Hearty & Easy Cabbage Roll Soup: A Comforting One-Pot Unstuffed Meal

Craving the classic flavors of traditional cabbage rolls but short on time? This easy Cabbage Roll Soup is your perfect solution! It delivers all the savory satisfaction of stuffed cabbage without any of the fuss. Packed with tender ground beef, fluffy rice, aromatic spices, and nutritious cabbage in a rich, tangy tomato broth, this one-pot meal is a true comfort food masterpiece. Enjoy a steaming bowl of this delicious soup with a slice of crusty bread for a truly ultimate lunch or dinner that will warm you from the inside out.

If you’ve enjoyed other nourishing cabbage dishes, like a refreshing detox cabbage soup, then you are absolutely going to adore this rich and flavorful Cabbage Roll Soup. Cabbage is an incredibly versatile and healthy vegetable, making it a staple in many of my recipes. It’s not only easy to work with but also incredibly good for you, adding a delightful texture and a mild, sweet flavor to this hearty soup.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe

This isn’t just any soup; it’s a culinary hug in a bowl, designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort. Here’s why this unstuffed cabbage roll soup will become a new family favorite:

• Rich, Comforting, and Flavor-Packed: This soup is a symphony of flavors, combining savory ground beef, sweet carrots, aromatic onions and garlic, and a robust tomato base, all perfectly seasoned. Every spoonful is a testament to wholesome, home-cooked goodness, making it the ultimate comfort food for any season.
• Cooks in Under 45 Minutes: Forget the time-consuming process of stuffing and rolling individual cabbage leaves. This deconstructed cabbage roll soup comes together quickly, allowing you to enjoy a delicious, homemade meal even on busy weeknights. It’s ideal for those times when you crave a hearty dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
• A Satisfying One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup means more time to relax! Everything, from browning the beef to simmering the vegetables and rice, happens in a single pot. This makes the recipe incredibly convenient and a fantastic option for meal prep or a straightforward weeknight dinner. Plus, the flavors meld beautifully, creating even better leftovers.
• Way Easier Than Traditional Stuffed Cabbage Rolls: Consider this your “unstuffed” cabbage roll recipe. You get all the beloved flavors and textures of traditional cabbage rolls – the tender cabbage, the meaty filling, the tangy sauce – but without the intricate assembly. Simply chop, simmer, and serve! This streamlined approach makes classic flavors accessible to everyone, regardless of their cooking experience.
• Healthy and Wholesome: Loaded with fresh vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and onions, alongside lean ground beef, this soup offers a balanced meal. Cabbage is rich in vitamins and fiber, contributing to a nutritious and filling dish that doesn’t compromise on taste.

Essential Ingredients for Your Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup

Crafting the perfect cabbage roll soup starts with selecting quality ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some helpful tips:

• Cabbage: Green cabbage is ideal for this recipe due to its mild flavor and tender texture when cooked. Make sure to remove the tough core before roughly chopping the leaves. You want pieces that are easy to eat with a spoon but still substantial enough to hold their shape in the soup.
• Rice: Long grain white rice is recommended as it cooks up light and fluffy, absorbing the delicious broth without becoming overly mushy. Jasmine rice is another excellent alternative that will contribute a lovely aroma. If you prefer, you can cook the rice separately and add it at the end to maintain a firmer texture, or add it directly to the pot as instructed for a truly one-pot experience.
• Ground Beef: For a less greasy soup, 93% lean ground beef is highly recommended. It provides rich flavor without excessive fat. You can also experiment with other ground meats like ground turkey or a mix of beef and pork for different flavor profiles.
• Aromatics: Finely diced onion and minced garlic form the foundational flavor base, adding depth and sweetness. Carrots contribute natural sweetness and a beautiful pop of color, enhancing the soup’s nutritional value.
• Tomato Power: A combination of tomato sauce and a tablespoon of tomato paste provides the rich, tangy base characteristic of cabbage rolls. The paste intensifies the tomato flavor, giving the soup a robust body.
• Savory Enhancers: Chicken stock forms the liquid base, adding savory notes. Worcestershire sauce introduces a layer of umami complexity, making the soup incredibly satisfying.
• Balancing Act: A touch of brown sugar is crucial! It helps to balance the acidity from the tomatoes, creating a well-rounded and harmonious flavor profile. Don’t skip this ingredient, as it truly elevates the soup.
• Spice Blend: Granulated garlic, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, oregano, and a bay leaf create a warm, inviting spice blend that complements the meat and vegetables perfectly. For an optional kick, a pinch of red crushed pepper can be added.
• For Seasoning: Salt, pepper, and a bit of cooking oil (for browning the meat and sautéing vegetables) are standard pantry staples essential for bringing all the flavors together.

