Dinner

Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe

ByRita Bennet October 30, 2025October 30, 2025

Introduction

Cabbage Roll Soup captures the comforting flavors of classic cabbage rolls in an easy-to-make, hearty soup. This dish combines tender ground beef, cabbage, tomatoes, and rice in a flavorful broth, perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.

A ladle holds a thick stew that has three main layers mixed together: a reddish-brown tomato broth with a shiny, slightly oily surface, tender cooked ground meat in small brown pieces, and soft translucent onion slices with hints of white and light yellow. The stew also contains scattered chunks of bright red tomato and bits of rice that add texture. Small green herb pieces are sprinkled throughout, giving a fresh touch. The ladle is black and is inside a white pot with a green handle, all placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef
1/2 medium onion, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups chopped cabbage

1 (14 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (28 ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes with juices

4 cups beef broth
1 cup water
1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2/3 cup uncooked white rice (jasmine recommended)
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: In a large soup pot over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned, about 8 minutes. If there is excess fat, spoon most of it out.
Step 2: Stir in the minced garlic, then add the chopped cabbage, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with their juices, beef broth, water, paprika, Italian seasoning, and uncooked rice.
Step 3: Increase heat to high and bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, stir well, reduce the heat to low, and cover the pot with the lid slightly ajar. Let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking, until the rice is fully cooked.

Step 4: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For added depth, use homemade or low-sodium beef broth to control salt levels.
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option.

Try adding a dash of red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
Use brown rice but increase simmering time and liquid accordingly, as brown rice takes longer to cook.

Storage

Store leftover cabbage roll soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. For longer storage, freeze the soup in portions for up to 3 months; thaw overnight before reheating.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with a thick, orange-red soup featuring visible layers of ground meat, small pieces of rice, and chunks of tomato and onion, all covered in a rich, slightly oily broth with tiny flecks of green herbs scattered throughout. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl, partly submerged in the soup, showing the texture of the liquid and ingredients close up. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cabbage instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen chopped cabbage can be used. Add it directly to the soup during cooking, but be mindful that it may release extra water and affect the texture slightly.

Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the ground beef with plant-based protein or extra beans and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian-friendly version.