Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup – The Easy Comfort Classic You’ll Crave

Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup is your weeknight lifesaver when you crave cozy, homemade comfort without spending hours in the kitchen rolling cabbage leaves. This recipe captures all the traditional flavors of classic cabbage rolls—savory beef, tender rice, sweet carrots, and tangy tomato broth—but turns them into an easy, one-pot meal. It’s hearty, filling, and surprisingly simple to make, whether on the stovetop or in your slow cooker. Perfect for busy families, this unstuffed cabbage roll soup is one of those dishes that feels like a hug in a bowl—warm, nourishing, and oh-so-satisfying.

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What is Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup?

Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup is the deconstructed version of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls. Instead of layering and baking cabbage leaves with meat and rice filling, everything is simmered together in a rich tomato broth. The result? A cozy, flavorful soup that’s easier to make, easier to clean up, and every bit as comforting. It’s got the same old-fashioned flavors you grew up loving, but with a modern, no-fuss twist. If you love hearty, family-style meals like Hamburger Rice Soup or German Cabbage Soup, this one deserves a spot in your dinner rotation.

Reasons to Try Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup

First off, it’s fast—on the table in just about 40 minutes. That’s less time than a single episode of your favorite cooking show! Second, it’s budget-friendly and uses simple pantry staples: ground beef, rice, cabbage, and tomato sauce. Third, it’s perfect for meal prep since the flavors deepen over time, making it even better the next day. Plus, picky eaters love it because it tastes like a cross between chili and classic stew. If you’ve ever wanted comfort food without the work, Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup delivers big-time flavor with almost no effort.

Ingredients Needed to Make Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup

When it comes to making Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup, the secret is using fresh, flavorful ingredients that come together effortlessly in one comforting pot. Below, you’ll find a breakdown of each ingredient, why it matters, and how it contributes to that classic, hearty flavor we all crave. Think of this as your guide to creating the perfect balance between savory, tangy, and satisfying — no fancy culinary degree required.

• Olive Oil – 1 Tablespoon
  A small drizzle of olive oil sets the stage for this Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup. It adds a subtle richness and helps the beef brown beautifully without sticking to the pan. Choose a light or extra-virgin olive oil for the best flavor. If you’re feeling creative, try swapping it for avocado oil or even butter for a touch of old-fashioned depth.
• Ground Beef – 1 Pound (93/7 Lean)
  The heart of this recipe! Ground beef brings hearty, meaty comfort to the soup. A lean 93/7 blend keeps it flavorful without excess grease. If you love experimenting with different proteins, ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives — similar to what you’d find in our Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Soup. The key is to brown it well so it develops those crave-worthy caramelized bits that add a deep, savory base to the broth.
• Diced Onion – 1 Cup
  Onions are the foundation of any good soup, and here they add a gentle sweetness that balances the acidity of the tomato sauce. Yellow onions work perfectly, though white or sweet onions will do just fine too. When sautéed until soft, they melt into the broth, giving this Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup a cozy, home-cooked flavor that reminds you of grandma’s kitchen.
• Diced Carrots – 1 Cup
  Carrots bring a subtle earthy sweetness and a pop of color to your bowl. Their natural sugars mellow out the tanginess of the tomatoes and give the soup a pleasant balance. Slice them evenly so they cook at the same rate — nobody likes a half-crunchy carrot in their soup!
• Garlic – 2 Cloves, Minced
  No comforting dish is complete without garlic. It infuses the soup with a warm, aromatic undertone that makes every bite rich and flavorful. If you’re a garlic lover, go ahead and add an extra clove — it’s your kitchen, after all. Garlic also pairs beautifully with tomato-based broths like in our Copycat Panera Tomato Soup Recipe.
• Green Cabbage – 3 Cups, Chopped
  The star of the show! Green cabbage gives this Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup its signature flavor and hearty texture. It softens beautifully as it simmers, soaking up the broth and seasoning while still holding its shape. You’ll want to chop it into bite-sized pieces for easy eating. If you’re a cabbage fan, you’ll love our Cabbage Soup Recipe, which showcases this humble veggie in another delicious way.
• Beef Broth – 4 Cups
  Beef broth provides a rich, savory base that ties all the ingredients together. It enhances the meaty flavor of the soup while giving it body and warmth. Go for a low-sodium version if you prefer more control over the saltiness. Homemade broth, if you have it, adds unbeatable depth — but boxed or canned works perfectly fine for busy nights.
• Tomato Sauce – 16 Ounces
  Tomato sauce gives Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup its signature tang and comforting red hue. It infuses every spoonful with a slightly sweet acidity that balances the richness of the beef and cabbage. For extra flavor, you can use crushed tomatoes or add a spoonful of tomato paste for more intensity. Similar to the flavor base in our Mexican Albondigas Soup Recipe, it creates a luscious, flavorful broth that feels like pure comfort.
• Uncooked White Rice – ½ Cup
  Rice adds the hearty, stick-to-your-ribs texture that makes this soup so filling. It thickens the broth just enough while soaking up all the delicious tomato and beef juices. Long-grain white rice is classic, but you can also use jasmine, basmati, or even brown rice (just note that it may take longer to cook). For a low-carb twist, swap it for cauliflower rice — it works surprisingly well!
• Salt – ½ Teaspoon & Pepper – ¼ Teaspoon
  The simplest seasonings are often the most essential. Salt brings out the natural flavors of every ingredient, while pepper adds a mild heat that keeps the soup from tasting flat. You can also experiment with paprika, thyme, or bay leaves for a little extra depth.

