Nothing warms the soul quite like a bowl of hearty cabbage roll soup. This dish is rich, comforting, and packed with wholesome ingredients, making it the perfect meal for any season. If you love the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls but want an easier, one-pot version, this soup is for you!
With lean ground beef, tender cabbage, vibrant vegetables, and a flavorful broth, this recipe transforms classic cabbage rolls into a warm and hearty soup. It’s simple to prepare, incredibly nourishing, and great for meal prep.
Let’s dive into this delicious cabbage roll soup recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Hearty Cabbage Roll Soup
- Easy One-Pot Meal – Enjoy the flavors of stuffed cabbage rolls without the hassle.
- Nutritious & Filling – Packed with protein, fiber, and wholesome ingredients.
- Comforting & Flavorful – A rich tomato-based broth infused with warming spices.
- Perfect for Meal Prep – Tastes even better the next day!
- Customizable – Easily adjust with different grains, meats, or seasonings.
Ingredients for Hearty Cabbage Roll Soup
Here’s everything you need to make this flavorful and satisfying soup:
Main Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp |
| Lean ground beef | 1 lb |
| Sea salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Yellow onion, finely diced | 1 medium |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Carrots, quartered and sliced | 2 medium |
| Sweet red bell pepper, diced | 1 |
| Fresh thyme leaves | A few sprigs |
| Green cabbage, chopped | 6-7 cups |
| Low-sodium beef broth | 4 cups |
| Tomato puree | 3 cans (8 oz each) |
| Quinoa or brown rice (uncooked) | ½ cup |
| Bay leaf | 1 |
| Honey | 1 tbsp |
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Hearty Cabbage Roll Soup
1. Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Add the lean ground beef, season with salt and black pepper, and cook until browned.
- Once fully cooked, transfer the beef to a plate and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Add the sliced carrots and diced red bell pepper, cooking for another 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
3. Combine Ingredients
- Return the cooked ground beef to the pot.
- Stir in the fresh thyme leaves and chopped cabbage.
- Pour in the low-sodium beef broth and tomato puree, mixing well.
4. Add Grains and Seasonings
- Stir in the uncooked brown rice or quinoa.
- Add the bay leaf and honey for extra depth of flavor.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
5. Simmer the Soup
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes.
- Stir occasionally until the rice/quinoa and vegetables are tender.
6. Season and Serve
- Remove the bay leaf from the pot and discard it.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional fresh thyme or parsley if desired.
Best Ways to Serve Cabbage Roll Soup
- With Crusty Bread – Perfect for dipping into the rich tomato broth.
- Over Mashed Potatoes – Adds an extra comforting touch.
- With a Side Salad – A fresh green salad balances out the hearty soup.
- Topped with Cheese – A sprinkle of Parmesan or mozzarella adds extra richness.
Health Benefits of Cabbage Roll Soup
1. High in Protein and Nutrients
- Ground beef and quinoa/brown rice provide muscle-building protein and essential amino acids.
2. Supports Digestion and Gut Health
- Cabbage and carrots are rich in fiber, promoting good digestion.
3. Packed with Vitamins and Minerals
- Cabbage, bell peppers, and tomatoes contain vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants.
4. Low in Calories, High in Satiety
- This soup is nutrient-dense yet light, making it great for healthy eating and weight management.
Expert Tips for the Best Cabbage Roll Soup
1. Use Fresh Ingredients
- Fresh cabbage, carrots, and tomatoes enhance both flavor and nutrition.
2. Let the Soup Simmer for Maximum Flavor
- Allowing it to simmer longer helps blend the spices and broth.
3. Make It Heartier with Extra Protein
- Add ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based protein for variation.
4. Adjust the Texture to Your Preference
- Use more broth for a thinner soup or reduce the liquid for a thicker stew-like consistency.
5. Make It Ahead for Better Flavor
- The soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together!
Delicious Variations of Cabbage Roll Soup
1. Spicy Cabbage Roll Soup 🌶️
- Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
2. Vegetarian Cabbage Soup 🌱
- Replace beef with lentils or chickpeas for a plant-based version.
3. Creamy Cabbage Roll Soup 🥛
- Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk for extra richness.
4. Low-Carb Cabbage Soup 🥬
- Skip the rice/quinoa and add extra veggies like mushrooms and zucchini.
5. Mediterranean-Inspired Cabbage Soup 🇬🇷
- Add olives, feta cheese, and lemon juice for a Greek-inspired twist.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
1. Refrigerating Leftovers
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
2. Freezing for Later
- Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months.
3. Best Ways to Reheat
- Stovetop: Heat over medium heat until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken works great as a leaner alternative.
2. How do I prevent my soup from being too thick?
Add extra broth or water while simmering to adjust the consistency.
3. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. What can I use instead of quinoa or rice?
Try using cauliflower rice, barley, or lentils for variation.
5. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup tastes even better the next day.
Final Thoughts & Call to Action
This hearty cabbage roll soup is the ultimate comfort food—rich, flavorful, and packed with nutritious ingredients. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner, meal prep, or a family gathering, it’s a delicious and satisfying choice.
Hearty Cabbage Roll Soup: A Comforting Classic 🥣✨
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This hearty cabbage roll soup is a one-pot wonder that delivers all the comforting flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls without the extra work. It’s rich, savory, and packed with vegetables, making it the perfect meal for a cozy night in.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- Sea salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, quartered and sliced
- 1 sweet red bell pepper, diced
- A few sprigs of fresh thyme, leaves picked
- 1 small green cabbage, chopped (about 6–7 cups)
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 3 cans (8 oz each) tomato puree
- ½ cup uncooked quinoa or brown rice
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tbsp honey
Instructions
1. Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned.
- Once fully cooked, remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same pot, add the onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the carrots and red bell pepper and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Combine Everything
- Return the cooked beef to the pot.
- Add the thyme leaves and chopped cabbage, stirring well.
- Pour in the beef broth and tomato puree, mixing to combine.
4. Add Grains and Seasonings
- Stir in the quinoa or brown rice.
- Add the bay leaf and honey, then bring the soup to a boil.
5. Simmer the Soup
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the grains and vegetables are tender.
6. Final Seasoning and Serving
- Remove the bay leaf and discard it.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra fresh thyme or parsley if desired.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use fire-roasted tomatoes instead of regular tomato puree.
- Want extra protein? Swap half the beef for ground turkey or chicken.
- Make it vegetarian: Replace the beef with lentils and use vegetable broth instead.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: One-Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: Comfort Food