl of goodness you’ll want to make again and again.