Optional Garnishes:
Top your Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a spoonful of sour cream for that final restaurant-worthy touch. These add freshness and creaminess, transforming a humble pot of soup into something truly special.

(If you’re a soup lover looking for more cozy options, check out our Creamy Mushroom Potato Soup or the hearty Hearty Beef and Barley Soup for equally satisfying bowls.)

Instructions to Make Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup

Cooking Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup is as comforting as eating it. Follow this step-by-step guide to transform simple ingredients into a flavorful, hearty bowl of homemade comfort. Each step breaks down what to do, why it matters, and how to make sure your soup turns out rich, savory, and perfectly balanced every time.

Step 1: Heat the Oil and Brown the Beef
Start by heating one tablespoon of olive oil in a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the ground beef. Break it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula, letting it brown evenly. This step-by-step process is key because browning the meat develops deep, savory flavors through caramelization—what chefs call the Maillard reaction.
Keep cooking until the beef is no longer pink and has that delicious golden-brown color. If you’re using lean beef (like 93/7), you likely won’t need to drain much fat. However, if you’re using a fattier blend, drain the excess grease to keep your broth clean and light.

Pro Tip: For a different flavor twist, try swapping ground beef for turkey or sausage, similar to what’s used in our Crock Pot Taco Soup.

Step 2: Add the Aromatics – Onion, Carrots, and Garlic
Once your beef is browned, toss in the diced onions and carrots. Sauté them gently for about five minutes, stirring occasionally until they soften and begin to release their natural sweetness. This step-by-step addition builds the flavor base of your Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup, creating that irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen.

Next, add the minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn—it can turn bitter quickly. The combination of garlic and onion adds warmth and depth, much like the flavor foundation in our Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe.

Step 3: Add the Star Ingredient – Cabbage
Now comes the heart of the dish—the cabbage. Add your chopped green cabbage to the pot and stir well. You’ll notice it seems like a lot at first, but don’t worry—it will shrink down as it cooks. This step-by-step moment transforms your ingredients from a basic mixture into the beginnings of a true comfort meal.
The cabbage softens slightly in this stage, soaking up the flavor from the beef and vegetables. It’s this step that gives the soup its signature texture—tender but still with a slight bite.

If you’re a cabbage lover, you’ll also enjoy the similar warmth found in our German Cabbage Soup Recipe.

