Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe – The Ultimate Cozy Comfort Dish

This Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe is like a warm hug in a bowl—comforting, hearty, and packed with flavor. If you’ve ever craved classic cabbage rolls but didn’t want to fuss with all that rolling, this soup is your shortcut to bliss. It’s got all the beloved ingredients—savory beef, tender cabbage, and that rich tomato base—without the extra steps. Whether it’s a cold night or you’re just craving something cozy, this cabbage roll soup will hit the spot. Plus, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, and even picky eaters will go back for seconds.

Table of Contents

What is Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe?

The Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe is a simplified version of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls. Instead of spending hours wrapping and baking, you toss everything into one pot. It’s an unstuffed version that keeps the flavors intact—ground beef, rice, and a tomato broth infused with paprika and thyme. The result? A rich, satisfying soup that captures that nostalgic cabbage roll taste with far less effort. Think of it as your favorite comfort food’s easygoing cousin—delicious, hearty, and wonderfully homey.

Reasons to Try Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe

There are plenty of reasons this Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe should be in your rotation. For starters, it’s budget-friendly and uses everyday ingredients you probably already have. It’s also meal-prep gold—leftovers taste even better the next day. The soup is cozy enough for chilly nights yet light enough for a weeknight dinner. And here’s the best part: it’s adaptable. Swap in turkey for a lighter option or add extra veggies for a nutrient boost. If you love simple, filling meals that feel homemade without the hassle, this soup’s a keeper.

Ingredients Needed to Make Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe

Let’s talk about what goes into this cozy Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe—because every spoonful of this hearty bowl comes from simple, wholesome ingredients working together like a dream. You probably have most of these on hand already, and if not, they’re easy to find at any grocery store. Here’s the full list, plus a few extra tips to make each ingredient shine in your kitchen.

• Ground Beef (1 pound) – The heart of your Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe. Choose lean beef for less grease and a cleaner flavor. If you prefer a lighter twist, swap it with ground turkey or chicken. For those who love a vegetarian take, lentils or plant-based crumbles can easily stand in without sacrificing heartiness.
  Tip: Brown it well—those little caramelized bits at the bottom of your pot? That’s pure flavor gold.
• White Onion (1 medium, diced) – Onions are the foundation of so many soups, and this one’s no exception. They add a subtle sweetness and depth that balances the acidity of the tomatoes. Dice them finely so they melt beautifully into the broth.
• Minced Garlic (3 cloves) – Garlic gives that rich, home-cooked aroma that makes your kitchen smell like comfort itself. Fresh garlic always beats jarred—it brings out a robust, savory punch. If you’re a garlic lover, go ahead and toss in an extra clove.
• Green Cabbage (½ head, chopped into bite-sized pieces) – The star of this Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe! Freshly chopped cabbage adds texture and sweetness as it cooks down. Avoid pre-shredded bags—they tend to turn mushy too quickly. You want a bit of bite in every spoonful.
• Cooked Rice (1 cup, white or brown) – This is what transforms the soup into a complete, stick-to-your-ribs meal. White rice gives that classic soft texture, while brown rice adds a nutty depth. If you have leftover rice from another dinner, even better—it’s a great way to repurpose food and save time.
• Carrots (2, peeled and chopped) – These add color, natural sweetness, and balance to the rich tomato base. Try to chop them evenly so they cook at the same rate as the celery.
• Celery (2 stalks, sliced) – Celery gives that unmistakable savory backbone found in most comforting soups. It blends with the onion and garlic to form the perfect aromatic base.
• Beef or Chicken Broth (6 cups) – This is the liquid magic that brings everything together. Use low-sodium broth so you can control your salt levels. For deeper flavor, you can even try homemade broth (our Crock-Pot Hamburger Potato Soup shows how simple that can be!).
• Canned Crushed Tomatoes (1 can, 28 oz) – These form the rich tomato base that gives the Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe its signature tang and color. The acidity cuts through the richness of the beef, creating a balanced, savory broth.
• Tomato Paste (2 tablespoons) – A secret weapon for any tomato-based soup. Stirring it into the vegetables before adding broth deepens the flavor and adds a hint of sweetness.
• Bay Leaves (2) – These little leaves quietly infuse your soup with earthy, herbal notes. Don’t forget to fish them out before serving.
• Paprika (1 teaspoon) – Adds warmth and a hint of smokiness. Sweet paprika works beautifully here, but if you like a tiny kick, try smoked paprika.
• Dried Thyme (1 teaspoon) – A pinch of thyme adds that rustic, homey flavor that feels like a cozy Sunday dinner.
• Salt and Pepper (to taste) – Simple seasonings that make all the other flavors pop. Add them at the end so you don’t overdo it while the soup simmers and reduces.
• Fresh Parsley (optional garnish) – This final touch brightens everything. The green color adds contrast, and the fresh flavor balances the rich broth. Sprinkle it right before serving for the perfect finish.

