Hearty Cabbage Roll Soup: A Comforting One-Pot Classic

Cabbage Roll Soup brings all the rich flavors of traditional cabbage rolls into one warm and satisfying bowl. This hearty dish blends tender cabbage, seasoned ground beef, vegetables, and rice in a savory tomato broth. It cooks quickly, uses simple ingredients, and delivers deep comfort with every bite. When the weather turns cold, this soup becomes the perfect dinner to warm your belly and lift your mood.

Why Cabbage Roll Soup Is a Perfect Comfort Meal

This soup captures everything people love about classic cabbage rolls. However, it requires far less work. Instead of rolling and baking, you simmer all the ingredients in one pot. As it cooks, the flavors blend beautifully. The broth becomes rich and slightly sweet from the tomatoes and brown sugar. The rice adds heartiness. And the cabbage becomes soft and tender, making each spoonful satisfying and wholesome.

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor

You only need everyday ingredients to create this cozy dish. Each one adds depth and balance.

Ground Beef

Lean ground beef adds protein and richness. Browning the beef first builds a flavorful base for the soup.

Fresh Vegetables

Finely diced onion, minced garlic, chopped cabbage, and sliced carrots create texture and sweetness. These vegetables soften as they simmer and enhance the broth.

Tomato Sauce and Broth

Tomato sauce provides body and color. Beef broth adds savory flavor and keeps the soup warm and comforting.

White Rice

Uncooked white rice thickens the soup and makes it hearty enough for a full meal.

Seasonings

Salt, pepper, brown sugar, and a bay leaf create a balanced taste. The brown sugar softens the acidity of the tomatoes and adds a subtle depth.

How to Make Cabbage Roll Soup

This recipe comes together quickly, which makes it great for weeknight dinners.

Brown the Beef

Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and season it with salt and pepper. Cook until nicely browned.

Cook the Vegetables

Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for a few minutes until the onion softens and the garlic becomes fragrant.

Build the Soup Base

Stir in cabbage, carrots, tomato sauce, beef broth, rice, bay leaf, and brown sugar. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.

Simmer Until Tender

Bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the cabbage is soft.

Finish and Serve

Remove the bay leaf. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top. Serve the soup warm with crusty bread for a complete and cozy meal.

Tips for the Best Flavor

Small adjustments can make the soup even more delicious.
Use a splash of Worcestershire sauce for deeper flavor.
Choose lean beef to reduce excess grease.
Chop the cabbage into even pieces so it cooks consistently.
If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer a few extra minutes.

Perfect for Leftovers and Meal Prep

This soup stores well, and the flavors deepen overnight. You can refrigerate it for several days or freeze it for future meals. The rice absorbs the broth as it sits, making the soup thicker and even more comforting the next day.

A Bowl of Classic Comfort

Cabbage Roll Soup brings together simple ingredients, warm flavors, and easy preparation. It tastes like a traditional family recipe but requires far less effort. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or craving something cozy, this soup delivers a delicious and satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out.

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