Description
Homemade Cabbage Roll Soup is a warm, comforting dish with all the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls in a hearty soup form. Packed with lean ground beef, fresh vegetables, and wholesome rice, this soup is a perfect weeknight dinner that’s filling, nutritious, and full of flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- Kosher salt and ground pepper, to taste
- 1 medium-sized yellow onion, chopped into fine pieces
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium-sized carrots, chopped and quartered
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
- A few fresh thyme leaves, picked
- 1 small green cabbage, cut into pieces (about 7 cups)
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 3 (8 oz) cans crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup cooked brown rice (or quinoa)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tbsp honey
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pot. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in the carrots, bell pepper, and fresh thyme leaves. Cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
- Add the cabbage pieces to the pot and stir to combine with the other ingredients.
- Pour in the beef broth and crushed tomatoes. Add the bay leaf and honey. Stir everything together and bring to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes, until the cabbage and vegetables are tender.
- Add the cooked brown rice (or quinoa) and stir to combine. Simmer for another 5 minutes to heat through.
- Remove the bay leaf, and taste the soup. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef for a lighter version.
- For a gluten-free option, make sure to use quinoa instead of rice.
- This soup can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and also freezes well for future meals.
- If you prefer a more tangy flavor, you can add a bit of lemon juice or a splash of vinegar before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes