Homemade Cabbage Roll Soup brings the deliciousness of traditional cabbage rolls in a comforting, hearty, and easy-to-make soup form. It’s the perfect dish for those who love the classic flavors of stuffed cabbage rolls but want a simpler, one-pot meal that’s both filling and nutritious. Packed with lean ground beef, colorful vegetables, and a savory broth, this soup offers all the hearty satisfaction of cabbage rolls without the time-consuming preparation of rolling and stuffing each cabbage leaf.

This soup’s rich, flavorful broth gets a balance of sweetness and acidity from the crushed tomatoes and a touch of honey, while the addition of brown rice or quinoa makes it even more satisfying. It’s an excellent dish for cold weather, but its vibrant flavors and fresh vegetables make it versatile enough to be enjoyed year-round. Whether served as a weeknight dinner or a comforting lunch, Homemade Cabbage Roll Soup is sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Hearty and Filling

This soup is packed with nutritious vegetables, lean beef, and whole grains, making it a satisfying meal that will keep you full and energized.

2. Quick and Easy to Prepare

Unlike traditional cabbage rolls, this recipe takes a fraction of the time to prepare, but you still get the same great flavors.

3. Nutritious and Healthy

Made with fresh vegetables, lean beef, and a wholesome grain like brown rice or quinoa, this soup is rich in nutrients and great for anyone looking to eat healthy.

4. Customizable

You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your dietary preferences, whether by switching the grains or modifying the seasonings.

5. One-Pot Meal

This soup is cooked in one pot, which means minimal cleanup, making it ideal for busy weeknights or meal prepping.

Ingredients

Olive oil
Lean ground beef
Kosher salt
Ground black pepper
Yellow onion, chopped
Garlic, minced
Carrots, chopped and quartered
Red bell pepper, seeded and diced
Fresh thyme leaves
Green cabbage, cut into pieces
Low-sodium beef broth
Crushed tomatoes (3 x 8 oz cans)
Brown rice, cooked (or quinoa)
Bay leaf
Honey

Variations

Vegetarian Option: For a meatless version, replace the ground beef with plant-based protein like lentils or mushrooms.
Rice Alternatives: Instead of brown rice, you can use quinoa, wild rice, or cauliflower rice for a different texture or to reduce carbs.
Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add additional vegetables such as celery, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrition.
Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños if you want to give the soup a bit of heat.
Different Grains: Instead of rice or quinoa, you can experiment with bulgur or barley to change the texture and flavor of the soup.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Ground Beef

Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large pot. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.

Step 3: Add the Cabbage and Broth

Add the cabbage pieces to the pot, stirring to combine with the sautéed vegetables. Pour in the beef broth and crushed tomatoes. Add the bay leaf and thyme leaves, and stir everything together.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the flavors have melded together.

Step 5: Add the Cooked Rice or Quinoa

Stir in the cooked rice or quinoa and continue to simmer for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the grains to absorb the broth and enhance the flavors.

Step 6: Sweeten the Soup

Add the tablespoon of honey to the soup, stirring well to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and enrich the flavor.

Step 7: Serve

Once the soup is ready, remove the bay leaf and serve hot. Enjoy with a side of crusty bread or a simple salad.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Adjusting Seasonings: Taste the soup as it simmers and feel free to adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or even a splash of vinegar if you prefer more acidity.
Cabbage Texture: For a softer cabbage texture, cook the soup a little longer. For a firmer bite, reduce the cooking time.
Rice and Quinoa: If using quinoa, keep in mind that it cooks faster than rice. You may want to add it closer to the end of the cooking time to avoid overcooking it.
Freeze for Later: This soup freezes well. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months, and reheat when ready to serve.

How to Serve

Homemade Cabbage Roll Soup is delicious on its own but can be served with a variety of sides to round out the meal. For a simple accompaniment, serve with a slice of toasted sourdough bread or a green salad. You can also serve it with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top for extra creaminess and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the soup cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.

Freezing

This soup freezes well and can be stored for up to 3 months. Make sure to store it in an airtight container, leaving some space for expansion as it freezes. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, place the soup on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until it reaches the desired temperature. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, you can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this soup.

2. Can I skip the rice or quinoa?

Absolutely! If you prefer a lower-carb version, you can skip the rice or quinoa entirely or use cauliflower rice for a grain-free option.

3. How do I make the soup spicier?

To add heat, incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or some diced fresh jalapeños during the cooking process.

4. Can I use frozen cabbage?

While fresh cabbage works best, you can use frozen cabbage if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep in mind that frozen cabbage may become softer once cooked.

5. Is there an alternative to honey in this recipe?

If you don’t want to use honey, you can substitute with a small amount of maple syrup or agave syrup for a similar sweet touch.

6. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can. Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables on the stove, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Add the broth, tomatoes, cabbage, and seasonings, and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

7. Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, this soup freezes well. Be sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container for storage.

8. What other vegetables can I add to this soup?

You can add additional vegetables like celery, zucchini, or parsnips to enhance the flavor and nutrition of the soup.

9. Can I use a different type of broth?

Yes, you can substitute beef broth with chicken broth or vegetable broth depending on your preferences.

10. How can I thicken the soup?

If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with cold water and let it simmer until it thickens.

Conclusion

Homemade Cabbage Roll Soup is a comforting, flavorful dish that offers all the goodness of cabbage rolls without the fuss. It’s easy to make, customizable, and packed with healthy ingredients that will satisfy your hunger and warm you up from the inside out. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal to enjoy throughout the week, this soup is a fantastic choice. With its rich broth, tender vegetables, and hearty grains, Homemade Cabbage Roll Soup is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.