Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe (One-Pot Unstuffed Goodness)

Cabbage Roll Soup brings all the cozy flavors of classic stuffed cabbage rolls; tender ground beef, fluffy rice, and soft cabbage simmered in a tangy tomato broth. This one-pot recipe skips the fussy rolling and delivers hearty comfort in just 40 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd of 8. Hearty yet budget-friendly at under $10, it freezes beautifully for easy meal prep.

You’ll love how the cabbage softens to perfection while absorbing smoky paprika and garlic notes, mimicking grandma’s rolls without the hours of work. Grab a spoon, add a dollop of sour cream, and dig into this family favorite that warms you from the inside out.

Why You’ll Love This Cabbage Roll Soup

This unstuffed cabbage roll soup captures everything you crave in traditional cabbage rolls. One pot means minimal cleanup, and it tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.

• Simple 10-minute prep with everyday ingredients you likely have on hand.
• Filling and satisfying with balanced protein, carbs, and veggies for complete meals.
• Naturally gluten-free and easily customized for keto, dairy-free, or spicy preferences.
• Freezer-friendly for up to 3 months, ideal for batch cooking busy families adore.

Ingredients

Gather these 13 straightforward ingredients for cabbage roll soup that serves 8 generous bowls (about 1.5 cups each).

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
• 1 large onion, diced (about 1.5 cups)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, sliced (about 1 cup)
• 1 small head green cabbage, chopped into 1-inch pieces (8 cups)
• 3/4 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 4 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Quick Subs Table

Ingredient	Amount	Best Substitute
Ground beef	1 lb	Ground turkey (leaner) or plant-based crumbles (vegan)
White rice	3/4 cup	Cauliflower rice (keto/low-carb) or brown rice (+10 min cook)
Green cabbage	8 cups	Savoy cabbage (more tender) or coleslaw mix (time-saver)
Beef broth	4 cups	Chicken broth or vegetable broth (dairy-free/vegan)

How to Make Cabbage Roll Soup

Follow these 8 easy steps for perfect cabbage roll soup on the stovetop. Use a large Dutch oven or soup pot for best results.

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and onion. Cook 5-7 minutes, breaking up meat with a spoon until browned and onions soften. Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Stir in minced garlic and sliced carrots. Cook 2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add chopped cabbage. Stir 3-4 minutes until it starts to wilt and releases moisture.
4. Pour in uncooked rice, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with juice), beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika. Stir well to combine.
5. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low simmer. Cover and cook 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until rice is tender and cabbage is soft.
6. Taste and season with salt and pepper. If too thick, add 1/2 cup water or broth.
7. Simmer uncovered 5 more minutes to thicken slightly. Remove from heat and let rest 10 minutes for flavors to settle.
8. Ladle into bowls and serve hot with optional toppings.

Pro Tips for Success

• Do not rinse the rice; the starch helps thicken the soup naturally.
• Cabbage releases water during cooking, so resist adding extra liquid upfront.
• For deeper flavor, brown the beef well before adding veggies.

Crockpot Cabbage Roll Soup Variation

Layer everything in a 6-quart slow cooker: browned beef mixture first, then cabbage, rice, and liquids. Cook low 6-8 hours or high 3-4 hours until rice is tender. No stirring needed; perfect for set-it-and-forget-it days.

Instant Pot Cabbage Roll Soup

Use sauté function to brown beef, onions, carrots, and garlic as in steps 1-2. Add remaining ingredients, seal lid, and pressure cook high 4 minutes with natural release 10 minutes. Quick and hands-off!

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your cabbage roll soup with these crowd-pleasing pairings and toppings.

Toppings Table

Classic	Creative Twists
Sour cream or Greek yogurt	Shredded cheddar or parmesan
Chopped green onions	Crispy bacon bits
Crusty rye bread	Rye croutons or garlic toast

Pair with a simple green salad or roasted veggies for a complete dinner. Kids love it over mashed potatoes for extra heartiness.

Storage and Freezing

• Fridge: Store in airtight containers up to 4 days. Reheat on stovetop with a splash of broth.
• Freezer: Portion into freezer bags, flatten for space, and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in fridge, then simmer gently.
• Reheating Tip: Rice absorbs liquid, so add broth or water when warming leftovers.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Approximate values for 1/8th recipe (1.5 cups). Calculated for original ingredients.

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	285
Protein	18g
Carbohydrates	28g
Fiber	4g
Fat	11g
Sodium	720mg (varies by broth)

Naturally low-carb friendly when swapping rice; keto version drops to 8g net carbs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make cabbage roll soup without rice?
Yes! Use cauliflower rice (fresh or frozen) added in the last 10 minutes, or skip entirely for a low-carb brothier soup.

Is cabbage roll soup gluten-free?
Absolutely, as long as your Worcestershire sauce and broth are certified gluten-free. Most brands are.

How do I thicken cabbage roll soup?
Simmer uncovered longer, or stir in a slurry of 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water. Rice starch naturally thickens it too.

Can I use ground turkey in cabbage roll soup?
Definitely; it makes a leaner version. Brown well for flavor, and add 1 tsp oil if needed to prevent sticking.

What’s the difference between cabbage rolls and cabbage roll soup?
Soup deconstructs the rolls into one pot, skipping wrapping leaves around filling. Same flavors, half the work!

Can I freeze cabbage roll soup?
Yes, freezes perfectly for 3 months. Rice holds up well; just portion into single servings for convenience.

Is cabbage roll soup keto friendly?
Swap white rice for cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Use coconut aminos instead of Worcestershire for strict keto.

How spicy is cabbage roll soup?
Mild as written. Add red pepper flakes (1/2 tsp) or diced jalapeños with the garlic for heat.

Can I make cabbage roll soup in the slow cooker?
Yes, follow the Crockpot variation above. Brown beef first for best taste, though you can dump everything in.

How long does cabbage roll soup last in the fridge?
Up to 4 days safely. The flavors deepen beautifully by day 2 or 3.

What if my cabbage roll soup is too sour?
Balance with 1-2 tsp sugar or a splash of heavy cream. Tomatoes vary in acidity.

Can I add bacon to cabbage roll soup?
Chop 4 slices, cook with beef for smoky richness everyone loves.

This cabbage roll soup delivers pure comfort in every spoonful, with tender cabbage, savory beef, and that perfect tangy bite. It’s the effortless way to enjoy stuffed roll flavors any night of the week. Pin this recipe for later, drop a 5-star rating if you love it, and share your tweaks in the comments below!

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