If you’re looking for a meal that’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for those cozy nights when you want something comforting but easy to make, then a Cabbage Roll Soup is exactly what you need! Imagine all the wonderful flavors of classic cabbage rolls-savory ground meat, tender cabbage, and the tangy sweetness of tomatoes-combined into a warm and flavorful soup. It’s the kind of dish that not only fills your stomach but warms your soul.
This recipe takes everything you love about cabbage rolls and transforms it into a much easier, more accessible version, without sacrificing any of the rich flavors. And the best part? You don’t have to spend hours rolling up cabbage leaves and baking them! Whether you’re an experienced home cook or someone who just wants a no-fuss dinner option, this soup is a total win.
Let’s dive into how to make this Easy Cabbage Roll Soup, starting with the ingredients you’ll need.
Easy Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe
Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for Cabbage Roll Soup that you can whip up in under an hour! This soup combines ground beef (or turkey), tender cabbage, aromatic veggies, and a rich tomato broth that’s both filling and nutritious.
Ingredients Needed
- 1 lb Ground Beef (or Turkey) – Ground beef provides a rich, hearty base, but lean turkey is a great alternative for a lighter dish.
- 1 Medium Onion – Chopped, for a bit of sweetness and savory flavor.
- 2-3 Cloves Garlic – Minced, garlic adds a deep, aromatic note that ties everything together.
- 1 Medium Head of Cabbage – Shredded or chopped, cabbage is the star of the show, giving that classic cabbage roll taste.
- 1 Can (14.5 oz) Diced Tomatoes – The tomatoes bring both acidity and sweetness, which balance out the richness of the meat.
- 1 Can (8 oz) Tomato Sauce – For a thicker, smoother base.
- 4 Cups Beef or Chicken Broth – The liquid that makes this soup so comforting.
- 1-2 tsp Paprika – Adds a subtle smokiness to the dish.
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning – A blend of herbs that complements the soup perfectly.
- Salt and Pepper – To taste, for seasoning.
- 1-2 tbsp Olive Oil – For sautéing the meat and veggies.
- Optional: 1-2 tbsp Brown Sugar – To balance out the acidity of the tomatoes and enhance the overall sweetness.
Cooking Instructions
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Prepare The Meat
- In a large pot, heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
- Drain any excess fat, if needed.
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Sauté The Vegetables
- Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pot with the meat. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
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Add The Broth And Tomatoes
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth (beef or chicken).
- Season with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. If you like a hint of sweetness, now is the time to add the brown sugar.
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Add The Cabbage
- Stir in the shredded or chopped cabbage. Cover and let the soup simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and all the flavors have melded together.
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Final Adjustments
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or sugar to balance the flavors to your liking.
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Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot! If you’d like, top with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese for extra richness.
Ingredient Insights
Here’s a closer look at the key ingredients that make this soup so special:
- Ground Beef/Turkey: The choice of meat is central to the soup’s richness. Ground beef gives a more robust, flavorful broth, while ground turkey lightens up the dish without compromising on taste.
- Cabbage: Not only does cabbage provide the signature texture of cabbage rolls, but it also absorbs all the wonderful flavors of the soup. It’s high in fiber and antioxidants, making it a great addition to any dish.
- Diced Tomatoes and Tomato Sauce: These two ingredients form the soup’s tangy, savory base. The diced tomatoes add texture and chunks, while the tomato sauce creates a smooth, velvety consistency.
- Broth: The broth adds depth and acts as the backbone of the soup. Whether you choose beef or chicken broth, it’s essential for providing richness and flavor.
- Paprika & Italian Seasoning: These seasonings elevate the flavor profile, with paprika giving a subtle smokiness, and the Italian seasoning blending oregano, basil, and thyme to add herbaceous notes.
Expert Tips
To make this Cabbage Roll Soup even more amazing, here are a few expert tips:
- Brown the Meat Properly: Don’t rush this step! Browning the ground meat well will create those delicious caramelized bits that really boost the flavor of the soup.
- Don’t Overcook the Cabbage: Cabbage should be tender but not mushy. Simmering it for about 30-40 minutes is perfect, but you can cook it a little less if you prefer a firmer texture.
- Customize the Meat: Feel free to experiment with other meats like pork, sausage, or even a mix of beef and pork for extra flavor complexity.
- Add Rice or Quinoa: If you want to make the soup even heartier, stir in some cooked rice or quinoa about 10 minutes before finishing.
- Leftovers are Golden: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge, or freeze it for up to 3 months.
Recipe Variations
While the base recipe is delicious on its own, here are some fun variations to make this soup even more unique:
- Vegan or Vegetarian Cabbage Roll Soup: Replace the meat with plant-based options like lentils, mushrooms, or tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth.
- Spicy Version: Add some chili flakes or a diced jalapeño to the soup for a spicy kick. You could also mix in some hot sauce or a bit of cayenne pepper.
- Slow Cooker Version: Brown the meat and sauté the veggies as directed, then transfer everything into a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours for a set-it-and-forget-it option.
Final Words
This Cabbage Roll Soup is the ultimate comfort food that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. The hearty meat, tender cabbage, and tangy tomato base come together in perfect harmony, making each bite a warm, flavorful experience. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a hug in a bowl, ideal for family dinners, meal prepping, or even freezing for a rainy day.
Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight meal or serving it to guests, this soup is sure to impress. And with the flexibility to adjust ingredients and flavors to suit your taste, you can make it your own!