Pioneer Woman Stuffed Cabbage Soup Recipe – Easy & Cozy Dinner

Pioneer Woman Stuffed Cabbage Soup Recipe is the answer to your dinner prayers when you’re craving cozy vibes without the cabbage-roll chaos. It’s all the classic flavors of grandma’s Sunday cabbage rolls—but way less labor-intensive and totally weeknight-friendly. With hearty beef, soft rice, tangy tomatoes, and tender cabbage simmering together in one pot, you’ll have your family thinking you slaved all day. Spoiler alert: you didn’t.

Whether you’re juggling work, picky eaters, or just want to throw something filling on the stove and forget it, this dish gets you. And did I mention it’s freezer-friendly and even better the next day? It’s basically the soup version of sweatpants: warm, comforting, and always there when you need it. So go ahead, get that Dutch oven out—we’re making dinner the Pioneer Woman way.

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What is Pioneer Woman Stuffed Cabbage Soup Recipe?

Pioneer Woman Stuffed Cabbage Soup Recipe is a rich, tomato-based soup packed with all the goodness of traditional cabbage rolls—minus the rolling and baking. Imagine tender chunks of cabbage, seasoned ground beef, warm spices like dill and paprika, and fluffy rice—all cozied up in a savory beef broth. It’s the shortcut your dinner routine didn’t know it needed.

Inspired by the homestyle charm of Ree Drummond’s recipes, this soup brings that same down-to-earth magic to your table. It’s made on the stovetop in one pot (hallelujah), and unlike actual cabbage rolls, there’s zero fuss involved. Just chop, stir, simmer, and serve. Whether you’re feeding your crew or making a batch to freeze, it’s hearty, budget-friendly, and totally satisfying. And yes, even the cabbage skeptics in your house might ask for seconds.

Reasons to Try Pioneer Woman Stuffed Cabbage Soup Recipe

Let’s face it—traditional cabbage rolls are a labor of love, and some nights, love looks more like quick and dirty, not stuff and roll. That’s where this Pioneer Woman Stuffed Cabbage Soup Recipe saves the day.

1. One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in one big pot. Fewer dishes, more relaxing post-dinner vibes.
2. Budget-Friendly: Simple pantry staples like rice, beef, cabbage, and canned tomatoes stretch a long way.
3. Freezer Gold: Make a double batch, freeze half, and your future self will thank you hard.
4. Comfort Food Queen: It’s warm, hearty, and hits you right in the feels—like a soup-hug.
5. Picky-Eater Approved: Turns out, when you don’t say “cabbage,” kids might actually eat it.

Still hungry for more comfort soups? Check out this Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup or this Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup. You’re welcome.

Ingredients Needed to Make Pioneer Woman Stuffed Cabbage Soup Recipe

• 1 ½ lbs ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 small head of cabbage, chopped
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 6 cups beef stock
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp dried dill
• 2 tsp paprika
• Dash of Worcestershire sauce
• ½ cup uncooked rice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions to Make Pioneer Woman Stuffed Cabbage Soup Recipe

Making this hearty soup is a breeze once you follow this step-by-step guide. Whether you’re new to cooking or just want a no-fuss dinner plan, here’s how to get this delicious dish on the table with confidence and flavor.

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef with Aromatics

Start by heating a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Add 1½ pounds of ground beef and break it apart using a wooden spoon. As the beef begins to brown, toss in your diced onion and green bell pepper. Stir occasionally to keep everything cooking evenly. You’ll know this step is ready when the beef is no longer pink and the vegetables are soft and fragrant.

Tip: For a deeper flavor, let the meat caramelize slightly before moving to the next step. If your beef is a bit fatty, you can drain excess grease—but leave a little behind for richness. Want to make this step lighter? You can easily swap ground beef for lean ground turkey or chicken. Check out this ground beef and vegetable soup for other protein-packed soup ideas.

Step 2: Add Cabbage and Flavor Bomb Ingredients

Once your beef mixture is browned, add the chopped cabbage, stirring to coat it in the beefy goodness. Then pour in the entire 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes, followed by 6 cups of beef stock. Drop in 1 bay leaf, sprinkle in 1 tsp of dried dill and 2 tsp of paprika, and finish with a dash of Worcestershire sauce.

