Cabbage Roll Soup

Picture a steaming bowl of Cabbage Roll Soup, with its rich aroma of simmering beef, tomatoes, and spices filling your kitchen.

This comforting dish is both simple to prepare and incredibly satisfying, making it a go-to favorite for chilly evenings.

As you combine the hearty ingredients, the flavors meld into a deliciously warm and inviting meal.

Let’s bring this delightful dish to life and enjoy the comforting embrace it offers!

Kitchen Tools Required

• 1 Large pot
• 1 Wooden spoon
• 1 Cutting board
• 1 Chef’s knife
• 1 Ladle

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small head of cabbage, chopped
• 1 cup white rice, uncooked
• 1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Cook & Prep Time

To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Cabbage Roll Soup, follow this timeline:

1. Reading & Initial Preparation (5 minutes):
   • Thoroughly read through the recipe and instructions.
   • Gather all necessary equipment and ingredients.
2. Prep Work (15 minutes):
   • Dice the onion.
   • Mince the garlic.
   • Chop the small head of cabbage.
3. Cooking (45 minutes):
   • Minute 0-5: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
   • Minute 5-15: Cook ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
   • Minute 15-20: Stir in diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until onion is translucent.
   • Minute 20-25: Add chopped cabbage and cook until slightly wilted.
   • Minute 25-30: Stir in rice, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and tomato paste. Season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried thyme.
   • Minute 30-35: Bring the mixture to a boil.
   • Minute 35-65: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes or until rice is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Resting (10 minutes):
   • Minute 65-75: Remove from heat and let it rest to allow flavors to meld together.
5. Serving (5 minutes):
   • Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Adjust the steps as necessary, especially if you need more time for certain tasks.

Recipe Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.

Stir in diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until onion is translucent.

Add chopped cabbage and cook until slightly wilted.

Stir in rice, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and tomato paste.

Season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried thyme.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low.

Cover and simmer for 30 minutes or until rice is tender.

Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Remove from heat and let it rest for 10 minutes.

Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Serving Tips

• Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty loaf complements the soup’s hearty flavors and is perfect for dipping.
• Sour Cream Dollop: Add a spoonful on top for a creamy, tangy contrast to the savory soup.
• Side Salad: A light, fresh salad with a vinaigrette can balance the richness of the soup.
• Pickled Vegetables: Serve with pickled cucumbers or beets for a tangy, crunchy accompaniment.
• Grated Cheese: Sprinkle some Parmesan or cheddar on top for an extra layer of flavor and creaminess.

Storage

To store Cabbage Roll Soup, let it cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers.

Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months for longer storage.

Freezing

To freeze Cabbage Roll Soup, let it cool completely.

Then transfer to airtight containers or freezer bags.

Label with the date.

Freeze for up to three months for ideal freshness.

Reheating

To reheat Cabbage Roll Soup, warm it in a pot over medium heat.

Stir occasionally until hot.

Alternatively, microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe dish.

Stir halfway through.

Final Thoughts

Cabbage Roll Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

The balance of savory beef, tender cabbage, and aromatic spices creates a rich and satisfying flavor profile.

To make the most of this dish, consider experimenting with different types of ground meats or adding unique spices to suit your taste.

Allowing the soup to rest is essential as it enhances the depth of flavor, ensuring every spoonful is delightful.

Enjoy this dish as a standalone meal or pair it with some crusty bread for an even more fulfilling experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?

Absolutely, you can make it vegetarian! Substitute the ground beef with lentils or chickpeas. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Add more spices for depth, and enjoy a flavorful, hearty vegetarian version of this delicious soup.

What Type of Cabbage Is Best for This Recipe?

You should use green cabbage for this recipe. It’s tender when cooked and absorbs flavors beautifully. If you want a milder taste, try savoy cabbage. Avoid red cabbage as it changes the soup’s color and flavor.

How Can I Make the Soup Spicier?

To spice up the soup, add chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes while cooking. You can also stir in a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper for an extra kick. Adjust to your preferred heat level.

Is It Possible to Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?

You can definitely use brown rice instead of white rice! Just remember, brown rice takes longer to cook, so adjust your simmering time accordingly. It’ll add a nuttier flavor and slightly chewy texture to your dish.

What Side Dishes Complement Cabbage Roll Soup?

You’ll love pairing this soup with crusty bread for dipping, or a vibrant cucumber salad to refresh your palate. Try some buttery mashed potatoes for a hearty addition, enhancing the savory flavors of your meal.

Cabbage Roll Soup

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Resting Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Course Main

Cuisine European

Servings 6 servings

Equipment

• 1 Large pot
• 1 Wooden spoon
• 1 Cutting board
• 1 Chef's knife
• 1 Ladle

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 small head of cabbage chopped
• 1 cup white rice uncooked
• 1 can crushed tomatoes 15 ounces
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped

Instructions

 

• Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
• Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
• Stir in diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until onion is translucent.
• Add chopped cabbage and cook until slightly wilted.
• Stir in rice, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and tomato paste.
• Season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried thyme.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
• Cover and simmer for 30 minutes or until rice is tender.
• Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
• Remove from heat and let it rest for 10 minutes.
• Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

To enhance the flavor of your Cabbage Roll Soup, consider using a mix of ground meats such as beef and pork for a richer taste, and experiment with additional spices like caraway seeds or bay leaves for added depth. Also, ensure the soup rests adequately to allow the flavors to meld together.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Cynthia Weatherford

Cynthia Weatherford is a seasoned chef and culinary enthusiast who serves as the Recipe creator of Somonday. With decades of experience in the kitchen and a passion for exploring diverse cuisines, Cynthia brings a blend of creativity and technique to every dish. Known for transforming simple ingredients into show-stopping meals, Cynthia believes that cooking is an art form anyone can master. Dedicated to inspiring home cooks, Cynthia shares approachable recipes, pro tips, and culinary wisdom to make every meal memorable.