Classic Cabbage Roll Soup

This Classic Cabbage Roll Soup captures all the cozy, comforting flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls but in a warm and hearty soup form. The tender cabbage melds beautifully with savory ground beef, aromatic herbs, and a rich tomato broth that’s both satisfying and nourishing.

Perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you want a wholesome meal, this soup is simple to make yet full of layers of flavor. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy all the goodness of cabbage rolls without the fuss, served in a bowl that warms you from the inside out.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 pound ground beef

• 1/2 pound ground pork (optional)

• 1 small head green cabbage, chopped

• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes

• 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste

• 6 cups beef broth

• 1 cup cooked white rice

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

2. Add the ground beef (and pork, if using) to the pot. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed.

3. Stir in the chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato paste, and beef broth. Mix well to combine.

4. Add the cooked rice, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together.

5. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30-40 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and flavors meld.

6. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour
Kcal: 320 kcal (per serving) | Servings: 6 servings

Classic Cabbage Roll Soup: A Hearty Comfort Food for All Seasons

When you think of classic comfort food, stuffed cabbage rolls often come to mind those savory parcels of seasoned ground meat and rice wrapped lovingly in tender cabbage leaves, simmered in a tangy tomato sauce. But what if you could enjoy all the beloved flavors of stuffed cabbage rolls in a simpler, faster, and even more comforting way? That’s where Classic Cabbage Roll Soup comes in a warm, hearty, and nourishing bowl that delivers everything you love about traditional cabbage rolls, but with the convenience and coziness of a soup.

A Tradition Reimagined

Stuffed cabbage rolls have a rich history, spanning many cultures and cuisines. From Eastern Europe to the Mediterranean and beyond, variations of this dish have been passed down through generations. Each family often has its own special recipe, adding unique spices or ingredients to make it their own. Traditionally, these rolls are a labor of love, requiring the time to blanch cabbage leaves, prepare fillings, roll each individual piece, and simmer gently for hours.

Classic Cabbage Roll Soup transforms this process, boiling down the key flavors and textures into one pot. Instead of individual rolls, the filling and cabbage are chopped and combined with broth, tomatoes, and spices to create a soup that’s quick to prepare and still incredibly satisfying. This soup maintains the essence of the original dish the savory, hearty beef and rice mixture, tender cabbage, and rich tomato base while being much easier for busy home cooks.

Flavor and Comfort in Every Spoonful

What makes this soup truly comforting is its balance of flavors and textures. The ground beef provides a rich, savory foundation, while the tender cabbage adds a slight sweetness and subtle crunch. The tomatoes and tomato paste give the soup a bright, tangy depth that cuts through the richness of the meat. A few well-chosen herbs and spices like smoked paprika and thyme add warmth and complexity, enhancing the traditional flavor profile without overwhelming the dish.

The rice incorporated in the soup adds a comforting body, thickening the broth slightly and making it more filling. It also helps create that familiar texture that you’d expect from a classic cabbage roll filling. The result is a soup that feels both rustic and refined, hearty enough to satisfy hunger on its own, yet light enough to enjoy any time of the year.

Nutrition and Wholesomeness

Beyond its delicious taste, cabbage roll soup is a nutritious meal option. Cabbage is packed with vitamins C and K, dietary fiber, and antioxidants. It supports digestion, boosts immunity, and is low in calories, making it an excellent vegetable choice for a healthy diet. The ground beef adds high-quality protein and essential minerals like iron and zinc, which are important for energy and immune health. Including rice rounds out the meal with carbohydrates that fuel your body.

The soup is naturally gluten-free (if you use gluten-free broth and canned tomatoes), and you can easily adapt it to suit dietary preferences by swapping beef for ground turkey or plant-based alternatives. It’s also a great way to incorporate more vegetables and whole foods into your diet, especially during colder months when hearty soups provide comfort and nourishment.

Versatility and Adaptations

One of the beauties of Classic Cabbage Roll Soup is how versatile it is. You can customize it based on what you have available or your flavor preferences. For example:

• Meat Options: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, pork, or even sausage for a different flavor profile.

• Grain Alternatives: Use brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for varied textures and nutritional benefits.

• Vegetable Boost: Add extra veggies like carrots, celery, or bell peppers for more color, crunch, and nutrients.

• Spice it Up: Introduce a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, cumin, or smoked chipotle powder to add heat and complexity.

• Dairy Twist: Stir in some sour cream or plain Greek yogurt at serving time to add creaminess and a tangy finish reminiscent of Eastern European cabbage roll traditions.

These variations allow you to make the soup uniquely yours, whether you want it more filling, lighter, or with a little extra flair.

Perfect for Meal Prep and Family Meals

Classic Cabbage Roll Soup is excellent for meal prepping because it stores well and tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld. It freezes beautifully, so you can make a big batch and save portions for busy weekdays. It’s a great meal to prepare ahead of time for lunch or dinner and reheat quickly when you need something satisfying and nourishing.

Moreover, this soup is a family-friendly option. Kids and adults alike tend to enjoy the familiar flavors, and it can be served with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. The simplicity of eating a comforting soup also makes it ideal for gatherings, casual dinners, or even potlucks.

Cooking Tips for the Best Cabbage Roll Soup

• Brown the Meat Well: Getting a good sear on the ground meat adds depth to the soup’s flavor. Take your time to brown it thoroughly before adding liquids.

• Don’t Overcook the Cabbage: While the cabbage should be tender, avoid overcooking it into mush. Adding it later in the cooking process helps retain some texture.

• Use Quality Broth: A rich beef broth or homemade stock elevates the soup’s flavor significantly. If using store-bought broth, opt for low-sodium versions to control salt levels.

• Balance Acidity: If your soup tastes too acidic from the tomatoes, a pinch of sugar or a splash of cream can balance the flavors beautifully.

• Add Fresh Herbs: Garnishing with fresh parsley or dill brightens the soup and adds a fresh note that complements the richness.

Conclusion:

Classic Cabbage Roll Soup is a perfect example of how traditional comfort food can be reinvented to fit modern lifestyles without losing its soul. It offers all the hearty, nostalgic flavors of stuffed cabbage rolls in a more accessible, one pot form that’s quick to prepare, nutritious, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re seeking a warming winter meal, a wholesome family dinner, or a dish to meal prep for the week, this soup delivers on all fronts.

Its versatility allows for endless customization to match your taste and dietary needs, while its wholesome ingredients nourish your body and comfort your soul. By bringing together tender cabbage, savory ground beef, fragrant herbs, and a rich tomato broth, Classic Cabbage Roll Soup embodies the very essence of home cooking simple, hearty, and full of love.

Enjoy it on its own, with fresh bread, or alongside your favorite side dishes for a meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.