The Best Cozy Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe for Cold Evenings

Comfort arrives in a steaming bowl of delectable cabbage roll soup that captures the essence of home-cooked warmth.

Cold evenings call for this satisfying Polish-inspired dish packed with robust flavors.

Tender cabbage, savory ground meat, and rich tomato broth mingle together creating a soul-warming experience.

Each spoonful carries memories of traditional family recipes passed down through generations.

The soup brings together simple ingredients that bloom into an extraordinary meal.

hearty and nourishing, this recipe transforms basic components into a culinary embrace that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to savor every comforting bite of this irresistible soup.

Tips for Making the Best Cabbage Roll Soup

• Choose lean ground beef for a healthier version or swap with ground turkey for a lighter protein option.
• Use brown rice instead of white rice to boost nutritional value and add a nutty flavor to the soup.
• Transfer ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours for a hands-off, convenient meal preparation.
• Add extra vegetables like celery or diced bell peppers to increase nutrients and enhance the soup's complexity.
• Enhance depth of flavor by adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika during cooking.

Cabbage Roll Soup Creative Combos

• Vegetarian Cabbage Roll Soup: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Keto-Friendly Cabbage Roll Soup: Swap white rice with cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrates and maintain the soup's hearty texture.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free tomato sauce and verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate sensitive diets.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Variation: Add oregano, swap brown sugar with a splash of red wine, and include diced bell peppers for a Mediterranean flavor profile.

Serving Cabbage Roll Soup with Style

• Comfort Crew Plating: Serve this soup in deep ceramic bowls with thick rustic bread slices on the side for perfect dipping and soaking up all those delicious flavors.
• Warmth Boosters: Top each serving with a dollop of sour cream and extra chopped parsley to add creamy texture and fresh green brightness to the hearty soup.
• Side Companion: Pair this soup with a simple green salad dressed in light vinaigrette to balance the rich, meaty soup and add a crisp, refreshing element to the meal.
• Leftover Magic: Store remaining soup in airtight containers and enjoy for 3-4 days, noting that flavors will develop and become even more delicious after sitting overnight in the refrigerator.

Storage Instructions for Cabbage Roll Soup

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Transfer desired portion to a microwave-safe bowl. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a small vent. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until heated thoroughly.
• Pour soup into a pot, add a splash of beef broth to prevent sticking. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated evenly and reaches desired temperature.

FAQs

• Are cabbage rolls traditional in any specific cuisine?

Cabbage rolls are popular in Eastern European countries like Poland, Ukraine, and Russia, where they’re known as golabki or stuffed cabbage rolls.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, substitute ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or use lentils and additional vegetables for protein.

• Is white rice necessary for this recipe?

White rice helps thicken the soup and adds texture, but you can replace it with cauliflower rice or quinoa for a lower-carb option.

• How can I enhance the soup's flavor?

Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce, use smoked paprika, or include a dollop of sour cream when serving to boost the overall taste profile.

Cabbage Roll Soup Cozy Qualities

• Transforms classic cabbage rolls into an easy, one-pot soup that captures all the traditional flavors without complex wrapping techniques.
• Delivers a hearty, satisfying dish that comes together quickly, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something nourishing and delicious.
• Packed with nutritious vegetables, tender beef, and soft rice, this soup appeals to both kids and adults, making mealtime a stress-free experience.
• Ideal for cold days, this soup provides warmth and richness that fills bellies and boosts spirits with its comforting, home-style goodness.

What to Shop for Cabbage Roll Soup

• Ground Beef: A flavorful protein that provides richness and substance to the soup.
• Cabbage: A hearty vegetable that adds texture and traditional Eastern European character to the dish.
• Beef Broth: The foundational liquid that creates a deep, savory base for the soup.

• Onion, Garlic: Provide a robust and aromatic flavor foundation for the soup.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
• Bay Leaf: Adds a subtle herbal note and depth to the soup's flavor profile.
• Brown Sugar: Brings a gentle sweetness that balances the savory elements.

• Tomato Sauce: Contributes a rich, tangy undertone to the soup.
• Carrots: A sweet vegetable that adds color and nutritional value.
• White Rice: A comforting grain that helps thicken the soup and makes it more filling.
• Parsley: A fresh herb used as a bright, green garnish to finish the dish.

Cabbage Roll Soup Cooking Tools

• Dutch oven or large soup pot: Perfect for creating this hearty soup with deep, even heat.
• Wooden spoon: Essential for stirring and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Chef's knife: Sharp blade helps chop cabbage, carrots, and parsley with precision.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for chopping vegetables.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
• Ladle: Helps serve the soup evenly and neatly.

Cabbage Roll Soup Directions Simplified

Step 1: Fire Up the Cooking Vessel

Grab your Dutch oven or large soup pot and drizzle in some oil.

Crank up the heat to medium-high and get ready to transform ground beef into a flavor-packed base.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Toss in the ground beef and give it a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper.

Let the meat sizzle and dance around the pot until it develops a beautiful golden-brown color.

Step 3: Awaken the Aromatics

Introduce diced onions and minced garlic to the beef.

Let them mingle and soften for 2-3 minutes, releasing their irresistible fragrance throughout the kitchen.

Step 4: Build the Soup Foundation

• Chopped cabbage
• Sliced carrots
• Tomato sauce
• Beef broth
• White rice
• Bay leaf
• Brown sugar

Stir everything together, creating a symphony of flavors and textures.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the soup to a gentle simmer.

Let it bubble away for 25 minutes, allowing the rice to become tender and the flavors to marry beautifully.

Step 6: Final Flourish

Pluck out the bay leaf and shower the soup with freshly chopped parsley.

Serve hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up with delight.

Cozy and Hearty Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe

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4.9 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Polish cabbage roll soup delivers comforting flavors reminiscent of traditional Eastern European kitchens. Packed with tender meat, rice, and savory vegetables, this nourishing dish warms you from the inside out.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 1 pound lean ground beef

Vegetables:

• 4 cups chopped green cabbage
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced finely
• 2 medium carrots, quartered and sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 3 8-ounce cans tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup white rice, uncooked
• 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. In a large pot, sear ground beef over medium-high heat until thoroughly browned and crumbly, seasoning with salt and pepper throughout cooking.
2. Introduce diced onions and minced garlic to the browned meat, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
3. Pour in beef broth, tomato sauce, and carefully add chopped cabbage, sliced carrots, white rice, bay leaf, and a touch of brown sugar, stirring to integrate all ingredients.
4. Reduce heat and allow soup to gently simmer for approximately 25 minutes, ensuring rice reaches complete tenderness and flavors meld harmoniously.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, removing bay leaf to prevent excessive bitterness in the final dish.
6. Ladle hot soup into serving bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finishing touch, adding color and a subtle herbaceous note.

Notes

• Enhance browning by patting ground beef dry before cooking to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, diet-friendly version that maintains the soup’s hearty texture.
• Add a splash of apple cider vinegar or red wine at the end to brighten the flavors and create a more complex taste profile.
• For gluten-free adaptation, replace white rice with cauliflower rice or quinoa to keep the soup’s nutritional value and satisfying consistency.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Eastern European

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 260
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 16 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg