Cabbage Roll Soup

This Cabbage Roll Soup has all the comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls in an easy one-pot meal. Filled with ground beef, tender cabbage, tomatoes, and rice, it’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 cups green cabbage, chopped
• 1 can (14.5 oz / 410 g) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (8 oz / 225 g) tomato sauce
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ¾ cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
3. Stir in the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes until softened.
4. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Stir in the chopped cabbage and cook for 2–3 minutes.
6. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, oregano, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
7. Stir in the uncooked rice, then reduce the heat to low.
8. Cover and simmer for 25–30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the cabbage is soft.
9. Remove the bay leaf, adjust the seasoning if needed, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Servings: 6

Tips

• For extra flavor, use a mixture of ground beef and ground pork.
• Brown rice can be substituted, but it will require a longer cooking time and a little extra broth.
• This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
• Freeze without the rice for the best texture, then add freshly cooked rice when reheating.
• Serve with crusty bread, garlic bread, or a dollop of sour cream for a comforting meal.