Hearty Cabbage Roll Soup: A Comforting and Nutritious Recipe
If you’re a fan of stuffed cabbage rolls but don’t want to spend hours assembling them, this Hearty Cabbage Roll Soup is the perfect alternative. Packed with tender vegetables, flavorful ground beef, and rich tomato broth, this recipe transforms the classic dish into a one-pot wonder. It’s a comforting, healthy meal that’s easy to prepare, and it’s ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep. Follow along to learn how to make this hearty soup and enjoy a bowl of warmth and flavor.
Ingredients
Vegetables
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped (150g)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (6g)
• 2 carrots, diced (150g)
• 2 celery stalks, diced (100g)
• 1 small head of cabbage, chopped (about 500g)
Protein
• 500g ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
Pantry Staples
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (15ml)
• 4 cups beef broth (1 liter, or use chicken broth for a milder flavor)
• 2 cups tomato sauce (500ml)
• 1 can diced tomatoes (400g, with juice)
• 1/3 cup white rice or brown rice (60g, uncooked)
Seasonings
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 bay leaf
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
1. Begin by washing and chopping all the vegetables. Finely dice the onion, carrots, and celery, and chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic cloves.
2. Measure out the rice and seasonings so everything is ready to go.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent.
3. Stir in the minced garlic, diced carrots, and celery, and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the vegetables soften.
Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef
1. Push the vegetables to one side of the pot and add the ground beef.
2. Cook until the beef is browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
3. Mix the cooked beef with the vegetables and drain any excess fat if necessary.
Step 4: Add the Broth and Tomatoes
1. Pour in the beef broth, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes (with their juice).
2. Stir well to combine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
Step 5: Add the Rice and Cabbage
1. Stir in the rice, chopped cabbage, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and the bay leaf.
2. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low.
Step 6: Simmer the Soup
1. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for 25–30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the cabbage is soft.
2. Stir occasionally to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom of the pot.
Step 7: Taste and Adjust
1. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
2. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Tips for the Perfect Cabbage Roll Soup
1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality beef broth will enhance the flavor of the soup.
2. Customize the Protein: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat for a vegetarian version.
3. Make It Heartier: Add more rice or throw in some diced potatoes for extra substance.
4. Meal Prep-Friendly: This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
5. Reheating Tip: When reheating, add a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use quinoa instead of rice?
Yes, quinoa works well as a substitute for rice. Add it during the same step, but reduce the cooking time slightly since quinoa cooks faster.
2. Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, as long as the broth and other packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
3. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours.
4. How can I make it vegetarian?
Omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Add cooked lentils or chickpeas for protein.
5. What should I serve with cabbage roll soup?
This soup pairs well with crusty bread, a side salad, or a dollop of sour cream on top.
This Hearty Cabbage Roll Soup is the ultimate comfort food, offering all the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the effort. It’s nutritious, satisfying, and perfect for cozying up on a chilly day. Enjoy making this easy recipe and savor every spoonful!