Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe: A Comforting Classic in One Pot

When the weather turns chilly or you’re simply craving something hearty, there’s nothing quite like cabbage roll soup. This cozy dish delivers all the savory satisfaction of traditional cabbage rolls — but without the rolling. With tender cabbage, ground meat, rice, and a tomato-based broth, it’s a simple, nourishing meal that fills the kitchen with rich aromas and warms you from the inside out. In this article, we’ll share a flavorful cabbage roll soup recipe, answer popular questions like “Is cabbage roll soup healthy?”, and sprinkle in personal tips to bring out the best in every bowl.

The Story & Intro (Cabbage Roll Soup)

My Grandma’s Favorite Sunday Soup

Cabbage roll soup always takes me back to my grandma’s warm kitchen on Sundays. I remember watching her peel cabbage leaves and roll them with care, filling them with seasoned ground beef and rice, all while the sauce simmered on the stove. But as I got older and busier, I needed the flavor without all the work. That’s when this easy cabbage roll soup became my go-to. It captures all those nostalgic flavors—savory meat, tender cabbage, and a rich tomato broth—in a single pot with none of the fuss. You don’t need hours or fancy ingredients, just a little time and love.

A Simpler Way to Enjoy Cabbage Rolls

The beauty of cabbage roll soup is how effortlessly it brings everything together. Instead of boiling cabbage leaves and rolling each one, you chop it up and let it simmer gently in broth with tomatoes, rice, and ground meat. The result is a cozy, budget-friendly meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. I love serving it with crusty bread or a simple green salad. If you enjoy easy comfort foods like this, you might also like my crack chicken noodle soup or the hearty chicken broccoli cheddar soup. Both are just as satisfying when you need something quick and delicious.

In this version of cabbage roll soup, we use simple pantry staples and just one big pot. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, and it freezes beautifully too. Plus, this recipe is endlessly adaptable—so whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, it’s always a hit.

Ingredients & Easy Preparation

What You Need for Cabbage Roll Soup

This cabbage roll soup recipe keeps things simple and satisfying. You don’t need anything fancy — just honest, wholesome ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Here’s what goes into it:

• Ground beef: 85/15 lean ground beef works best for flavor without too much fat.
• Onion & garlic: The base of any good soup. Chop fresh for best flavor.
• Cabbage: Green cabbage is classic — chopped into bite-sized pieces.
• Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes and tomato sauce create that rich, savory broth.
• Beef broth: Adds depth to the soup. Low-sodium is a good choice so you can season to taste.
• Cooked white rice: A great way to make the soup hearty, just like traditional cabbage rolls.
• Worcestershire sauce & Italian seasoning: These add a hint of tang and a warm herbal flavor.
• Salt & pepper: Keep it simple — adjust to your liking as the soup simmers.

You can also toss in a bay leaf or a splash of apple cider vinegar for a little brightness. For those who like a touch of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes works wonders too.

If you love savory, tomato-rich soups, try this grandma’s chicken soup or even a cozy tomato soup with grilled cheese next time — both are warm, family-approved choices for chilly days.

Tips for Quick Prep and Best Flavor

The magic of this soup lies in the layering of ingredients and letting them simmer gently. To keep prep time short:

• Chop your veggies while the meat browns. That way, everything’s ready when you need it.
• Use pre-shredded cabbage if you’re in a rush — it works just as well and saves time.
• Cook the rice ahead of time or use leftover rice from another meal. This helps avoid mushy rice in the soup.

Want to stretch the meal for another day? Double the recipe and store half in the freezer. The flavors get even better the next time around.

If you’re into meal prep, this one’s a star. It holds up beautifully in the fridge and makes a reliable lunch or dinner through the week. For another easy prep recipe, check out my easy chicken and green bean casserole — another one-pot wonder.

Cooking Instructions & Variations

Step-by-Step Instructions

This cabbage roll soup comes together in one big pot, making cleanup easy and the cooking process a breeze. Whether you’re feeding your family or meal prepping for the week, this is the kind of dish that brings warmth and comfort to every spoonful. Here’s exactly how I make it:

1. Brown the beef
   Start with a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Heat it over medium heat, then add the ground beef. Break it up as it cooks and stir occasionally until it’s nicely browned. If your beef is a bit fatty, drain off some of the excess grease, but keep just a little for flavor.
2. Sauté onion and garlic
   Add the chopped onion to the beef and cook for about 3 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. This is where that deep, savory base starts to build.
3. Toss in chopped cabbage
   Now add in your chopped green cabbage. At first, it may seem like too much, but it’ll cook down quickly. Stir it in and let it soften for about 5 minutes. This also helps it soak up the savory goodness from the beef and aromatics.
4. Pour in your broth and tomatoes
   Add the beef broth, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes (including the juice). Stir to combine. This tomato-based broth is where the cabbage roll flavor really comes alive.
5. Season the pot
   Now’s the time to stir in the Worcestershire sauce and Italian seasoning. If you’re using a bay leaf or red pepper flakes, add those too. Give it a good stir, then bring everything to a low boil.
6. Simmer until tender
   Reduce the heat to low and cover. Let the soup simmer for 25 to 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom. The cabbage should be soft but not mushy, and the flavors will have had time to come together beautifully.
7. Add cooked rice
   During the last 5 minutes of simmering, stir in your cooked rice. If you’re using freshly cooked rice, make sure it’s cooled so it doesn’t break apart. If using leftover rice, this is its time to shine.
8. Final taste and tweak
   Once everything’s combined, taste the soup. Need more salt? A touch more acid? Sometimes I’ll stir in a splash of apple cider vinegar to brighten it up. Then ladle it into bowls and serve hot.

