Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe – A Hug in a Bowl

There’s something magical about the aroma of simmering food that brings back fond memories. Just picture it: a chilly afternoon, the wind rustling the leaves outside, and all I can smell is the savory scent of my Cabbage Roll Soup bubbling away on the stove. It transports me back to Sundays at my grandmother’s house, where the kitchen was always warm and filled with laughter. This soup combines all those cozy feelings with a hearty, comforting flavor that warms you from the inside out.

Why You’ll Love It

• Quick and easy to make
• Comforting homemade flavor
• Made with simple ingredients
• Great for any occasion
• Always a crowd-pleaser

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, finely diced
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic (fresh garlic gives it that extra flavor boost)
• 4 cups coarsely chopped green cabbage
• 2 carrots, peeled, quartered, and sliced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 3 (8 ounce) cans tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup uncooked long grain rice
• 1 bay leaf
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons parsley

How to Make It

Let’s get cooking together! First, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. As the oil shimmers, add the ground beef. Season it with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. You’ll hear that soft sizzle — that’s when it’s just right! Cook, breaking up the meat with a spatula, until the beef is browned, which should take about 4-5 minutes.

Next, toss in the finely diced onion and minced garlic. The smell of the onion softening in the hot oil? Pure heaven. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Now, it’s time to add the star players: the coarsely chopped green cabbage and those lovely carrot slices.

Pour in the beef broth and tomato sauce next, letting it all mingle together. Add the uncooked rice, drop in the bay leaf, and sprinkle that brown sugar over the mix — yes, it adds a hint of sweetness that balances everything beautifully.

Don’t forget to season it with a touch more salt and pepper to taste. Bring your pot to a gentle simmer, and let it cook for about 25 minutes, or until the rice is tender. This is the magic moment when your kitchen will begin to smell like a warm embrace!

Finally, remove that bay leaf and discard it. Sprinkle the parsley on top, and your Cabbage Roll Soup is ready to serve!

Kitchen Tips

• Time-saver: Chop your veggies the night before to speed things up when you’re ready to cook!
• Common mistake fix: If the soup seems too thick, add a splash more beef broth or water for the perfect consistency.
• Flavor variation: Try adding some diced bell peppers for a colorful twist or a dash of hot sauce if you’re in the mood for a little kick!

Serving Ideas

This Cabbage Roll Soup is perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in. Serve it hot in your favorite bowls, and consider garnishing with a sprinkle of additional parsley or some grated cheese on top for an extra touch of comfort. A crusty loaf of bread on the side makes it a meal fit for royalty. Trust me, gatherings are best when you have a big pot of this soup to share, whether it’s a Sunday supper or a chilly evening with friends.

Storing & Leftovers

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
• One fun leftover idea? Make a savory wrap using tortillas and your Cabbage Roll Soup filling for a delightful lunch the next day!

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Definitely! It often tastes even better the next day after the flavors have time to mingle.

Q: Can I swap any ingredients?
A: Of course! This recipe is very forgiving—feel free to use ground turkey or chicken, throw in different veggies, or even use quinoa instead of rice.

Q: What’s the best way to serve it?
A: Fresh from the pan, while it’s still warm and aromatic.

Q: How do I know it’s perfectly cooked?
A: Look for golden edges on the meat and that delicious, fragrant smell — that’s your sign!

Final Thoughts

This Cabbage Roll Soup has a special place in my heart. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a reminder of the warmth of family, laughter, and the joy of sharing food together. I hope you give it a try, and have as much joy making and eating it as I do. You’ll find it’s the perfect addition to your weeknight meals or any gathering with loved ones. Make it, tweak it, and make it your own—after all, that’s what cooking is all about! Enjoy your Cabbage Roll Soup! 🍲💛

Cabbage Roll Soup

A comforting, hearty soup that brings nostalgic flavors of cabbage rolls to your table, perfect for chilly afternoons.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Course, Soup

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, finely diced
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic Fresh garlic gives it that extra flavor boost.
• 4 cups coarsely chopped green cabbage
• 2 carrots, peeled, quartered, and sliced

Broth and Seasoning

• 4 cups beef broth
• 3 cans tomato sauce (8 ounces each)
• 1/2 cup uncooked long grain rice
• 1 bay leaf
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method

 

Cooking

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground beef and season with salt and pepper. Cook, breaking up the meat, until browned (4-5 minutes).
3. Add the onion and minced garlic. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Stir in the chopped cabbage and carrot slices.
5. Pour in the beef broth and tomato sauce. Add the rice, bay leaf, and brown sugar.
6. Season with more salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for about 25 minutes, until the rice is tender.
7. Remove the bay leaf and discard it. Sprinkle parsley on top before serving.

Notes

Chop vegetables the night before to speed up cooking. If the soup is too thick, add more broth or water. Variations include adding bell peppers or hot sauce.