Cabbage Roll Soup: A Simple and Satisfying Twist on a Classic Dish

When it comes to hearty, homemade meals, cabbage rolls are often a favorite in many kitchens. But, let’s be honest, they can be a bit time-consuming to prepare. Wrapping each cabbage leaf and baking the rolls takes effort, and on busy nights, you might be looking for a quicker, easier way to enjoy the same flavors.

That’s where cabbage roll soup comes in. This recipe offers all the comforting taste of traditional cabbage rolls but in a fraction of the time. It’s simple, satisfying, and perfect for anyone who enjoys a warm, flavorful meal that’s easy to make.

Why Cabbage Roll Soup?

There are a few reasons why cabbage roll soup is a great alternative to traditional cabbage rolls:

1. Less Prep Time: Instead of boiling cabbage, making individual rolls, and baking them, this soup only requires you to chop up your cabbage and throw everything into a pot.
2. Big Flavor in a Single Pot: All the ingredients simmer together, which means the flavors meld into a rich and satisfying broth. There’s no need to worry about getting the right balance of seasoning in each roll.
3. More Versatile: Soup can be served on its own, paired with bread, or even with a side salad. It’s a great main course that offers flexibility depending on how you’re feeling.
4. Easier to Customize: With soup, it’s easier to adjust the recipe to suit your tastes. You can tweak the seasoning, adjust the type of meat you use, or add other vegetables to make it your own.

This cabbage roll soup recipe gives you all of the classic flavors in a way that’s easy and approachable, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual meal with friends.

Ingredients Breakdown

Let’s take a look at what goes into the soup and why each ingredient plays an important role.

1. Ground Beef and Italian Sausage: These are the main sources of protein and give the soup its rich, hearty base. The combination of the two adds a nice depth of flavor, with the sausage bringing a slight spice. If you prefer a milder taste, you can replace the sausage with more ground beef.
2. Cabbage: Cabbage is, of course, the star of the show. It’s mild in flavor but adds a good amount of texture and body to the soup. You’ll want to chop it into bite-sized pieces so it cooks evenly.
3. Tomatoes and Broth: A can of crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce provides the tangy, rich broth that makes this dish so comforting. Beef broth adds extra richness and helps create a full-bodied soup that feels satisfying.
4. Rice: Just like in classic cabbage rolls, rice is an important element in the soup. It makes the dish heartier and gives it that comforting, familiar feel. Uncooked rice simmers in the soup and soaks up the flavors, becoming tender as it cooks.
5. Spices and Seasoning: Smoked paprika, cumin, thyme, and garlic are used to season the soup. These spices are warm and flavorful but not overpowering. Smoked paprika adds a slight depth, while cumin and thyme bring an earthy quality to the broth.
6. Lemon Juice: A squeeze of lemon at the end brightens up the soup and cuts through the richness. This step is optional but recommended if you like a little acidity to balance the flavors.

How to Make Cabbage Roll Soup

Now that we know what goes into the soup, let’s get to the cooking part. This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require much active time, so it’s perfect even for a busy day.

Step 1: Cook the Meat

Start by heating a bit of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. You’ll want to brown the meat, which takes about 7-10 minutes. Once the meat is fully cooked and no longer pink, drain off any excess fat and set the meat aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

In the same pot (no need to clean it out), add the diced onion and cook until it softens, about 3-4 minutes. The onion helps create the base of the flavor. After the onion is soft, stir in the garlic and cook for another minute or so, just until it becomes fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Spices

Now it’s time to add your spices. Stir in the smoked paprika, cumin, thyme, and cinnamon (if you’re using it). Let the spices cook for about 30 seconds. This helps to release their oils and intensify their flavors.

Step 4: Combine the Ingredients

Once the spices are toasted, pour in the beef broth, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Stir everything together. Add the chopped cabbage, uncooked rice, and the cooked meat you set aside earlier. Stir again to combine everything.

Step 5: Simmer

Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer for about 30-40 minutes. During this time, the cabbage will become tender, the rice will cook through, and all the flavors will meld together. Stir the soup occasionally to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom of the pot.

Step 6: Add Lemon Juice and Serve

When the soup is done simmering, give it a taste and adjust the seasonings if needed. If you want to brighten up the soup, squeeze the juice of one lemon into the pot and stir it in. This adds a nice acidity that balances the rich flavors.

Serve the soup in bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and enjoy!

Making It Your Own

One of the best things about cabbage roll soup is how flexible it is. Here are some ideas for customizing the recipe:

1. Change the Protein: If you prefer ground turkey or chicken, feel free to substitute them for the beef and sausage. You can also use plant-based meat substitutes if you’re looking for a vegetarian option. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
2. Use Different Grains: While rice is traditional, you can experiment with other grains like quinoa, farro, or barley. These grains will add a slightly different texture but still work well with the flavors of the soup.
3. Add More Vegetables: Carrots, celery, or bell peppers can be added to the soup if you want to increase the vegetable content. You can sauté them along with the onion at the beginning.
4. Spice It Up: If you like your food a little spicier, try adding red pepper flakes or using hot Italian sausage instead of mild.
5. Use Different Cabbage: While green cabbage is standard, you could use Savoy cabbage or even Napa cabbage for a slightly different texture. Just keep in mind that these varieties may cook faster, so adjust your simmering time.

Storing and Reheating

One of the great things about this soup is that it makes a large batch and keeps well. Here’s how you can store it:

1. In the Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, you may want to add a bit of extra broth, as the rice will continue to absorb liquid as it sits.
2. In the Freezer: This soup also freezes well. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove, adding more broth if necessary.

Serving Suggestions

Cabbage roll soup is a meal on its own, but you can pair it with a few things to round it out:

• Crusty Bread: A slice of sourdough or a baguette is perfect for dipping into the broth.
• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette makes a nice contrast to the rich flavors of the soup.
• Grilled Vegetables: If you’re looking to add more vegetables to the meal, grilled or roasted veggies make a great side.

Final Thoughts

Cabbage roll soup is a practical and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without all the work. It’s a one-pot meal that’s hearty, filling, and easy to customize based on what you have on hand. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just for yourself, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. The simple ingredients and straightforward cooking process make it accessible to cooks of any skill level, and the end result is a dish that feels like home.

Cabbage Roll Soup

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Print Recipe

This recipe offers all the comforting taste of traditional cabbage rolls but in a fraction of the time.

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 large head of green cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups)
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup uncooked white rice
• 2 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional, for a unique warm note)
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon (optional for brightness)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Cook the Meat:

   In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking it up as it cooks. Once browned, remove the meat and set it aside, leaving some of the fat in the pot.

2. Sauté the Vegetables:

   In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. Build the Base:

   Stir in the smoked paprika, cumin, thyme, and cinnamon. Let the spices toast for about 30 seconds to release their flavors.

4. Add Liquids:

   Pour in the beef broth, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Stir well to combine.

5. Add Cabbage & Rice:

   Add the chopped cabbage, uncooked rice, bay leaf, and browned meat back into the pot. Stir everything together, then bring the soup to a boil.

6. Simmer:

   Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the rice is fully cooked. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

7. Final Touch:

   Remove the bay leaf. If desired, squeeze the juice of 1 lemon into the soup to add brightness. Taste and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper.

8. Serve:

   Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and enjoy!

• Author: Lindsey Chastain
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: soup

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