Cabbage Roll Soup
This delicious Cabbage Roll Soup has all the flavor of traditional baked cabbage rolls without all the work.
Cabbage roll soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that takes inspiration from traditional cabbage rolls, which are typically made with ground meat, rice, and cabbage leaves. This soup version simplifies the process while retaining the classic flavors.
All about Cabbage Roll Soup…
Ingredients
Common ingredients in cabbage roll soup include:
- Ground Meat: Usually beef, pork, or a combination, but can also be made with turkey or plant-based alternatives.
- Cabbage: Green cabbage is most commonly used. It adds texture and flavor.
- Rice or Quinoa: Uncooked rice is often added to the soup for heartiness; however, quinoa can be a gluten-free option.
- Vegetables: Onions, garlic, carrots, and bell peppers are frequently included for added flavor and nutrients.
- Tomato Base: Diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, or tomato paste provide a rich base for the soup.
- Broth: Beef or vegetable broth enhances the flavor profile.
- Seasonings: Common seasonings include oregano, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
Preparation
- Sauté Vegetables: Start by sautéing onions, garlic, carrots, and bell peppers in a large pot until softened.
- Brown the Meat: Add the ground meat and cook until browned.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in seasonings and tomato-based ingredients.
- Add Liquids and Rice: Pour in the broth and include the rice or quinoa. Bring to a boil.
- Add Cabbage: Once boiling, add chopped cabbage and reduce heat, letting the soup simmer until the cabbage and rice/quinoa are tender.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasonings as necessary before serving.
Variations
- Vegetarian/Vegan: Use a plant-based meat substitute and vegetable broth; add lentils or beans for protein.
- Spices: Adding spices like paprika, crushed red pepper, or dill can provide additional flavor.
- Serving: Cabbage roll soup can be garnished with fresh herbs, sour cream, or shredded cheese for an extra touch.
Nutritional Information
Cabbage roll soup can be quite nutritious since it’s loaded with vegetables, protein, and fiber. It’s generally low in calories while being filling, thanks to the cabbage and rice.
Storage and Freezing Cabbage Roll Soup
This soup can be refrigerated for a few days or frozen for up to three months. When reheating, you might want to add extra broth if it thickens.
Serving Suggestions
Cabbage roll soup pairs well with crusty bread or a side salad, making it a comforting and satisfying meal.
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Cabbage Roll Soup
This delicious Cabbage Roll Soup has all the flavor of traditional baked cabbage rolls.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 onion, chopped
4 teaspoons minced garlic
1/2 head cabbage chopped
1 green bell pepper chopped
32 ounces beef broth
29 ounces tomato sauce
2 (15 ounce) cans diced tomatoes with juice
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 bay leaf
Kosher or sea salt to taste
Pepper to taste
1 cup uncooked rice
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cook, breaking up the meat, until beef is browned.
Add the onion and garlic cook for 2-3 minutes.
Add the remaining ingredients, except rice, to the pot. Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to simmer; cover pot and cook for 1 hour.
Add rice and cook for an additional 20 to 25 minutes.
Remove bay leaf and discard.
Notes
If you want to use brown rice instead of white rice, cook for 45 minutes instead of 25 minutes.
Photo credit: steamboatwillie33 at Flickr

