Cabbage Roll Soup is the ultimate shortcut for anyone craving those nostalgic, comforting flavors of classic stuffed cabbage, but without wrestling with leaves or rolling anything at all. This heartwarming meal swirls together savory ground beef, sweet carrots, aromatic herbs, tender rice, and soft cabbage in a tangy tomato broth—each spoonful tastes just like the inside of your favorite cabbage roll. It’s easy, deeply satisfying, and absolutely perfect for cozy weeknights when you want fuss-free comfort food that the whole family will love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient lineup is refreshingly simple, yet every element has a starring role in making this soup so crave-worthy. From flavorful ground meat to fresh herbs and veggies, you’ll layer up color, heartiness, and irresistible aroma with each addition. Here’s what you’ll need for your pot of cabbage roll soup:

Ground beef: Choose lean beef (or pork, or a mix) for a hearty, richly flavored base—swap for turkey if you want it lighter.
Olive oil: Add a splash if your meat is lean, to help sauté and build flavor from the start.
Yellow onion: Diced onion brings sweetness and depth that echoes classic cabbage rolls.
Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the broth with savory, aromatic warmth.
Carrots: Chopped carrots add color, subtle sweetness, and extra veggie goodness.
Celery: Diced celery gives the soup a subtle aromatic flavor and balancing crunch.
Green cabbage: The chopped cabbage softens into silky, tender layers—no rolling required!
Crushed tomatoes: This big can forms the tomato-rich, tangy heart of your broth.
Beef broth: Use beef or chicken broth to make your soup full-bodied and deeply comforting.
Tomato sauce: Adds a silky, rich tomato flavor and body to the broth.
Paprika: Lends gentle smokiness—that secret touch cabbage rolls always have.
Dried oregano: Earthy oregano brings classic herb flavor and rounds out the soup.
Dried thyme: Adds a woodsy, fragrant note reminiscent of old-school cabbage roll recipes.
Bay leaf: Pop a bay leaf in as the soup simmers for aromatic complexity (just remember to fish it out before serving!).
Uncooked white rice: This will simmer until fluffy and tender, absorbing all those delicious flavors—brown rice works, too!
Salt and black pepper: Always taste and season to bring everything into perfect savory balance.
Fresh parsley: A sprinkle on top right before serving gives your bowl a burst of color and freshness.

How to Make Cabbage Roll Soup

Step 1: Brown the Meat

Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and add your ground beef (add a drizzle of olive oil if you’re using lean meat). Let it sizzle and brown, breaking it up as it cooks. Once there’s no more pink, drain off any excess fat—this step builds the savory flavor base for your soup.

Step 2: Sauté Onions, Garlic, Carrots, and Celery

Stir in your diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Let them cook with the beef for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and everything smells amazing. This step helps the vegetables release sweetness and deepen the flavor of the entire batch.

Step 3: Add Cabbage, Tomatoes, Broth, and Spices

Toss in your chopped cabbage, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, tomato sauce, paprika, dried oregano, dried thyme, and the bay leaf. Mix everything well so those spices start to bloom and infuse the broth. The cabbage will look like a lot, but it cooks down beautifully.

Step 4: Simmer to Build Flavor

Crank up the heat to bring your pot to a gentle boil. As soon as it bubbles, reduce the heat to a lively simmer. Let it cook for 15 minutes—this gives the cabbage a head start at turning perfectly tender, and lets all the flavors start to mingle together.

Step 5: Add the Rice and Simmer Until Tender

Stir in your uncooked white rice, making sure it’s evenly distributed. Let the whole pot simmer, uncovered, for another 20 to 25 minutes. The rice will fluff up, the cabbage will turn meltingly soft, and your soup will thicken ever so slightly. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper to your liking.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Remove the bay leaf, then ladle the hot Cabbage Roll Soup into bowls. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a spark of color and freshness. Enjoy while piping hot—it’s cozy, flavorful, and fantastically satisfying.

How to Serve Cabbage Roll Soup

Garnishes

A generous handful of chopped fresh parsley is classic, adding both a visual pop and an herby lift. For a zingy twist, a little sprinkle of fresh dill or a dollop of sour cream works beautifully, especially if you want to echo Eastern European flavors. If you’re craving a little heat, a pinch of chili flakes on top is delicious!

Side Dishes

Cabbage Roll Soup is a hearty meal all on its own, but it also plays perfectly with crusty bread, soft dinner rolls, or a slice of rustic rye to help mop up every last drop. Consider serving with a simple green salad dressed lightly, or even a platter of sliced pickles or fermented vegetables to punch up the tangy vibes.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve Cabbage Roll Soup in big mugs for a cozy, casual meal by the fireplace or at a winter gathering. Hosting a dinner party? Ladle soup into mini cocottes or bread bowls for an extra-special presentation. You can also top individual bowls with shredded cheese and pop them under the broiler for a gooey, golden crust.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover soup cool completely, then store it in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors only get better as it sits, so this is one of those soups you’ll actually look forward to reheating for lunch or dinner the next day.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully! Portion cooled Cabbage Roll Soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving space for expansion. It’ll keep happy in your freezer for up to 3 months—just remember to label with the date so you don’t forget what’s inside.

Reheating

To reheat from the fridge, simply warm your Cabbage Roll Soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat straight from frozen on the stove, adding a splash of broth or water if it’s thickened up a bit.

FAQs

Can I use cooked rice instead of uncooked?

Absolutely! If you have leftover cooked rice, just stir it into the soup during the last 5 minutes of simmering—this way the rice won’t get mushy, and dinner will hit the table even sooner.

Is Cabbage Roll Soup gluten-free?

Yes, simply ensure your broth is certified gluten-free. All the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this a great option for those with sensitivities or dietary preferences.

Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?

Definitely! Swap the ground beef for a plant-based ground or even cooked lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of beef or chicken. The soup remains comforting, flavorful, and filling without any meat.

How can I make Cabbage Roll Soup spicier?

If you love a bit of heat, toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes with the other spices, or offer hot sauce at the table for everyone to customize their bowl.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Yes! Just use a larger pot and double each ingredient. Your Cabbage Roll Soup will be a huge hit whether you’re meal prepping or serving a hungry group—this recipe scales up beautifully.

Final Thoughts

If you love soulful comfort food with minimal fuss, you truly need to try a big, bubbling pot of Cabbage Roll Soup. It delivers all the coziness of its classic inspiration but is so much easier. Ladle up a bowl, gather your favorite people, and watch every spoonful disappear!