Name: Cabbage Roll Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Eastern European
Ingredients: 2 tsp. vegetable oil; 1 lb. lean ground beef; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 medium yellow onion, diced finely; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups chopped green cabbage; 2 medium carrots, quartered and sliced; 4 cups low-sodium beef broth; 3 (8 oz.) cans tomato sauce; 1/2 cup white rice, uncooked; 1 bay leaf; 3 tbsp. light brown sugar; 2 tbsp. fresh chopped parsley

Why You’ll Love Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe

This soup captures the traditional taste of cabbage rolls without the extra work of stuffing and rolling cabbage leaves. Everything cooks together in one pot, making it both convenient and flavorful.

It’s a comforting meal packed with wholesome ingredients like cabbage, carrots, and lean ground beef. The tomato-based broth adds richness while the rice makes the soup filling and satisfying.

This recipe is also very practical. It’s great for meal prep, reheats beautifully, and the ingredients are simple and budget-friendly. Whether you’re feeding a family or preparing lunches for the week, this soup is a dependable choice.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 tsp. vegetable oil
1 lb. lean ground beef
salt and pepper
1 medium yellow onion (diced finely)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
4 cups chopped green cabbage
2 medium carrots (quartered and sliced)
4 cups low-sodium beef broth
3 8 oz. cans tomato sauce
1/2 cup white rice (uncooked)
1 bay leaf
3 tbsp. light brown sugar
2 tbsp. fresh chopped parsley

Directions

Heat vegetable oil in a Dutch oven or large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef.
Season the beef with salt and pepper and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for about 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and fragrant.
Stir in the chopped cabbage, sliced carrots, tomato sauce, beef broth, uncooked rice, bay leaf, and brown sugar. Mix everything well so the ingredients are evenly combined.
Bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice becomes tender and the vegetables are soft.
Remove the bay leaf and sprinkle the soup with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 6 servings.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

You can easily customize this soup depending on your preferences or what you have on hand.

Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of ground beef for a lighter version. Brown rice may be substituted for white rice, though it will require a slightly longer cooking time.

Some cooks enjoy adding diced bell peppers for extra flavor and color. For a slightly tangy taste, a splash of vinegar or a spoonful of sauerkraut can also be stirred into the soup.

If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the broth slightly or add extra rice.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover cabbage roll soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors often deepen as it sits, making leftovers especially delicious.

To reheat, warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.

If the soup thickens after storing because of the rice, simply add a splash of broth or water while reheating to reach the desired consistency.

This soup can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.

FAQs

Can I make cabbage roll soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup is perfect for making ahead. The flavors develop even more as it sits, making it great for meal prep or next-day meals.

Can I freeze cabbage roll soup?

Yes. Let the soup cool completely before freezing. Store it in airtight freezer containers for up to three months.

What type of cabbage works best?

Green cabbage is most commonly used for this soup because it softens nicely and has a mild flavor.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, brown rice works well, but it takes longer to cook. You may need to simmer the soup a bit longer.

How do I keep the rice from getting too soft?

If you plan to store the soup for several days, you can cook the rice separately and add it to individual bowls when serving.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes. Brown the beef first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for about 6 hours or until the rice and vegetables are tender.

Is this soup gluten-free?

The soup is naturally gluten-free as long as the broth and tomato sauce used are certified gluten-free.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely. Bell peppers, celery, or even diced potatoes can be added for extra texture and nutrition.

Why is there brown sugar in the soup?

Brown sugar balances the acidity of the tomato sauce and adds a subtle sweetness that enhances the overall flavor.

How can I make the soup more filling?

You can increase the amount of rice or add beans such as kidney beans to make the soup even more hearty.

Conclusion

Cabbage Roll Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that delivers the taste of classic cabbage rolls with much less effort. With simple ingredients, one-pot cooking, and rich tomato-beef flavor, it’s an ideal meal for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Once you try it, this hearty soup may quickly become a regular favorite in your meal rotation.