How To Make the Best Cabbage Roll Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making this hearty Cabbage Roll Soup is straightforward and rewarding. Follow these simple steps for a truly delicious one-pot meal:

1. Brown the Beef: Begin by heating a tablespoon of oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Brown the beef completely, ensuring no pink remains. This step is crucial for developing deep flavor. Once browned, drain any excess fat to keep your soup from being too greasy.
2. Sauté Aromatics and Cabbage: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the finely diced onions and carrots to the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and become fragrant. Next, stir in the roughly chopped cabbage. Cover the pot and allow the cabbage to cook for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. The cabbage will wilt down considerably.
3. Build the Flavor Base: Uncover the pot. Stir in the red crushed pepper (if using), tomato paste, paprika, Italian seasoning, granulated garlic, onion powder, and oregano. Add the minced fresh garlic and brown sugar. Cook this mixture for just 1 minute, stirring constantly. This brief cooking time helps to toast the spices and deepen their flavors, while the tomato paste lightly caramelizes.
4. Simmer the Soup: Pour in the chicken stock, tomato sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together until well combined. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then add the white rice. Stir once more, then cover the pot and reduce the heat to medium-low. Allow the soup to simmer for 25 minutes, stirring frequently every few minutes to prevent the rice and ground beef from sticking to the bottom of the pot. The rice will cook through and absorb much of the liquid, and the flavors will meld beautifully.
5. Season and Adjust: After 25 minutes, check the rice for tenderness. Season the soup generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If the soup appears too thick or if you prefer a thinner consistency, add a little more chicken stock, about half a cup at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
6. Garnish and Serve: For a bright finish, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired. Serve hot, perhaps with a side of crusty bread, and enjoy your incredibly flavorful and easy Cabbage Roll Soup!

Top Tips for the Perfect Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup

Achieving a truly outstanding Cabbage Roll Soup is simple with these expert tips:

• Frequent Stirring is Key: This is perhaps the most important tip! Because the soup contains both ground beef and rice, both of which can easily settle and stick to the bottom of the pan, frequent stirring (especially during the last 15 minutes of simmering) is essential. This prevents scorching and ensures even cooking of the rice.
• Adjust Liquid as Needed: The rice will absorb a lot of liquid as it cooks, causing the soup to thicken considerably. Don’t hesitate to add extra chicken stock or even a little water if the soup becomes too thick for your liking. Start with half a cup and add more gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
• Season Generously and Taste: Proper seasoning makes all the difference. Taste the soup throughout the cooking process and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Remember, the flavors will deepen as it simmers.
• Don’t Skip the Brown Sugar: This ingredient is vital for balancing the acidity of the tomato sauce. It adds a subtle sweetness that rounds out the flavors without making the soup taste overtly sweet.
• Embrace Fresh Garnishes: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens the entire dish, cutting through the richness. Fresh parsley adds a burst of color and herbaceousness.
• Add a Creamy Finish: For an extra layer of richness and tang, consider stirring in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt right before serving, or allowing guests to add their own.
• Spice it Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, increase the amount of red crushed pepper or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce or chili powder.
• Mise en Place: Prepare all your ingredients (chop vegetables, measure spices) before you start cooking. This will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable, especially for a one-pot meal.

