Ultimate Cabbage Roll Soup: Easy One-Pot Recipe

I used to think cabbage rolls were too complicated for weeknight dinners, especially juggling my busy schedule. Then I discovered this one-pot cabbage roll soup recipe that brings those classic flavors without the hassle. In just about 45 minutes, I can have a warm, comforting meal ready to enjoy, a true lifesaver for busy adults craving easy, tasty dinners.

If you’re like me, busy with work and family, you want meals that are comforting but don’t require hours in the kitchen. This cabbage roll soup delivers all the goodness of traditional cabbage rolls but without the rolling and fuss. Made in just one pot, it’s simple to prepare, packed with savory flavor, and perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner. With a total cooking time of about 40-45 minutes, it’s an easy way to enjoy a hearty, homemade cabbage roll soup that feels like a warm hug after a long day.

Why You’ll Adore This Easy Cabbage Roll Soup

• Effortless Comfort: All the nostalgic flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without any complicated rolling.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup, so you spend less time scrubbing and more time relaxing.
• Foolproof & Flavorful: Perfect for beginners with simple steps and consistently delicious results.
• Customizable & Versatile: Adapt it easily for your taste preferences or dietary needs, making it great for meal prep too.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Our Amazing Cabbage Roll Soup

Choosing the freshest green cabbage is key. Look for firm, vibrant heads without brown spots. The cabbage in this recipe loads the meal with vitamin C and fiber. For the rice, rinsing long-grain rice under cold water helps reduce excess starch, preventing the soup from becoming too thick or gummy. Using quality beef broth and tomato sauce enhances the flavor; fire-roasted tomato sauce can add a smoky depth if you want a twist. A similar ground beef and cabbage recipe can provide insights into the overall nutritional profile of this hearty dish.

Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 pound ground beef (I use 90% lean)
• 1 onion (finely diced)
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 4 cups coarsely chopped green cabbage
• 2 carrots (peeled, quartered and sliced)
• 4 cups beef broth
• 3 8-ounce cans tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup uncooked long grain rice
• 1 bay leaf
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons parsley

How to Make This Hearty Cabbage Roll Soup (Step-by-Step Instructions)

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Cook and brown the beef, breaking up the meat with a spatula, about 4-5 minutes. Add the onion and garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add cabbage, carrots, beef broth, tomato sauce, rice, bay leaf, and brown sugar to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Bring to a simmer and cook for 25 minutes or until the rice is tender. Remove and discard the bay leaf.
5. Sprinkle with parsley and serve hot.

Expert Tips for Perfect Cabbage Roll Soup Every Time

• Preventing Mushy Rice: Rinsing rice before adding it cuts down on starch, keeping the grains separate. Avoid overcooking by sticking to the simmer time, and use a pot large enough for even heat distribution.
• Adjusting Soup Consistency: To thicken, simmer uncovered longer or stir in a cornstarch slurry (a mix of cornstarch and cold water). To thin, add more broth or water, adjusting the seasoning afterward.
• Balancing Sweet and Savory Flavors: Brown sugar adds warmth, but if the soup tastes too sweet, a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice can brighten it up beautifully.

Customizing Your Cabbage Roll Soup: Flavor Variations & Dietary Swaps

Feel free to make this soup your own by mixing in smoked paprika for a smoky note, fresh dill for brightness, crumbled bacon for savory depth, or diced bell peppers and celery for added texture. Fire-roasted diced tomatoes can replace plain tomato sauce for extra richness. For more ideas on how to use ground beef in hearty meals, consider our collection of ultimate ground beef spaghetti recipes.

Meal Prep & Freezer Friendly Cabbage Roll Soup

This soup keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container. To freeze, cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags good for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to loosen the rice and prevent it from soaking up all the liquid, warming gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. For more versatile and easy-to-follow cooking recipes that fit your busy schedule, explore our site.

Slow Cooker & Instant Pot Adaptations for Cabbage Roll Soup

Slow Cooker:

1. Brown the ground beef, onion, and garlic in a skillet.
2. Transfer to the slow cooker, add all other ingredients except parsley.
3. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add parsley before serving.

Instant Pot:

1. Use the sauté function to brown beef, onion, and garlic directly in the pot.
2. Add cabbage, carrots, broth, tomato sauce, rice, bay leaf, and brown sugar.
3. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Let natural release for 10 minutes, then quick release the remaining pressure. Stir and garnish with parsley.

What to Serve with Your Cabbage Roll Soup

Serve this hearty soup with crusty bread to soak up every drop, or a simple green salad for freshness. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh dill on top adds extra creaminess and flavor. For more cozy meal ideas.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cabbage Roll Soup

Conclusion

This one-pot cabbage roll soup is the kind of recipe that brings warmth and comfort with zero stress. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty meal without the hassle. I hope you feel confident making it and enjoy all the cozy flavors. Don’t forget to leave a comment sharing your favorite twists or questions.

cabbage roll soup

This comforting cabbage roll soup features ground beef, tender cabbage, carrots, and rice simmered in a savory tomato and beef broth. It’s a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal inspired by classic cabbage rolls.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 400

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 pound ground beef I use 90% lean
• 1 onion finely diced
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 4 cups green cabbage coarsely chopped
• 2 carrots peeled, quartered and sliced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 3 8 ounce cans tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup uncooked long grain rice
• 1 bay leaf
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons parsley

Equipment

• large pot
• spatula

Method

 

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned for 4-5 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula.
2. Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic, then cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add cabbage, carrots, beef broth, tomato sauce, rice, bay leaf, and brown sugar to the pot. Season again with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 25 minutes, or until the rice is tender. Remember to remove and discard the bay leaf before serving.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving this hearty cabbage roll soup.

Notes

For a richer flavor, ensure the ground beef is well browned before adding other ingredients. Adjust salt and pepper according to your preference. If you prefer a thicker soup, you can reduce the amount of beef broth slightly.