Name: Cabbage Roll Soup – A Hearty Family Favorite!
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef or pork; 1 small onion, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped; 1 large carrot, diced; 1 bell pepper, diced; 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice); 4 cups beef broth; 1 cup tomato sauce; 1/2 cup uncooked white rice; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp dried thyme; Salt and black pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, for garnish

Cabbage Roll Soup is the perfect comfort food, offering all the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the hassle of rolling each one individually. This soup takes the classic dish and simplifies it into a warm, hearty bowl of goodness that the whole family will enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a meal to feed a crowd or something that can be easily prepared in advance, this recipe checks all the boxes. With ingredients like ground beef or pork, hearty vegetables, and tender cabbage, this soup packs a punch of nutrients while being incredibly satisfying. The tomato-based broth, infused with herbs and spices, complements the natural sweetness of the vegetables, making it a rich and flavorful dish for chilly nights.

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
1 large carrot, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
4 cups beef broth
1 cup tomato sauce
1/2 cup uncooked white rice
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp dried thyme
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, for garnish

Preparation:

Step 1: Brown the Meat
In a large pot, start by browning 1 lb of ground beef or pork over medium heat. Make sure to break the meat apart as it cooks to ensure it browns evenly. Once fully cooked, you may need to drain off any excess fat to avoid a greasy broth. Add the diced onions and minced garlic to the meat, stirring and sautéing for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onions soften and become translucent.

Step 2: Add the Vegetables
After the meat has browned and the onions have softened, it’s time to introduce the vegetables. Add the chopped cabbage, diced carrot, and bell pepper to the pot. Stir them into the mixture and let them cook for an additional 5 minutes. This step allows the vegetables to begin softening and absorbing some of the rich flavors from the meat and onions.

Step 3: Pour in the Broth and Tomatoes
Next, pour in the canned diced tomatoes along with their juices, followed by the 4 cups of beef broth. Add in the cup of tomato sauce and the tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together thoroughly, ensuring that all the ingredients are well-mixed. Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat, which helps intensify the flavors in the soup.

Step 4: Add Rice and Seasonings
Once the soup is boiling, stir in the uncooked white rice. Season the soup with 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme, and salt and black pepper to taste. These seasonings bring depth to the dish, making it fragrant and flavorful. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes. Stir the soup occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot. You’ll know it’s done when the cabbage and rice are tender, soaking up all the delicious flavors.

Step 5: Taste and Garnish
Before serving, give the soup a taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt or pepper if desired. Garnish each bowl with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve the soup warm with crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal.

Variation:

This Cabbage Roll Soup is incredibly versatile, allowing you to adjust the recipe to your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are some variations to consider:

Ground Meat: If you prefer a leaner option, substitute the ground beef or pork with ground turkey or chicken. This will slightly reduce the fat content while maintaining a hearty texture.
Grain Swap: Swap out white rice for brown rice, quinoa, or even barley for a fiber-rich alternative. Keep in mind that these grains may require longer cooking times, so adjust accordingly.
Spicy Kick: Add a bit of heat by stirring in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. You can also use a spicy variety of paprika or even smoked paprika for added depth.
Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat altogether and double up on vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or additional bell peppers. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep it plant-based.

Cooking Note:

For optimal flavor, try browning the meat thoroughly before adding the onions and garlic. This step ensures that the meat develops a rich, caramelized taste, enhancing the overall depth of the soup. Additionally, when simmering, be sure to keep the pot covered to prevent excess evaporation of the broth. If the soup becomes too thick while cooking, feel free to add more broth or water to achieve your preferred consistency.

Serving Suggestions:

Cabbage Roll Soup is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Serve it alongside some freshly baked bread, such as a crusty baguette or homemade rolls, to soak up the flavorful broth. You can also enjoy it with a side salad for a lighter accompaniment. For a more indulgent meal, consider serving it with a grilled cheese sandwich or garlic bread.

Tips:

If you’re making this soup ahead of time, it tends to thicken as it sits because the rice will continue to absorb the broth. When reheating, simply add a little extra broth or water to bring it back to your desired consistency.
This soup freezes exceptionally well. Prepare a double batch and freeze individual portions for an easy lunch or dinner down the road. Just be sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers for freezing.
Fresh parsley adds a lovely brightness to the soup, but you can also garnish with grated Parmesan cheese or a dollop of sour cream for extra richness.

Prep Time:

15 minutes

Cooking Time:

40 minutes

Total Time:

55 minutes

Nutritional Information:

Calories: 350 kcal per serving
Protein: 20g
Sodium: 900mg (approximate, based on ingredients used)

FAQs:

Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A: Yes, but keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook, so you’ll need to adjust the simmering time accordingly. Alternatively, you can cook the brown rice separately and stir it into the soup just before serving.

Q: How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: This soup is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure that the Worcestershire sauce and beef broth you’re using are gluten-free certified. Most major brands offer gluten-free options.

Q: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
A: Absolutely! Brown the meat, onions, and garlic on the stovetop first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the rice during the last hour of cooking to prevent it from getting too soft.

Conclusion:

Cabbage Roll Soup is the ideal recipe for those who love hearty, warming dishes but don’t have the time or patience to assemble individual cabbage rolls. With its delicious mix of tender cabbage, savory meat, and wholesome vegetables, this soup delivers comfort in every bite. Perfect for family dinners, meal prepping, or just enjoying a cozy night in, it’s sure to become a household favorite. Plus, it’s easily customizable, allowing you to put your own spin on this classic dish.