Description
This hearty Cabbage Roll Soup captures the comforting flavours of classic cabbage rolls in a warm, easy-to-make soup. Ground beef, cabbage, tomatoes, and rice simmer together with fragrant herbs to create a filling and delicious meal perfect for any day.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 pound ground beef (or mix of beef and pork)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Vegetables and Canned Goods
- 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped (about 8 cups)
- 2 14.5 oz cans diced tomatoes
- 1 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
Liquids and Grains
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
Herbs and Spices
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground meat over medium-high heat until browned. Drain any excess fat to keep the soup from being greasy.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add diced onions and minced garlic to the pot with the meat. Cook until the onions become translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Vegetables and Tomato Base: Stir in the chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Mix everything well to combine the flavors.
- Add Rice, Broth, and Seasonings: Pour in the uncooked rice and beef broth. Add bay leaves, dried thyme, paprika, cayenne pepper if using, and season with salt and pepper. Stir to evenly distribute all ingredients.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 25-30 minutes until the rice and cabbage are tender.
- Season and Garnish: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed. Optionally, add a splash of lemon juice or a dollop of sour cream for extra brightness and creaminess. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top before serving.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and enjoy this comforting, homemade cabbage roll soup!
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for ground beef to make it leaner.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, use less beef broth or let the soup simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.
- For added flavor, brown the meat and onions in a bit of olive oil before adding other ingredients.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and also freeze nicely.
- The cayenne pepper is optional and can be omitted or adjusted to taste for heat level.
