Imagine a pot brimming with the comforting aroma of Stuffed Cabbage Soup, where savory beef mingles with tender cabbage in a warm embrace.
This dish is a breeze to whip up, perfect for cozy nights when you crave something hearty and soul-soothing.
As each ingredient melds together, the soup transforms into a symphony of flavors, promising satisfaction in every spoonful.
Let’s bring this delicious creation to life!
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 large pot
- 1 chopping board
- 1 knife
- 1 wooden spoon
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 ladle
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium head cabbage, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup uncooked white rice
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Stuffed Cabbage Soup, you can follow this timeline:
- Reading & Preparation (5 minutes)
- Read through the entire recipe to familiarize yourself with the steps and ingredients.
- Gather all the necessary equipment and ingredients.
- Ingredient Preparation (10 minutes)
- Chop the large onion and mince the garlic.
- Chop the medium head of cabbage into bite-sized pieces.
- Dice the carrots.
- Cooking Time (40 minutes)
- (0-10 minutes):
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
- Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
- (10-15 minutes):
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened.
- (15-20 minutes):
- Stir in the chopped cabbage and diced carrots, cooking for 5 minutes.
- (20-25 minutes):
- Add the beef back to the pot along with 4 cups of beef broth, 2 cups of water, 1 can of tomato sauce, and 1 can of diced tomatoes.
- (25-30 minutes):
- Stir in 1/2 cup of uncooked rice, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, 2 teaspoons of salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- (30-60 minutes):
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and let the soup simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Resting Time (5 minutes)
- Remove the pot from heat and let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Adjust the timing as needed based on your pace and preferences.
Recipe Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
In the same pot, add the onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
Stir in the chopped cabbage and diced carrots, cooking for 5 minutes.
Add the beef back to the pot along with the beef broth, water, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes.
Stir in the uncooked rice, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.
Simmer the soup for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serving Tips
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping and soaking up the savory broth.
- Sour Cream: A dollop on top adds a creamy, tangy contrast.
- Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle with parsley or dill for a burst of freshness.
- Side Salad: A light, crisp salad complements the hearty soup.
- Pickled Vegetables: Add a tangy crunch that pairs well with the flavors.
Storage
To store Stuffed Cabbage Soup, let it cool completely before transferring to airtight containers.
Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months for ideal flavor retention.
Freezing
To freeze Stuffed Cabbage Soup, let it cool completely.
Then, transfer to airtight containers. Leave space for expansion.
Label with date and freeze.
Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat Stuffed Cabbage Soup, place it in a pot over low heat.
Stir occasionally.
Alternatively, microwave individual portions, covered, on medium power.
Stir halfway to guarantee even heating.
Final Thoughts
Stuffed Cabbage Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that brings together the flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage in a convenient soup form.
This recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a meal prep option for the week.
The combination of ground beef, cabbage, and rice creates a filling and satisfying meal.
Plus, the addition of tomato sauce and diced tomatoes gives the soup a rich and tangy flavor.
For those looking to add their own twist, experimenting with seasoning or adding different vegetables can enhance the soup’s appeal.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Whether you’re a fan of classic stuffed cabbage or just looking to try something new, this Stuffed Cabbage Soup is sure to become a favorite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Substitute Ground Turkey for Ground Beef in the Soup?
You can substitute ground turkey for ground beef in the recipe. Use 1 pound ground turkey, ensuring to brown it evenly in the olive oil. Adjust seasoning as needed, since turkey may require more salt to enhance flavor.
How Can I Make the Soup Vegetarian-Friendly?
To make it vegetarian-friendly, substitute ground beef with 1 pound of lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Omit vinegar or replace with lemon juice. Make certain all ingredient measurements remain precise for consistent flavor.
What Are Some Good Side Dishes to Serve With Stuffed Cabbage Soup?
Pair your dish with crusty rye bread, 150 grams, for texture. Add a 100-gram dollop of sour cream to each serving. Serve a 200-gram mixed greens salad, dressed with 30 milliliters of balsamic vinaigrette, for balance.
Is It Possible to Make This Soup in a Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker. Sauté ground beef, onion, and garlic first. Transfer to slow cooker, add remaining ingredients, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice in the Recipe?
You can substitute brown rice for white rice, but increase the cook time. Brown rice requires about 45 minutes to soften. Ascertain it’s fully submerged in liquid, and monitor moisture levels, adding broth if necessary.
Stuffed Cabbage Soup
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 chopping board
- 1 Knife
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 Ladle
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion chopped
- 2 clove garlic minced
- 1 medium head cabbage chopped
- 2 carrots diced
- 4 cup beef broth
- 2 cup water
- 1 can tomato sauce 15 ounces
- 1 can diced tomatoes 14.5 ounces
- 1/2 cup uncooked white rice
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
- Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Stir in the chopped cabbage and diced carrots, cooking for 5 minutes.
- Add the beef back to the pot along with the beef broth, water, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes.
- Stir in the uncooked rice, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.
- Simmer the soup for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
