I’ve been on a serious comfort food kick lately, and this Cabbage Roll Soup might just be my new obsession. It has all the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls but without the fussy rolling and stuffing. Just imagine tender cabbage, savory ground beef, and rice swimming in a rich tomato broth that warms you from the inside out. What makes this recipe truly special isn’t just the taste—it’s how it transforms a labor-intensive classic into a one-pot wonder that actually tastes better the next day. Curious about how it comes together?
Why You’ll Love this Cabbage Roll Soup
Comfort in a bowl. That’s exactly what this cabbage roll soup delivers on chilly evenings when you need something hearty but don’t want to fuss with traditional stuffed cabbage rolls.
I’m talking about all those familiar flavors—savory beef, tender cabbage, and rice—transformed into a spoonable delight that comes together in just one pot.
What makes this soup truly special? It’s incredibly versatile. Don’t have ground beef? Turkey works wonderfully.
Need to use up extra vegetables? Toss them in. The paprika adds a subtle warmth that brings everything together, while the tomato paste deepens the flavor profile.
And can we talk about leftovers? They’re actually better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Plus, knowing it freezes beautifully means I can always have a homemade meal ready in minutes.
What Ingredients are in Cabbage Roll Soup?
This hearty soup brings together simple, wholesome ingredients that transform into something truly special when simmered together.
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups cabbage, chopped
- 1 cup rice, uncooked
- 1 can (14oz) diced tomatoes
- 6 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Feel free to adjust seasonings to your preference—some people might want to add a bit more paprika for warmth or introduce other herbs like bay leaves or thyme for additional depth of flavor.
How to Make this Cabbage Roll Soup
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, brown 1 lb of ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into smaller pieces as it cooks. This creates the savory foundation for our soup and takes about 5-7 minutes.
Step 2: Add Aromatics
Once the beef is browned, add 1 diced onion and 3 minced garlic cloves to the pot.
Cook until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. The kitchen should start smelling amazing at this point.
Step 3: Incorporate the Cabbage
Add 4 cups of chopped cabbage to the pot and stir to combine with the meat mixture.
The cabbage might look like a lot at first, but don’t worry—it will cook down considerably as the soup simmers.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Liquid
Pour in 1 can (14oz) of diced tomatoes with their juice, 6 cups of beef broth, and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste.
This creates the rich, flavorful base that makes this soup so comforting.
Step 5: Season the Soup
Sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of paprika along with salt and pepper to taste.
Give everything a good stir to guarantee the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the soup.
Step 6: Bring to a Boil and Add Rice
Bring the mixture to a boil, then stir in 1 cup of uncooked rice.
The rice will absorb some of the liquid and flavors as it cooks, thickening the soup beautifully.
Step 7: Simmer Until Tender
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed some of the broth.
The cabbage should be soft but not mushy.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top with a dollop of sour cream if desired.
The contrast between the tangy cream and the rich, savory soup is simply divine—I wouldn’t skip this finishing touch.
For best results, consider preparing this recipe using a high-quality gourmet appliance set that ensures even heat distribution and perfect simmering.
What to Serve with Cabbage Roll Soup
This hearty soup is practically a meal in itself, but a few simple sides can turn it into a proper dinner spread. A slice of crusty rye bread or garlic bread is perfect for sopping up every last drop of that savory broth.
For something lighter, try a simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the soup.
If you’re looking for a beverage pairing, a cold beer or crisp white wine works wonderfully, or stick with tradition and serve with hot black tea.
And while the recipe already suggests sour cream as a topping, don’t forget about a sprinkle of fresh dill or parsley to add a pop of color and freshness.
This soup works beautifully for lunch or dinner, especially on chilly days when comfort is calling.
Cabbage Roll Soup Substitutions and Variations
• Flavor boosters: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or a bay leaf.
A tablespoon of vinegar brightens everything up.
• Cozy garnishes: Beyond sour cream, try fresh dill, chopped green onions, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika on top.
Leftovers and Storage for this Cabbage Roll Soup
This soup actually tastes even better the next day when all those savory flavors have had time to mingle and get friendly with each other.
Talk about a relationship that improves with time!
• Refrigerator storage: Transfer cooled soup to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
The rice might absorb more liquid overnight, turning your soup into more of a stew—nothing a splash of broth can’t fix.
• Freezer magic: Portion completely cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving a bit of headspace for expansion.
As noted in the recipe, it freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Future you’ll be so grateful.
• Reheating tips: Warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
Add a little broth if needed to restore the original consistency. Microwaving works too—just use medium power and stir halfway through.
Final Thoughts
This cabbage roll soup captures all the comfort of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls without the fuss of rolling and stuffing. The marriage of beef, rice, and tender cabbage swimming in that rich tomato broth creates something truly magical in just one pot. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something hearty but don’t have time for elaborate preparation, and equally wonderful for weekend family gatherings where everyone needs a warm hug in bowl form. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, you can customize the spice level with sriracha or paprika to give the soup an extra dimension of flavor. With simple ingredients that transform into something greater than their parts, this soup reminds us that sometimes the most satisfying meals come from the humblest beginnings.