Every ingredient in this Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe plays a part in building that deep, nostalgic flavor we all love. The cabbage soaks up the tangy tomato broth, the beef adds a satisfying richness, and the rice ties it all together for a complete, balanced meal.

If you’re a fan of soups that combine hearty veggies with comfort-food flair, you’ll also love my Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe—it’s another weeknight winner that feels like something special.

Instructions to Make Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe

Making the perfect Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe is all about layering flavor, one step at a time. This isn’t just a toss-and-go meal—it’s a slow build of savory, cozy goodness that’ll make your kitchen smell like a dream. Grab your favorite soup pot and follow these detailed steps to bring this hearty bowl to life.

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef – Build the Base of Flavor

Start by heating a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef (or ground turkey, if you’re going lighter) and use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks. This is your first opportunity to create that rich, savory foundation.

You’ll want to cook it until it’s evenly browned and no pink remains—about 5–7 minutes. As the beef cooks, you’ll notice little brown bits forming at the bottom of the pot. Don’t scrape them away just yet! Those bits are concentrated flavor that will enrich your broth later.

Once the meat is done, drain off any excess grease to keep your Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe from feeling heavy.

Cooking Tip: If you want to add more depth, try a quick splash of Worcestershire sauce while the beef is browning. It’s a secret trick I use in my Crock-Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup for that extra umami layer.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic – The Aromatic Heart

Next, toss in 1 diced white onion and 3 cloves of minced garlic. Stir frequently and let them cook for 2–3 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent and your kitchen fills with that irresistible aroma.

This is where your Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe starts smelling like a cozy Sunday dinner. The onion adds sweetness, and the garlic brings warmth and depth. Be careful not to burn the garlic—lower the heat slightly if needed.

Step 3: Add the Carrots and Celery – Layering Sweet and Savory

Add 2 chopped carrots and 2 sliced celery stalks to the pot. Sauté them for another 4–5 minutes until they start to soften. This not only boosts the flavor but also gives your soup that comforting vegetable sweetness that balances the acidity of the tomatoes.

You’re building layers here—the kind that make every bite rich and complex, just like in my Chicken Pot Pie Soup, where slow-cooked veggies make all the difference.

Step 4: Stir in Tomato Paste – Deepen the Flavor

Now, add 2 tablespoons of tomato paste directly into the pot. Stir it around and let it “cook” for a minute or two before adding any liquid. This small but mighty step caramelizes the tomato paste, making your Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe taste deeper, richer, and more comforting.

You’ll notice the color darken slightly—that’s your cue it’s ready for the next step.

Step 5: Pour in the Broth and Tomatoes – Create the Base Broth

Slowly pour in 6 cups of beef or chicken broth (low sodium works best) and one 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes. Stir everything well, making sure to scrape up those flavorful brown bits from the bottom of the pot.