Give everything a good stir to combine. You’ll notice the pot looking full, but don’t worry—the cabbage will cook down beautifully. If you’re wondering what kind of broth works best, check out this slow cooker cabbage soup with hamburger for tips on beef broth selection.

Step 3: Bring to a Boil, Then Simmer

Turn the heat up to bring the soup to a gentle boil. This helps the flavors begin to mingle. Once it reaches a boil, immediately reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for 45 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom.

During this time, the cabbage softens, the tomatoes mellow out, and the broth begins to thicken slightly. It’s also a good moment to taste and adjust salt and pepper. You’re building layers of flavor step by step, so be patient—it’s worth it!

Step 4: Stir in the Rice

After 45 minutes of simmering, it’s time to add ½ cup of uncooked rice straight into the pot. Stir well to distribute it evenly. Let the soup simmer for another 30 minutes, allowing the rice to cook until tender and soak up some of that savory broth.

Note: The soup will thicken as the rice cooks. If it starts looking a little too hearty (yes, that’s possible), add a splash of water or even V8 juice to thin it back out to your liking. If you love rice-based dishes, you might also enjoy our hamburger rice soup for another cozy night in.

Step 5: Taste, Adjust, and Serve

Now for the best part—taste testing. Scoop up a spoonful, blow gently, and savor. Need more salt? A pinch will do. Want more tang? A splash more Worcestershire sauce adds zip. The key is tasting at every stage to keep those flavors balanced.

Let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to fully come together. Serve it hot with a side of crusty bread, or top with a dollop of sour cream if you’re feeling fancy. For a twist, try serving it alongside this fresh cabbage and carrot salad for a full meal combo.

What to Serve with Pioneer Woman Stuffed Cabbage Soup Recipe

This soup can totally stand alone, but a little something on the side never hurt anyone. Try pairing it with:

• Crusty Bread: Because you need something to swipe the bowl clean.
• Simple Cabbage Salad: Keep it fresh and light with this Easy Cabbage and Carrot Salad.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop on top gives it that Eastern European twist.
• Baked Potato: When carbs on carbs just make sense.

Got leftovers? Pair it with Fried Rice with Cabbage for a fun next-day remix.

Key Tips for Making Pioneer Woman Stuffed Cabbage Soup Recipe

• Don’t overcook the rice: Toss it in during the last 30 minutes so it doesn’t turn into mush.
• Use good broth: A flavorful beef stock makes all the difference. Skip the bland stuff.
• Let it rest: Give the soup a few minutes to chill before serving—flavors deepen fast.
• Double the batch: It freezes beautifully, and it’s honestly better the next day.

Want more cabbage-based comfort? Check out this Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup or our go-to Slow Cooker Cabbage Soup with Hamburger.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Pioneer Woman Stuffed Cabbage Soup Recipe

• Fridge: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Cools like a champ. Freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Warm gently on the stove with a splash of broth or water. Microwaves work, too—just stir halfway through.

Bonus Tip: The rice continues to soak up liquid, so don’t be shy about thinning it out when reheating.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely. It’ll be lighter but still totally satisfying.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown the meat first, then toss everything in the slow cooker (except rice). Add the rice in the last hour.

Is it gluten-free?
Yes, just double-check your Worcestershire sauce label.

Can I swap the rice?
Quinoa, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice work great.

Final Thoughts

The Pioneer Woman Stuffed Cabbage Soup Recipe is your back-pocket winter winner. It brings old-school comfort with modern-day convenience. No rolling, no baking, just hearty, delicious spoonfuls that warm you from the inside out. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or batch-prepping for solo dinners, this soup delivers—without breaking your back or your budget.

Ready for more cozy classics? Don’t miss our reader-favorite Cabbage Roll Skillet Recipe or Lentil and Rice Stuffed Cabbage Rolls. You’ve got options, friend.

Visit our Pinterest for regular slow cooker recipe updates, or join our Facebook discussions where cooking fans exchange their favorite hearty meal ideas.

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