If you’re in love with rich soups like this, don’t miss the smoked ham recipe — another comfort dish that’s perfect for cold days and family gatherings.

Customizing with Variations and Add-ins

Cabbage roll soup is easy to customize depending on your diet, pantry, or mood. Here are my favorite ways to switch things up without losing that traditional flavor:

• Low-carb version
  Swap the rice for riced cauliflower. Stir it in during the last 5–10 minutes, and you’ll still get a satisfying texture without the carbs.
• Make it heartier
  Add white beans or kidney beans. This boosts the fiber and protein, and it turns the soup into a super filling meal.
• Use ground turkey or pork
  Lighten it up or change the flavor profile. Ground turkey works great if you’re looking for a leaner option, and pork gives it a slightly sweet and savory twist.
• Try brown rice or quinoa
  Swap in these whole grains for a nuttier texture and added nutrition. Just make sure they’re cooked before adding.
• Add veggies
  Want to sneak in more nutrition? Diced carrots, bell peppers, or even spinach can be added. Stir them in early so they soften along with the cabbage.
• Adjust the seasoning
  Feel free to play with seasonings. A dash of smoked paprika or a little cumin can give it a whole new vibe. I’ve even added a bit of dill once for a more Eastern European taste, and it worked beautifully.
• Spice it up
  A pinch of cayenne or a few drops of hot sauce gives this soup a little attitude. Just enough to warm you up without overpowering the flavor.

And don’t forget — just like my costco chicken meatballs recipes, you can batch cook this soup, freeze portions, and reheat for a quick, comforting dinner anytime.

Serving, Storage & FAQs

How to Serve and Store Leftovers

One of the best things about cabbage roll soup is that it gets even better the next day. The flavors continue to blend, and the broth becomes richer. Here’s how to make the most of each batch:

Serving suggestions:

• Serve hot with a slice of crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the savory broth.
• For a light side, a green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness perfectly.
• Top with a spoonful of sour cream or shredded cheese if you like a creamy touch.

Storage tips:

• Let the soup cool before storing.
• Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• For freezing, store in portion-sized containers (leave a little room for expansion). It keeps well for up to 3 months.
• Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or water if it’s too thick.

When it comes to storing cabbage roll soup, it holds up beautifully in the fridge and even better in the freezer.

FAQ Section

Q1: What are the ingredients for cabbage roll soup?
The basic ingredients include ground beef, onion, garlic, chopped cabbage, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, cooked rice, Worcestershire sauce, and simple seasonings like salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. It’s a pantry-friendly list that’s both hearty and budget-conscious.

Q2: What ingredients go in cabbage soup?
Traditional cabbage soup can vary, but it often includes cabbage, carrots, celery, tomatoes, onion, and broth. In this recipe, the ground beef and rice give it that cabbage roll flavor, making it heartier and more filling.

Q3: Is cabbage roll soup healthy?
Yes! Cabbage roll soup is naturally low in sugar and can be very nutritious. It’s full of fiber from cabbage, protein from beef, and antioxidants from tomatoes. To make it even healthier, use lean ground meat and brown rice, or skip the rice for a lower-carb version. According to Healthline’s guide on the benefits of cabbage, cabbage is packed with vitamins C and K, which support immune function and bone health.

Q4: What makes cabbage soup taste better?
Flavor builds from the base: start with sautéed onion and garlic, brown the meat well, and don’t skip seasoning. Worcestershire sauce adds depth, and a splash of vinegar at the end brightens the whole pot. Taste as you go, and adjust as needed for salt, herbs, or a tiny pinch of sugar to balance the tomatoes.

Conclusion: A Soup That Brings Comfort Home

Cabbage roll soup is one of those timeless recipes that brings everyone to the table. It’s comforting, filling, and incredibly easy to make — perfect for both weeknight dinners and lazy Sunday meals. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or freezing half for later, cabbage roll soup is sure to become a favorite in your rotation.

So next time you’re craving something warm and satisfying, skip the rolling and grab your biggest pot. This cabbage roll soup delivers all the flavor with none of the fuss — and every bite feels like home.

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