Are you tired of spending hours making traditional cabbage rolls that fall apart before they reach the table? That’s exactly where I found myself three winters ago, standing in my kitchen with a mess of torn cabbage leaves and scattered filling.

As the founder of Cooks Foody, I’ve turned kitchen disasters into delicious victories, and this Cabbage Roll Soup recipe is my solution to complicated comfort food.

This hearty, one-pot wonder delivers all the flavors of classic cabbage rolls in a fraction of the time. In this guide, I’ll share my perfected recipe, ingredient selection tips, and simple techniques that will make this cabbage roll soup your new cold-weather staple.

Why This Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe Works

This cabbage roll soup isn’t just another recipe it’s a game-changer for busy home cooks who crave comfort food without the fuss:

Uses budget-friendly ingredients that are available year-round
Comes together in one pot for minimal cleanup
Freezes beautifully for meal prep and quick weeknight dinners
Delivers the same satisfying flavors as traditional cabbage rolls
Can be adapted for different dietary needs without sacrificing taste

Choosing the Right Ingredients for Cabbage Roll Soup

Best Cabbage for Cabbage Roll Soup

Green Cabbage: The classic choice with mild flavor that softens perfectly
Savoy Cabbage: More tender with a slightly sweeter taste
Napa Cabbage: Works well but cooks faster, so add it later in the process

Ground Meat Options for Cabbage Roll Soup

Lean Ground Beef: Traditional choice for authentic flavor
Ground Turkey: Lighter alternative with less fat
Plant-based Crumbles: Excellent vegetarian/vegan substitute

Rice Selection for Cabbage Roll Soup

Long-grain White Rice: Classic choice that holds its shape
Brown Rice: Adds nutty flavor and extra fiber (requires longer cooking time)
Cauliflower Rice: Low-carb alternative (add in the last 5 minutes)

Ingredients & Prep for Cabbage Roll Soup

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Cabbage Roll Soup Base

1 medium head green cabbage, chopped (about 8 cups)
1 pound ground beef (90/10 lean-to-fat ratio)
1 large onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil

Cabbage Roll Soup Seasonings

1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon paprika
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste

Cabbage Roll Soup Liquids & Starches

6 cups beef broth (low sodium)
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
3/4 cup uncooked white rice
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Cabbage Roll Soup Cooking Instructions

Pre-Cooking Cabbage Roll Soup Prep

Wash and chop all vegetables: dice onion and carrots, mince garlic, and roughly chop cabbage into 1-inch pieces.
Measure out rice and rinse under cold water until water runs clear.
Gather and measure all seasonings to have them ready.

Cooking Method for Cabbage Roll Soup

In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon (about 5-7 minutes).
Add onions and carrots to the pot and sauté until softened (about 4-5 minutes).
Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
Add tomato paste and stir to coat the meat and vegetables.
Pour in diced tomatoes and beef broth.
Add chopped cabbage, rice, and all seasonings including the bay leaf.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 25-30 minutes until rice is tender and cabbage is soft.

Doneness Check for Cabbage Roll Soup

Your cabbage roll soup is ready when:

Rice is tender but not mushy
Cabbage is soft but still has some texture
Broth has thickened slightly

Resting Your Cabbage Roll Soup

Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows flavors to meld and the soup to thicken slightly. Remove bay leaf before serving.

Pro Tips for Perfect Cabbage Roll Soup

Avoiding Common Cabbage Roll Soup Mistakes

Don’t overcook the rice: Add it at the right time to prevent mushiness
Balance the acidity: If too acidic, add 1/2 teaspoon of sugar
Control the thickness: For thicker soup, use less broth; for thinner, add more
Season gradually: Add salt in stages as the soup reduces and concentrates

Kitchen Tool Recommendations for Cabbage Roll Soup

Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot: Provides even heating
Sharp chef’s knife: Makes chopping cabbage much easier
Wooden spoon: Best for breaking up ground meat without scratching your pot
Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures proper proportions of ingredients

Storage & Reheating Cabbage Roll Soup

Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days
Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months
Reheating: Warm on stovetop over medium-low heat, adding broth if needed

Looking for more comforting recipes? Check out my Mini Turkey Cranberry Pies for another cozy meal option!

Cabbage Roll Soup Flavor Variations

Spicy Cabbage Roll Soup

Add 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or 1 tablespoon hot sauce
Stir in 1 tablespoon Hungarian hot paprika instead of regular paprika
Serve with a dollop of hot sauce for those who want extra heat

Low-Carb Cabbage Roll Soup

Replace rice with riced cauliflower
Add extra vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini
Use extra cabbage for more volume without carbs

Global-Inspired Cabbage Roll Soup

German Style: Add 1 tablespoon caraway seeds and serve with rye bread
Mediterranean: Include lemon juice, dill, and a dollop of Greek yogurt
Asian Fusion: Use ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil for unique flavor profile

Variation	Key Ingredients	Prep Time	Cook Time	Special Notes
Classic	Ground beef, white rice	15 min	30 min	Traditional comfort food
Low-Carb	Cauliflower rice, extra cabbage	20 min	25 min	Keto-friendly option
Vegetarian	Plant-based crumbles, vegetable broth	15 min	30 min	Use nutritional yeast for umami flavor
Spicy	Red pepper flakes, hot paprika	15 min	30 min	Adjust heat to preference

Serving Suggestions for Cabbage Roll Soup

Bread pairings: Crusty French bread, garlic bread, or rye rolls
Toppings: Sour cream, fresh dill, or extra fresh parsley
Side salads: Simple green salad with vinaigrette or cucumber salad
Beverage pairings: Unsweetened iced tea or sparkling water with lemon

Discover delicious dessert options to complete your meal with my Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe!

Cabbage Roll Soup FAQs

Can I make cabbage roll soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the meat and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add the rice during the last 30-45 minutes of cooking.

How do I fix cabbage roll soup if it’s too watery?
Remove 1 cup of liquid, make a slurry with 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 2 tablespoons cold water, and stir it back into the simmering soup until thickened.

Can I use pre-shredded cabbage for this soup?
Absolutely! Pre-shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix (without dressing) works great and saves prep time.

Is cabbage roll soup good for meal prep?
This soup is perfect for meal prep! It actually tastes better the next day as flavors continue to develop. Store portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, use plant-based ground meat substitute, vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and add 1 tablespoon soy sauce or liquid aminos for depth of flavor.

For another vegetable-packed comfort food option, try my Vegetable Lasagna recipe!

Cabbage Roll Soup: Final Thoughts

Cabbage roll soup brings all the comfort of traditional cabbage rolls without the fuss. This hearty, nutritious one-pot meal is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a crowd on a budget. The versatility of this recipe means you can adapt it to your family’s preferences while maintaining its soul-warming qualities.

I’d love to see your cabbage roll soup creations! Find more recipe inspiration on Cooks Foody’s Pinterest where we share daily cooking ideas and kitchen hacks to make your meals even better.

Remember, cooking is about making food that brings joy to your table. Whether you follow this recipe exactly or add your own twist, the most important ingredient is the love you put into making it. From my kitchen to yours, enjoy this comforting bowl of goodness!

Cabbage Roll Soup: The Best Cozy Comfort Food