There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of cabbage roll soup, don’t you think? Packed with hearty flavors, this dish brings together the savory goodness of ground beef, aromatic vegetables, and tender cabbage, all swimming in a rich broth. It’s like a cozy hug in a bowl! I love how every spoonful feels satisfying and wholesome, making it perfect for chilly nights or when I just need a little extra love from my food. Trust me, once you try this cabbage roll soup, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen, and you’ll want to share it with everyone you know!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 head of cabbage, chopped
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup rice, uncooked
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
How to Prepare Cabbage Roll Soup
Making cabbage roll soup is a breeze, and I promise it’ll fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas! Let’s dive into the steps to create this hearty dish that’s sure to warm your soul.
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
First things first, grab a large pot and heat it over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. You want to brown it nicely—trust me, this step is crucial! Browning not only develops a rich flavor but also gives the soup a beautiful depth. Cook it until it’s no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Then, let the delicious smell of beef fill your kitchen!
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Next, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic with the beef. Sauté these for about 3-5 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant. You’ll know they’re ready when they soften up and the garlic starts to smell heavenly. This combination is the foundation of flavor for our soup!
Step 3: Add Cabbage and Other Ingredients
Now it’s time to stir in the chopped cabbage. Don’t worry if it seems like a lot; it will cook down beautifully! Once it’s mixed in, pour in the diced tomatoes and beef broth. Then, add the uncooked rice, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined. This is where all those flavors start to meld!
Step 4: Simmer the Soup
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes. This simmering time is key—it allows the rice to cook and all the flavors to deepen. As it bubbles away, you’ll be treated to the most delightful scent! Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally, and before you know it, you’ll have a steaming bowl of cabbage roll soup ready to enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a one-pot wonder, making cleanup a breeze!
- Super hearty and filling—perfect for satisfying those hunger pangs!
- Quick to prepare, with just 15 minutes of prep time!
- Loaded with nutritious veggies, offering a healthy twist on comfort food.
- Versatile and customizable—add your favorite spices or veggies for a personal touch!
- Great for meal prep—enjoy it throughout the week or freeze for later!
- Perfect for chilly evenings when you crave something warm and cozy!
Tips for Success
To make your cabbage roll soup truly shine, here are a few pro tips! First, don’t hesitate to adjust the seasoning to your taste—everyone’s palate is different, and a pinch more salt or pepper can make a world of difference. If you like a soupier consistency, just add a bit more broth until it’s just how you like it! I also recommend using homemade beef broth if you can; it adds an amazing depth of flavor. And remember, letting the soup sit for a bit before serving allows the flavors to meld even more, making each bowl even tastier!
Variations
If you’re looking to mix things up with your cabbage roll soup, I’ve got some fun variations for you! Get creative and make it your own! Here are a few ideas:
- Vegetable Medley: Add in some chopped carrots, celery, or bell peppers for an extra crunch and flavor. It’s a great way to sneak in more veggies!
- Spicy Kick: If you like a little heat, toss in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. It’ll give your soup a delightful spicy twist!
- Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs like dill or thyme can elevate the flavor profile. Just add a handful towards the end of cooking for a fresh, aromatic touch!
- Protein Swap: Try swapping the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. You could even use sausage for a richer flavor!
- Quinoa Substitute: For a gluten-free twist, replace the rice with quinoa. It cooks quickly and adds a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.
Feel free to experiment with these variations and find your perfect version of cabbage roll soup! Each twist brings a new flavor adventure to your bowl!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover cabbage roll soup is simple and keeps it tasting delicious! Just transfer the cooled soup into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge, where it’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months—just make sure to leave some space in the container as it expands when frozen.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it’s warmed through. If it’s thickened up too much, add a splash of beef broth or water to reach your desired consistency!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the typical nutritional values for a serving of cabbage roll soup. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But here’s what you can expect:
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 20g
This hearty soup is not only satisfying but also packs a nutritious punch, making it a wonderful addition to your meal rotation. Enjoy the goodness that comes with every comforting bowl!
FAQ Section
Can I make cabbage roll soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Just brown the ground beef and sauté the onion and garlic first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours. It’ll be just as hearty and delicious!
How do I add more flavor to my cabbage roll soup?
For extra flavor, try adding a bay leaf while it simmers or some smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness. Fresh herbs like dill or parsley can also brighten up the dish!
Can I use frozen cabbage for this soup?
Yes, frozen cabbage works fine! Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the soup to prevent excess water.
Is cabbage roll soup gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, especially if you ensure your beef broth is gluten-free. Just be cautious with any added ingredients!
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Definitely! Cabbage roll soup can be made a day in advance. In fact, letting it sit in the fridge overnight allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just reheat it on the stove when you’re ready to enjoy!
For more delicious recipes, check out stuffed cabbage rolls or cabbage soup recipes. If you’re interested in the health benefits of cabbage, you can read more here.
Print
Cabbage Roll Soup: 7 Hearty Steps to Comforting Bliss
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty cabbage roll soup packed with flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 head of cabbage, chopped
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup rice, uncooked
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
- Add the onion and garlic, cooking until soft.
- Stir in the chopped cabbage.
- Add diced tomatoes and beef broth.
- Mix in the rice, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Add more broth if you prefer a soupier consistency.
- Can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Eastern European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: cabbage roll soup
