Indulge in a cozy bowl of Cabbage Roll Soup that’s bursting with flavor and comfort! This dish captures the essence of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls but in a warm, soupy form, perfect for chilly nights. You’ll savor tender cabbage mingling with hearty ground beef, fragrant rice, and zesty tomato goodness, all coming together to make your kitchen smell irresistible. Best part? It’s creamy without the cream! Perfect for meal prep and easy to whip up on busy nights, this soup is a total crowd-pleaser that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. Grab your ingredients and let’s dive into this simple, delicious dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your home!
Why You’ll Love Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe – Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons (Creamy, Easy, and Cozy)
This Cabbage Roll Soup is a delightful twist on a classic dish that warms the heart and soul. It combines the comfort of homemade cabbage rolls with the ease of soup preparation, making it a perfect weekday dinner. The flavors meld beautifully as it simmers, giving each bite a comforting richness you just can’t resist. Plus, it’s a wonderfully nutritious option, packed with protein and veggies, and can be made in under 30 minutes!
Here are just a few reasons you’ll adore making this soup:
- Speedy Preparation: Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Great for Meal Prep: Tastes even better the next day.
- Pantry-Friendly Ingredients: Use what you have on hand.
- Kid-Friendly: Delicious flavor that even picky eaters will enjoy.
- Customizable: Easy to swap out ingredients based on your tastes.
- Comforting and Filling: Perfect for chilly nights or satisfying meals.
Key Ingredients for Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe – Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons
- Cabbage: Softens during cooking, adding a rich, subtle flavor and a nice texture.
- Ground Beef: Provides a hearty base; can be swapped for turkey or veggie meat.
- Rice: Absorbs flavors and adds substance.
- Tomato Sauce: Brings acidity and depth, creating a warm, satisfying broth.
- Broth: Base for the soup, adding liquid and richness; use chicken, beef, or vegetable.
- Onion and Garlic: They enhance the soup’s aroma and flavor; fresh or powdered work great.
Ready to cook? See the recipe card for exact measurements below.
How to Make Cabbage Roll Soup
Phase 1 – Prep
- Chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces.
- Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
- Rinse the rice until the water runs clear.
Phase 2 – Cook/Assemble
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked.
- Add the onion and garlic; sauté until fragrant.
- Mix in the chopped cabbage, rice, broth, and tomato sauce.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender.
Phase 3 – Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls.
- Top with a dollop of sour cream or sprinkle with parsley if desired.
- Enjoy with crusty bread or crackers on the side!
Pro Tips for the Best Results
- Use Fresh Cabbage: Fresh cabbage will have the best texture and flavor. If you’re short on time, pre-prepped cabbage in bags works too!
- Swap Meat: For a leaner version, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Storage Time Saver: Make a big batch and freeze portions for quick meals later.
- Sauté the Onion First: Getting the onion translucent enhances the sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Add Spices: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick, if you like a spicy twist!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is overcooking the cabbage, which can result in a mushy texture. Cabbage should be tender but still hold its shape. To prevent this, add it in the later part of cooking.
Another mistake is skipping the sautéing phase for aromatics like onion and garlic. This step builds the foundation of flavor for your soup.
Lastly, make sure you don’t add too much liquid too soon. If your soup seems thick, let it simmer a bit longer for the flavors to develop and the ingredients combine beautifully.
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-Free: Use brown rice or quinoa instead of regular rice.
- Dairy-Free: Omit any cheese or creamy toppings.
- Spicy: Stir in some hot sauce or cayenne pepper for heat.
- Vegetarian/Vegan: Swap beef for lentils and use vegetable broth.
How to Serve Cabbage Roll Soup
- Best Pairings: Pair with a fresh garden salad or a slice of garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Toppings & Garnishes: Consider a sprinkle of fresh parsley or green onions for a fresh touch.
- Drink Pairing: A chilled glass of lemonade or a light red wine complements the meal wonderfully.
Make Ahead & Storage
Can I Meal Prep This?
Yes, absolutely! This soup is perfect for meal prep and tastes even better the next day.
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. Just be aware that the cabbage may lose some texture after thawing.
Reheating
To reheat, microwave in a bowl for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Or warm it on the stove over low heat until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Yes! Add it directly to the pot when cooking for a veggie boost.
How to make it extra creamy without cream?
Stir in some pureed beans or a dollop of Greek yogurt for creaminess with added nutrition.
Can I double it?
Of course! Just make sure to use a larger pot to accommodate the increased volume.
How to fix a too-thick soup?
Add a bit more broth or water and stir until the desired consistency is reached.
Thanks for stopping by to explore this comforting Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe! It’s a nourishing dish that combines all the best flavors of traditional cabbage rolls in a warm, inviting bowl. Try it out, and don’t forget to comment or share your thoughts! Happy cooking!

Cabbage Roll Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 head cabbage Chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 lb ground beef Can be substituted with turkey or veggie meat
- 3/4 cup rice Rinsed until the water runs clear
- 1 can tomato sauce Brings acidity and depth to the broth
- 4 cups broth Use chicken, beef, or vegetable broth
- 1 medium onion Diced
- 2 cloves garlic Minced
Instructions
Preparation
- Chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces.
- Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
- Rinse the rice until the water runs clear.
Cooking
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked.
- Add the onion and garlic; sauté until fragrant.
- Mix in the chopped cabbage, rice, broth, and tomato sauce.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender.
Serving
- Ladle the soup into bowls.
- Top with a dollop of sour cream or sprinkle with parsley if desired.
- Enjoy with crusty bread or crackers on the side!