Add 2 bay leaves, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and a good pinch of salt and pepper.

At this point, your kitchen will smell incredible—like a cross between a hearty stew and a traditional cabbage roll dinner.

Step 6: Add the Cabbage – The Star of the Show

Now it’s time to bring in the ½ head of chopped green cabbage. It might look like a lot, but don’t panic—it’ll shrink down significantly as it cooks. Gently fold it into the soup so it’s well coated with the broth.

Turn the heat up and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce it to low heat and cover with a lid. Let it simmer for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cabbage will soften beautifully, and the flavors will start to meld into that signature Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe taste.

Step 7: Add the Cooked Rice – Make It Hearty

Once your cabbage is tender, stir in 1 cup of cooked rice (white or brown). The rice will thicken the soup slightly and soak up all that tomato-rich broth. Let it simmer uncovered for another 5–7 minutes until everything is well combined and piping hot.

If the soup feels too thick, add an extra splash of broth to loosen it up.

Step 8: Taste, Adjust, and Finish with Fresh Parsley

Before you serve, taste your soup and adjust the seasonings as needed. Sometimes a bit more salt, pepper, or even a pinch of sugar can balance the acidity from the tomatoes.

Remove the bay leaves (nobody likes to chew on those!) and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over each bowl for color and brightness.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy the Warm Comfort

Ladle your Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe into bowls and serve it with crusty bread or garlic toast for dunking. The soup will be rich, hearty, and full of those nostalgic cabbage roll flavors without the hassle of rolling a single leaf.

For an extra cozy pairing, try it alongside a creamy companion like Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup or Creamy Mushroom Chicken Soup Recipe.

This soup is pure comfort food magic—simple, satisfying, and perfect for chilly nights when you just want something that tastes like home.

Step 10: Let It Rest – The Secret to Even Better Flavor

Once you’ve finished cooking, let your Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This short rest time allows the flavors to settle and deepen. In fact, it’s even better the next day after the ingredients have had time to mingle in the fridge.

If you plan on making it ahead, portion it out in containers for easy lunches or freeze for future meals—it reheats beautifully.

FAQs

1. Can I use uncooked rice?
You can, but add an extra cup of broth and simmer longer—until the rice is tender.

2. Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the beef for lentils or plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth.

3. Does this soup freeze well?
Absolutely. Freeze in portions and thaw overnight before reheating.

4. Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Yes. Brown the meat first, then cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.

5. What’s the best way to thicken it?
Simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes or stir in a bit more tomato paste.

What to Serve with Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe

This Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe pairs perfectly with crusty bread or a warm garlic roll for soaking up every last drop of that rich tomato broth. If you’re aiming for a lighter meal, a simple side salad with vinaigrette does the trick. For something cozy and indulgent, try pairing it with Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup or Chicken Pot Pie Soup. And for dessert? A slice of pumpkin bread or a light fruit crumble makes a sweet finish.

Key Tips for Making Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe

1. Don’t overcook the rice. Use pre-cooked rice to prevent it from turning mushy.
2. Brown the tomato paste. It adds depth and a slightly smoky sweetness.
3. Let it rest. Ten minutes after cooking lets flavors meld beautifully.
4. Use fresh cabbage. Pre-shredded bags tend to get soggy.
5. Make it ahead. This soup tastes even better the next day.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe

Let the soup cool completely before storing. Keep leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the fridge or freeze for up to 3 months. When reheating, warm gently on the stove over medium heat—add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. Avoid microwaving it too long, as rice can dry out. Frozen portions should thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Honestly, the flavor deepens after a day or two, so it’s perfect for make-ahead lunches.

Final Thoughts

The Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe is proof that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. It’s budget-friendly, family-approved, and full of that cozy, homemade flavor we crave on cool evenings. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe delivers every time. Looking for another hearty option? Try our Mexican Meatball Soup next—it’s another crowd favorite for those who love bold, savory flavors.

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