Name: Cabbage Roll Soup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef; 1 medium yellow onion diced finely; 1 cup baby carrots chopped; 1 tbsp garlic paste; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp ground black pepper; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/2 head cabbage cored and chopped into 1 inch pieces (about 5-6 cups); 5 cups beef broth; 14 oz can petite diced tomatoes; 16 oz can tomato sauce; 2 tbsp ketchup; 2 bay leaf; 1/2 cup uncooked long grain white rice; Parsley chopped for garnish

a serving spoon holding some Cabbage Roll Soup

This cabbage roll soup packs all the flavor of stuffed cabbage into one easy, hearty pot. It’s warm, filling, and budget-friendly.

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Table of Contents

Ingredients
Substitutions and Additions
How to Make Cabbage Roll Casserole
How To Serve Cabbage Roll Soup
Why You'll Love This Cabbage Ground Beef Soup Recipe
Recipe FAQ
Serving FAQ
Storage FAQ
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Table of Contents

This easy cabbage roll soup tastes just like classic stuffed cabbage but skips all the work. Everything simmers in one big pot. Ground beef, rice, and cabbage come together in a hearty tomato broth. It’s the perfect cozy dinner for chilly nights.

This recipe is super easy to make, and the guide below walks you through each step. You'll find step-by-step photos, helpful pro tips, and expert tricks along the way. We also answer the most frequently asked questions so you feel confident from start to finish.

a pan full of Cabbage Roll Soup and a small white bowl with some Cabbage Roll Soup on the side

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This cabbage roll soup with rice brings all the flavor of stuffed cabbage without the hassle of rolling. It’s loaded with beef, cabbage, and rice in a savory tomato broth.

Serve it for a cozy family dinner or bring it to your next potluck. It’s hearty, budget-friendly, and way easier than traditional cabbage rolls.

Ingredients

What you'll need to make this recipe for cabbage roll soup:

1-pound lean ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, diced finely
1 cup baby carrots, chopped
1 tbsp garlic paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
½ tsp ground black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ head cabbage, cored and chopped into 1-inch pieces (about 5–6 cups)
5 cups beef broth
14 ounce can petite diced tomatoes
16 ounce can tomato sauce
2 tablespoons ketchup
2 bay leaf
½ cup uncooked long-grain white rice
Parsley, chopped for garnish

Substitutions and Additions

Make your cabbage roll soup your own with ingredients swaps or by tossing in a few tasty extras! Try these easy upgrades below:

Substitute Ground Beef: Use ground pork or ground turkey for a different take on this comforting cabbage roll soup.
Add Bell Peppers: Chop and toss in bell peppers to add extra flavor, color, and a slight crunch to the soup.
Substitute White Rice: Swap white rice with brown rice or cooked quinoa for a nutty, more filling option.
Add Red Pepper Flakes: Mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bold, slightly spicy kick.
Substitute Broth: Use beef broth instead of water to make the soup even richer and more savory.

How to Make Cabbage Roll Casserole

Follow along with our step-by-step instructions, helpful pictures, and pro tips to make this ground beef and cabbage soup. We’ll walk you through everything so it turns out just right. Let’s get started!

FIRST STEP: In the Dutch Oven, add the ground beef and cook over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink. Drain grease then add the beef back into the pan with onions, carrots and garlic paste. Cook for 5–7 minutes until the onions are soft.

Pro Tip

You can also make this into a crockpot cabbage roll soup easily. Brown the beef in a pan then move it to the crockpot and continue the process. You will need to cook for 6–7 hours for a standard crockpot to make sure the rice is tender, and you may need to add more broth during cooking.

SECOND STEP: Add the Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika and Italian seasonings then stir together.

stirring the Cabbage Roll Soup ingredients into the pan

THIRD STEP: Add the cabbage and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the beef broth, tomatoes, sauce and ketchup, bay leaves and rice then stir to mix. Bring to the boil then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes. Don’t uncover during this time to make sure the rice cooks.

FOURTH STEP: After 30 minutes, check how done the rice is then if needed, cook for 5 minutes more to make sure it is soft.

FIFTH STEP: Remove the bay leaves, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve while hot.

How To Serve Cabbage Roll Soup

You can serve cabbage roll soup so many ways depending on the season, event, or who’s coming to eat. It’s cozy, filling, and works great for both kids and adults.