Serving Suggestions for Your Cabbage Roll Soup

This hearty Cabbage Roll Soup is a complete meal on its own, but a few simple additions can elevate the experience:

• Crusty Bread or Rolls: Perfect for soaking up every last drop of the delicious broth. A warm baguette or homemade dinner rolls are ideal companions.
• Cornbread: For a touch of Southern comfort, a slice of warm cornbread pairs wonderfully with the savory flavors of the soup.
• Simple Green Salad: A light, fresh green salad with a vinaigrette dressing can provide a lovely contrast and cut through the richness of the soup.
• Dollop of Cream: Offer sour cream, plain Greek yogurt, or even a swirl of heavy cream as a topping for an extra creamy texture and tangy note.
• Shredded Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, sharp cheddar, or even a sprinkle of crumbled feta can add another layer of flavor and richness.

Delicious Variations to Try

One of the best things about this Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup is how adaptable it is. Feel free to experiment with these variations to make it your own:

• Different Meats: Instead of ground beef, try ground turkey, ground pork, or a combination. For a richer flavor, use Italian sausage (mild or spicy).
• Add More Vegetables: Bell peppers (red or green), diced zucchini, mushrooms, or even diced potatoes can be added along with the carrots and onions.
• Swap the Grains: While white rice is classic, you can use brown rice for extra fiber (note that it will require longer cooking time and potentially more liquid) or even barley. For a grain-free option, consider cauliflower rice or simply omit the rice.
• Herb & Spice Boost: Experiment with fresh dill for a more Eastern European flavor profile, or a touch of caraway seeds for a subtle rye bread note. Smoked paprika can add a deeper, smoky flavor.
• Make it Vegetarian/Vegan: Omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock. You can replace the meat with brown lentils, quinoa, or a mixture of finely chopped mushrooms and walnuts for a hearty plant-based version.
• Sweet & Sour Twist: For a more pronounced sweet and sour taste, similar to some traditional cabbage rolls, you can add a splash of apple cider vinegar along with the brown sugar.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

This Cabbage Roll Soup is an excellent candidate for meal prep and freezing, making it perfect for busy individuals or batch cooking:

To store leftovers, allow the soup to cool completely to room temperature. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day!

For longer storage, this soup freezes beautifully. Once cooled, spoon the soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some headspace for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of extra chicken stock or water if needed to reach your desired consistency, as the rice can continue to absorb liquid during storage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions about making Cabbage Roll Soup:

• Can I use pre-cooked rice? Yes, if you have pre-cooked rice, you can add it during the last 5-10 minutes of simmering to simply heat through, reducing the overall cook time. You might need slightly less liquid if using cooked rice.
• What if my soup is too thin or too thick? If your soup is too thin, you can simmer it uncovered for a longer period to allow some liquid to evaporate. If it’s too thick, simply add more chicken stock or water until it reaches your preferred consistency.
• Can I use a different type of cabbage? While green cabbage is traditional, you can use savoy cabbage for a slightly more tender texture, or even red cabbage for a different color and slightly earthier flavor (though it might dye the broth slightly).
• Is this recipe gluten-free? This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you ensure your chicken stock and Worcestershire sauce are certified gluten-free. Always check labels.
• Can I make this soup in a slow cooker? Yes, you can. Brown the beef and sauté the aromatics on the stovetop first. Then combine all ingredients (except the rice) in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the rice during the last hour of cooking, or cook it separately and stir it in just before serving.

More Comforting Soup Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re a fan of warm, comforting soups, be sure to check out these other delicious recipes:

• Roasted Butternut Squash Soup – Super creamy, naturally sweet, and incredibly easy to make. A perfect autumn classic!
• Instant Pot Chicken Vegetable Soup – Get a hearty, homemade soup on the table in under 30 minutes with your Instant Pot.
• Leftover Turkey and Rice Soup – The ideal way to use up holiday leftovers, transforming them into a warm and satisfying meal.
• Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup – A timeless classic, made effortlessly and quickly in the Instant Pot, perfect for a cold day or when you need a pick-me-up.

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