Cabbage Meatball Soup

The taste of classic Greek cabbage rolls meets the comfort of a warm soup bowl in this nourishing Cabbage Meatball Soup. Juicy meatballs simmered with shredded cabbage, tomatoes, rice, and fresh herbs create a dish that is both hearty and refreshing. A finishing touch of lemon adds brightness, making this a perfect cold weather recipe.

This soup brings all the satisfaction of slow-cooked Greek flavors without the fuss of rolling cabbage leaves. Whether you’re new to Mediterranean cooking or a long time lover of Greek cuisine, this bowl of savory goodness is sure to comfort and nourish. It’s perfect for family meals, easy to reheat, and stores beautifully ideal for meal prepping ahead of the week.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 500g ground beef (or half beef, half pork)

• 80g ripe tomato, grated

• 1 egg yolk

• 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 50g onion, finely minced

• 50g short-grain rice

• 1½ tbsp parsley, minced

• 1½ tbsp dill, minced

• ⅔ tsp mint, minced

• 1 tsp sweet paprika

• ½ tsp thyme

• ⅔ tsp salt

• ⅓ tsp ground black pepper

For the Soup:

• 10 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 450g ripe tomatoes, diced

• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

• 2 tsp tomato paste

• 10 tbsp tomato passata

• 8 cups hot water or stock

• 1 bay leaf

• 100g green bell pepper, diced

• 70g celery (with leaves), chopped

• 450g white cabbage, shredded

• 100g short-grain rice, rinsed

• 2 tbsp parsley, minced

• 1½ tbsp dill, minced

• 6 tbsp fresh lemon juice

• Extra lemon for serving

Directions:

1. Prepare the Meatballs: Combine all meatball ingredients in a large bowl and mix thoroughly. Shape into 12 round meatballs (about 60g each). Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour.

2. Start the Soup Base: In a large pot, heat 5 tbsp olive oil over high heat. Add the diced tomatoes and garlic. Cook for 2 minutes.

3. Add tomato paste and passata, season with salt, and cook for 2 more minutes.

4. Pour in hot water or stock, add bay leaf, and bring to a boil.

5. Gently add meatballs one at a time, waiting 30 seconds between each to maintain boiling. Simmer uncovered for 20 minutes.

6. Add shredded cabbage, celery, and green bell pepper. Cook for another 10 minutes.

7. Stir in the rice and remaining olive oil. Cook 20–25 minutes until the rice is soft.

8. Mix in parsley, dill, and lemon juice. Cook for 1 minute, then turn off the heat.

9. Let soup rest for 30–60 minutes before serving for a thicker texture.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 55 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Kcal: 881 kcal | Servings: 4

Greek Cabbage Meatball Soup: A Comforting Bowl of Mediterranean Tradition

Greek cuisine is a beautiful intersection of history, seasonality, and heartfelt family traditions, and Cabbage Meatball Soup is a perfect example of this culinary heritage. Known for its soul-soothing warmth and vibrant layers of flavor, this soup offers all the comforting qualities of traditional cabbage rolls, but with a fraction of the effort. It’s a dish that speaks to both the economy and generosity of Greek cooking simple, nourishing ingredients prepared with care and layered into something deeply satisfying.

This hearty soup captures the essence of rustic home cooking in Greece. It combines tender beef meatballs with shredded cabbage, tomato, rice, and a burst of citrus from fresh lemon juice. The result is a balanced, deeply flavorful one-pot meal that’s ideal for family dinners, cold weather cravings, or even weekend meal prep.

A Shortcut to Cabbage Rolls With Even More Flavor

Cabbage rolls, or “Lahanodolmades,” are a staple of traditional Greek home cooking. Typically prepared with vine or cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory filling of ground meat and rice, and cooked in a luscious egg-lemon sauce (avgolemono), they require time, patience, and skill. While incredibly rewarding, the rolling and layering process can be daunting, especially on a busy weekday.

Cabbage Meatball Soup is the clever cook’s answer to enjoying those same flavors in a more approachable, time-efficient format. Instead of rolling the filling, you shape the seasoned meat mixture into meatballs and simmer them in a tomato lemon broth with cabbage and rice. The flavors mingle beautifully, the meatballs stay juicy, and the soup develops an impressive depth thanks to the interplay of herbs, vegetables, and citrus.

