Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup
All the comforting flavors of classic cabbage rolls, simmered together in one pot. This hearty soup with ground beef, tender cabbage, and rice is a perfect weeknight dinner, ready in about an hour.
For 6 servings
4 steps. 45 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Brown Beef and Aromatics
- b.Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or stockpot over medium-high heat.
- c.Add the chopped onion and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.
- d.Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- e.Add the ground beef to the pot. Use a spoon to break it apart and cook for 6-8 minutes, until fully browned and no pink remains.
- f.Carefully drain off any excess grease from the pot.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Combine Soup Ingredients
- b.Return the pot to medium heat. Pour in the beef broth, crushed tomatoes, and tomato sauce.
- c.Add the brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, sweet paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- d.Stir everything together, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any flavorful browned bits.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Simmer the Soup
- b.Bring the soup to a gentle boil.
- c.Stir in the chopped cabbage and the uncooked rice.
- d.Once the soup returns to a simmer, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for 25-30 minutes.
- e.Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom. The soup is ready when the cabbage is tender and the rice is fully cooked.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Finish and Serve
- b.Remove the pot from the heat. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- c.Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.
- d.For a traditional touch, serve with a dollop of sour cream.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use a large Dutch oven or stockpot (at least 6-quarts) as the cabbage takes up a lot of space before it cooks down.
- 2For a thicker, stew-like consistency, simmer the soup uncovered for the last 10-15 minutes to allow some liquid to evaporate.
- 3This soup freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely before storing in airtight, freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- 4Serve with a dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt and a side of crusty bread for a complete meal.
- 5To save time, use a bag of pre-shredded coleslaw mix instead of chopping a whole head of cabbage.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
Replace ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, pork, or even Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
Vegetarian/VeganVegetarian/Vegan
For a vegetarian version, omit the beef and use vegetable broth. Add a can of lentils or white beans for protein and heartiness. Ensure you use a vegan Worcestershire sauce.
Low Carb/KetoLow-Carb/Keto
Substitute the rice with cauliflower rice. Add it during the last 10 minutes of cooking to prevent it from getting mushy.
Spicy KickSpicy Kick
Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes along with the other seasonings for a bit of heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vegetables
Loaded with cabbage and tomatoes, this soup provides a good source of vitamins C and K, as well as antioxidants like lycopene, which support overall health.
Balanced Macronutrients
Offers a well-rounded mix of protein from beef, complex carbohydrates from rice, and fiber from vegetables, making it a satisfying and complete meal in one bowl.
High in Fiber
Cabbage is an excellent source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes gut health, and helps you feel full and satisfied for longer.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving (about 2 cups) contains approximately 450-550 calories, depending on the fat content of the ground beef and any toppings used.
