Cabbage Roll Soup

Recipe By:

Natalia

Posted:

January 31, 2026

Updated:

January 31, 2026

Pin1

1 Shares

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Cabbage Roll Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for warming you up on a chilly day. This hearty dish combines all the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls but in a delicious soup form. It’s easy to make and ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions. With its rich taste and nourishing ingredients, this soup is sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have a wholesome meal ready in no time.
Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of beef, cabbage, and spices creates a robust flavor that delights your taste buds.
Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a main course or serve it alongside crusty bread for a complete meal.
Healthy Option: Packed with vegetables and lean protein, this soup is nutritious and satisfying.
One-Pot Meal: Easy cleanup is guaranteed since everything cooks in one pot!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious Cabbage Roll Soup recipe, gather your tools to make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Dutch oven or large soup pot
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Dutch oven or large soup pot: This tool allows for even heat distribution, making it perfect for simmering soups.
Chef’s knife: A sharp knife ensures precise chopping of vegetables, which speeds up prep time.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

2 tsp. vegetable oil
1 lb. lean ground beef
salt and pepper
1 medium yellow onion (diced finely)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
4 cups chopped green cabbage
2 medium carrots (quartered and sliced)
4 cups low-sodium beef broth
3 8 oz. cans tomato sauce
1/2 cup white rice (uncooked)
1 bay leaf
3 tbsp. light brown sugar

For Garnish

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Cabbage Roll Soup

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

In a dutch oven or large soup pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and season it with salt and pepper to taste. Cook until browned.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Once the beef is browned, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the onions are tender and fragrant.

Step 3: Combine Vegetables and Liquids

Next, add in the chopped cabbage, sliced carrots, tomato sauce, beef broth, uncooked white rice, bay leaf, and brown sugar. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Allow it to cook for about 25 minutes until the rice is tender.

Step 5: Final Touches

After simmering, remove the bay leaf from the pot. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley for added flavor and color. Enjoy your warm bowl of Cabbage Roll Soup!

How to Serve Cabbage Roll Soup

Cabbage Roll Soup is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways to enhance its flavor and presentation. Here are some serving suggestions to consider for your bowl of comforting goodness.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and added freshness.
Dill: Add some chopped dill for an herby twist that complements the soup flavors beautifully.

Pair with Bread

Crusty Bread: Serve the soup with a slice of crusty bread for dipping, which adds a satisfying crunch.
Garlic Bread: Enjoy it alongside garlic bread for an extra punch of flavor that pairs well with the savory broth.

Add Cheese

Shredded Cheese: Top your soup with shredded cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, for a creamy finish.
Parmesan: Grate fresh Parmesan over the soup to elevate its taste with rich umami notes.

Serve with a Side Salad

Green Salad: A light green salad can balance the hearty flavors of the soup and add freshness.
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw complements the cabbage in the soup while providing a crunchy contrast.

How to Perfect Cabbage Roll Soup

To make your Cabbage Roll Soup even better, follow these tips. These ideas will help you enhance the flavor and texture of your dish.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh vegetables and herbs to maximize flavor and nutrition.
Adjust Seasonings: Taste as you go! Adjust salt, pepper, or spices according to your preference for better results.
Simmer Longer for Flavor: Allow the soup to simmer longer than suggested if time permits; this deepens the flavors significantly.
Experiment with Proteins: Substitute ground beef with turkey or chicken for a lighter version while maintaining great taste.
Add More Vegetables: Consider adding bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor complexity.
Store Properly: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days; flavors may improve as they meld together.

Best Side Dishes for Cabbage Roll Soup

Cabbage Roll Soup pairs well with several side dishes that can complement its hearty nature. Here are some suggestions to enhance your meal experience.

Garlic Bread: Crispy, buttery garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the flavorful broth.
Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds crunch and creaminess that balances well with the soup’s warmth.
Cornbread: Sweet cornbread offers a delightful contrast to the savory notes of Cabbage Roll Soup.
Stuffed Peppers: Stuffed peppers can serve as a filling side, echoing similar flavors found in cabbage rolls.
Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted seasonal vegetables can provide a nutritious and colorful addition to your table.
Pasta Salad: A chilled pasta salad brings refreshing elements that contrast nicely with hot soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes will help you create the best Cabbage Roll Soup. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

Overcooking the rice: Cooking the rice too long can make it mushy. Add it during the last 25 minutes of simmering to keep it firm.
Ignoring seasoning: Failing to season properly can lead to bland soup. Always taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving.
Using low-quality broth: Poor-quality broth can affect the flavor. Opt for low-sodium beef broth for a richer taste.
Not chopping vegetables uniformly: Unevenly chopped veggies can cook at different rates. Aim for similar sizes, especially with cabbage and carrots.
Skipping the bay leaf: Omitting the bay leaf may result in a lack of depth in flavor. Remember to add it during cooking for enhanced taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store Cabbage Roll Soup in an airtight container.
It will last for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Cabbage Roll Soup

Freeze in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Cabbage Roll Soup

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 20-30 minutes until hot.
Microwave: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat and stir occasionally until heated through, about 10-15 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Cabbage Roll Soup that you might find helpful.

Can I use leftover cooked cabbage in Cabbage Roll Soup?

Yes! Leftover cooked cabbage can be added directly to enhance flavor without needing extra cooking time.

How can I customize my Cabbage Roll Soup?

You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. Spice it up with red pepper flakes or swap ground beef for turkey or sausage.

Is Cabbage Roll Soup kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Its mild flavors make it appealing to children. You can adjust spices according to your family’s taste preferences.

What can I serve with Cabbage Roll Soup?

Pair this delicious soup with crusty bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

Cabbage Roll Soup is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with various ingredients based on your preferences. This recipe is perfect for cozy evenings or meal prep, making it an ideal choice for any home cook. Give it a try and enjoy every warm bite!