Step 4: Pour in the Liquids and Seasoning
This is where everything comes together. Pour in the beef broth and tomato sauce, then stir in the uncooked rice, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine.
At this point, your kitchen will smell amazing — the tomato base mingling with the savory beef and cabbage creates that nostalgic, homey aroma that’s impossible to resist.

Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it reaches a rolling boil, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Simmer gently for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally so the rice doesn’t stick to the bottom. This step-by-step simmering process allows the rice to absorb the broth while the flavors meld beautifully together.

For an extra flavor boost, try adding a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika. Those small touches can elevate the flavor even more, like in our Hearty Beef and Barley Soup.

Step 5: Check for Doneness and Adjust Flavor
After about 30 minutes, check your Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup. The rice should be tender but not mushy, and the broth slightly thickened from the starch. Taste the soup — if it needs a bit more salt or pepper, now’s the time to adjust.

If the soup has become too thick (which can happen as the rice absorbs liquid), simply add a little extra broth or water until it reaches your preferred consistency. This step-by-step adjustment ensures the perfect texture every time — thick enough to feel hearty, but still spoonable and cozy.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the soup is ready, ladle it into bowls and serve warm. You can garnish it with freshly chopped parsley for color or add a small dollop of sour cream for creaminess. Both toppings contrast beautifully with the tangy tomato broth.

Pair your Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup with crusty bread, buttery rolls, or even a side salad. It also pairs wonderfully with lighter soups like Lemony Greek Chickpea Soup for a fun soup-and-salad dinner combo.

Bonus – Step-by-Step for Slow Cooker Method
If you’re using a slow cooker, the process is even easier:

1. Brown the beef first in a skillet to lock in flavor.
2. Transfer everything except rice to your slow cooker.
3. Cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours.
4. Add the rice during the last 20 minutes of cooking so it doesn’t get mushy.

This hands-free step-by-step method is perfect for busy days when you want a hearty dinner waiting for you at the end of the day.

What to Serve with Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup

This soup pairs beautifully with a slice of crusty bread or a buttery dinner roll. If you’re in the mood for something lighter, a crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly. You can also serve it with roasted potatoes or garlic toast for an extra filling meal. For more comforting combinations, try it alongside Lemony Greek Chickpea Soup or Panera Autumn Squash Soup for a fun soup sampler night.

Key Tips for Making Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup

1. Use lean beef – You’ll get all the flavor without excess grease.
2. Don’t skip sautéing – Cooking your onions and carrots first builds a flavorful base.
3. Add rice last in slow cooker – Keeps it from getting mushy.
4. Adjust consistency – Add extra broth if it thickens too much after sitting.
5. Flavor boost – A dash of Worcestershire sauce or smoked paprika takes it up a notch.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup

Let the soup cool before storing. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–5 days, or freeze it for up to 2 months. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to loosen the texture since rice tends to absorb liquid. Warm it gently on the stove over medium heat until steaming hot. This soup freezes beautifully, so consider doubling the recipe—it’s perfect for future busy nights when cooking feels impossible.

FAQs

1. Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the ground beef for lentils or plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

2. What kind of rice works best?
Long-grain white rice cooks evenly without becoming mushy. Brown rice works too, but add extra broth and cook longer.

3. Can I freeze this soup?
Absolutely. It freezes very well—just cool it first and store in freezer-safe bags or containers.

4. How do I make it spicier?
Add crushed red pepper flakes or a little cayenne for heat.

5. What’s the difference between cabbage roll soup and unstuffed cabbage roll soup?
The difference is all about effort—unstuffed means no rolling, no layering, just toss it all in one pot and relax.

Final Thoughts

Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup is the kind of meal that checks every box—easy, hearty, family-approved, and full of flavor. It’s an old-school comfort classic with a modern twist, and once you try it, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered rolling all those cabbage leaves. When you need something cozy, quick, and satisfying, this soup’s got your back.

For more comfort-in-a-bowl favorites, browse our Hearty Beef and Barley Soup or Creamy Cowboy Soup Recipe.

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