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