Family dinner: This soup makes a warm and easy dinner the whole family will love. Kids enjoy the beef and rice, while adults love the flavor. Serve it with homemade dinner rolls or tuna macaroni salad.
Potluck or party: Cabbage roll soup travels well and stays hot in a slow cooker. It feeds a crowd and always gets second helpings. Pair it with meatball subs or bacon cheddar biscuits for a crowd-pleasing combo.
Cold weather comfort: This soup is perfect for fall or winter when you want something hearty and warm. It’s cozy and filling on chilly nights. Serve it with slow cooker applesauce or easy cornbread for the ultimate comfort meal.

Cabbage Roll Soup in a pan and a spoon holding some

Why You'll Love This Cabbage Ground Beef Soup Recipe

Cabbage roll soup has become a reader favorite for so many reasons. It’s cozy, easy, and always hits the spot without needing a bunch of extra steps or special ingredients. Whether you're feeding a family or keeping things simple, this recipe checks all the right boxes.

Comfort Food Classic: Readers love that it tastes like traditional cabbage rolls without all the extra work.
Kid-Approved: Even picky eaters go back for seconds with this cozy soup.
Perfect for Leftovers: The soup reheats well and tastes just as good the next day.
Cold Weather Favorite: It’s warm, filling, and perfect for chilly nights.
Quick Cleanup: Fewer dishes mean more time to relax after dinner.
Budget-Friendly: You can feed the whole family without breaking the bank.

Readers keep coming back to this one, and once you try it, you'll see why.

Recipe FAQ

Do I need to cook the rice before adding it to soup?
Yes, you need to cook the rice first. Adding uncooked rice can soak up too much liquid and turn mushy.

Can I use pre-shredded cabbage in cabbage roll soup?
Yes, you can use pre-shredded cabbage. It saves time and works just as well as hand-chopped.

Should I brown the beef before adding it to the soup?
Yes, always brown the beef before adding it. It brings out flavor and removes extra grease from the soup.

How thick should I chop the cabbage for this soup?
Chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces. That helps it cook evenly and makes each spoonful of soup easier to eat.

Can I double this cabbage roll soup recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe. Just grab a larger pot and keep an eye on the liquid while it simmers.

Does the soup need to simmer covered or uncovered?
Simmer the cabbage roll soup uncovered. This helps it thicken and lets the flavors blend while it cooks.

Can I make cabbage roll soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker. Brown the meat first, then cook on low for about six hours.

What kind of pot works best for this recipe?
A large stockpot or Dutch oven works best for cabbage roll soup. It gives everything room to cook evenly.

Can I add more broth if the soup gets too thick?
Yes, if the cabbage roll soup thickens too much, add more broth or water to reach the texture you like.

Do I need to stir the soup while it cooks?
Yes, stir the soup occasionally while it simmers. That keeps the rice from sticking and helps the flavors blend.

Serving FAQ

What’s the best way to serve cabbage roll soup for dinner?
Ladle the soup into large bowls and serve it hot. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley right before serving.

Can I serve cabbage roll soup for a party or potluck?
Yes, serve the soup in a slow cooker on warm. Guests can scoop their own bowls easily throughout the gathering.

Should I serve cabbage roll soup as a main dish?
Yes, this soup works great as a main dish. It’s hearty, filling, and has protein, veggies, and grains all in one.

Is cabbage roll soup a good option for cold weather meals?
Yes, serve it warm on chilly days. The rich tomato broth and tender cabbage make it perfect for fall or winter.

Can I serve cabbage roll soup in bread bowls?
Yes, you can serve it in sturdy bread bowls. Just make sure the soup stays thick and doesn't soak through too fast.

Storage FAQ

Follow the directions, tips, and tricks below to store your cabbage roll soup the right way. These simple steps help keep it fresh, safe, and ready for leftovers. Stick with what works so the soup tastes just as good the next day.

Can I make cabbage roll soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can make cabbage soup a day ahead. Let it cool, then store it in the fridge until ready to reheat.

What’s the best way to store leftover cabbage roll soup?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The soup keeps well for up to four days.

Can I freeze cabbage roll soup?
Yes, freeze the soup in an airtight container for up to three months. Let it cool fully before freezing.

How do I thaw frozen cabbage roll soup?
Thaw the soup in the fridge overnight. Stir it before reheating to mix everything back together.

What’s the best way to reheat cabbage roll soup?
Reheat cabbage soup on the stovetop over medium heat. Stir often until hot and steamy.

Can I microwave cabbage roll soup?
Yes, microwave in a microwave-safe bowl in thirty-second bursts. Stir between each round until evenly heated.