Flavors That Speak of the Greek Countryside

The flavor profile of this soup is unmistakably Mediterranean. There’s the savory foundation from sautéed tomatoes and garlic, the earthiness of cabbage, and the herby brightness from parsley, dill, and mint. A touch of paprika adds warmth, while thyme lends an aromatic depth that pairs beautifully with the meatballs. The soup is finished with a generous squeeze of lemon juice an essential element in many Greek dishes which lifts the flavors and adds a welcome freshness to balance the richness of the meat.

Despite its modest list of ingredients, this soup tastes layered and complex, thanks to the thoughtful combination of herbs and the slow simmering that allows everything to meld together. It’s the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out, filling the kitchen with the nostalgic aromas of something your grandmother might have made.

The Nourishing Power of Traditional Ingredients

Cabbage Meatball Soup isn’t just comforting it’s also incredibly nutritious. The main components come together to provide a balance of protein, fiber, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. Ground beef brings in iron and B-vitamins, while cabbage contributes vitamin C, vitamin K, and powerful antioxidants. The addition of rice makes the dish heartier and more filling, perfect for sustaining energy through colder months or long days.

The generous use of olive oil is typical of Greek cooking and adds a luxurious mouthfeel to the soup without overwhelming it. Olive oil also contributes monounsaturated fats that support heart health and help the body absorb fat-soluble nutrients from the vegetables.

Fresh herbs like dill and parsley not only brighten the flavor but also contribute additional micronutrients and digestive support. Lemon juice, beyond its acidic tang, offers a burst of vitamin C and aids in digestion. Altogether, this soup checks the boxes for a balanced meal rich in taste, texture, and nutritional value.

Variations to Suit Every Table

One of the beautiful things about Cabbage Meatball Soup is its flexibility. While traditionally made with ground beef, you can easily substitute ground pork, turkey, or chicken. A half-beef, half-pork mixture yields incredibly tender and flavorful meatballs, but for a lighter version, many opt for poultry. If using chicken or turkey, adding a good-quality broth or stock is key to boosting the overall flavor of the soup.

You can also experiment with the vegetable mix. Though cabbage is the star, the addition of celery and green bell pepper adds subtle sweetness and texture. Carrots or leeks can be added for extra color and nutrients. If you prefer a thicker, more stew like consistency, you can reduce the amount of liquid slightly or let the soup rest longer before servingthis gives the rice more time to absorb the broth and naturally thicken the soup.

Some home cooks even like to add a touch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to give it a gentle kick. This small tweak transforms the soup into a spicier, more warming meal perfect for winter evenings.

How to Serve It Like a Local

In Greek homes, this soup would often be served with plenty of crusty bread on the side to soak up every last drop of the flavorful broth. A small dish of olives or a crisp cucumber salad makes an ideal accompaniment, offering contrast in texture and temperature. Some families also enjoy a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkling of crumbled feta on top for an extra savory edge.

This soup gets even better after it rests, making it an excellent choice for make-ahead meals or next day leftovers. As the rice continues to absorb the broth, the texture becomes thicker and more comforting, almost like a risotto-soup hybrid. Reheat gently on the stovetop and always finish with a fresh squeeze of lemon juice to bring the flavors back to life.

A Taste of Greek Tradition in Every Spoonful

What makes this soup so memorable isn’t just the comfort it provides it’s the sense of connection it brings. To cook this dish is to step into a tradition of resourcefulness and heart-led cooking that has sustained generations of Greek families. It’s humble in its roots, yet rich in story, flavor, and nourishment.

This soup speaks to a culture where nothing is wasted, where ingredients are seasonal and meals are shared. Whether you’re serving this to guests around a busy dinner table or enjoying it solo with a good book, it’s a dish that brings warmth and joy something we could all use a little more of.

Conclusion: 

Greek Cabbage Meatball Soup is more than just a recipe it’s a testament to the beauty of traditional cooking. It’s approachable, economical, and full of flavor, with the added benefit of being adaptable to different dietary needs. From the simplicity of preparation to the complexity of flavor, this soup delivers on every level.

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook looking to explore Mediterranean cuisine or simply searching for a satisfying one pot meal, this dish offers comfort, nutrition, and a sense of culinary heritage that few other soups can match. Keep it in your winter rotation, serve it at your next family gathering, or make a big batch to enjoy over a few days you won’t be disappointed.