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–+ servings
A pot of unstuffed cabbage roll soup with tomatoes, rice, and fresh herbs sits on a wooden table beside a slice of bread, utensils, and a small bowl of chopped parsley.
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Easy Cabbage Roll Soup

A hearty and easy cabbage roll soup made with ground beef, rice, tender cabbage, and a rich tomato broth—everything you love about stuffed cabbage rolls in a simple one-pot meal.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 343kcal
Author: Stephanie Wilson

Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 4 cups cabbage coarsely chopped
  • 2 carrots peeled and chopped
  • 4 cups broth beef or chicken
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 14.5 ounce cans diced tomatoes undrained
  • ¾ cup uncooked long-grain rice
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons parsley
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, season with salt and pepper to taste, and cook until the beef is browned; 4 to 5 minutes. Add the onion and garlic; continue to cook for 2 minutes more.
  • To the ground beef, add the cabbage, carrots, broth, tomatoes, rice, bay leaf, thyme, and brown sugar. Season with salt and pepper to taste and stir.
  • Bring the soup to a boil and then reduce the heat to maintain a simmer. Cook for 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender. Remove and discard the bay leaf; sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve.

Notes

  1. Rice Tip: The rice cooks directly in the soup and will continue to absorb liquid as it sits. If you prefer a brothier soup (especially for leftovers), add a splash of additional broth when reheating.
  2. Make Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  3. Freezing Tip: For best results, freeze the soup without the rice or slightly undercook the rice before freezing, as it can become soft when thawed and reheated.
  4. Protein Options: Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for the beef for a lighter version.
  5. Low-Carb Option: Swap the rice for cauliflower rice and add it during the last few minutes of cooking.
  6. Flavor Balance: A small amount of brown sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes—adjust to taste or omit if preferred.
  7. Cabbage Texture: If you prefer softer cabbage, simmer a bit longer; for more texture, keep the cook time closer to 20 minutes.
  8. Serving Idea: Serve with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete and comforting meal.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 343kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 72mg | Sodium: 455mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 14g