Hearty Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe

Cozy Cabbage Roll Delight Soup Recipe: Heartwarming Homestyle Flavor

Steaming bowls of comfort emerge from this hearty cabbage roll delight soup that captures generations of culinary tradition.

Rustic flavors dance through each spoonful, weaving memories of home-cooked meals.

Tender cabbage leaves nestle beside savory ground meat, creating a symphony of textures and tastes.

The rich broth simmers with aromatic herbs and spices, promising warmth in every bite.

Each ingredient tells a story of comfort and nourishment.

Packed with wholesome goodness, this soup transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Dive into this soul-warming recipe that brings classic Eastern European comfort directly to your table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 7

Cabbage Roll Soup Ingredient

For Protein Base:
  • Ground Beef: Provides hearty, rich flavor and substantial protein boost; choose lean cuts for healthier option and better texture.
  • Beef Broth: Deepens meaty undertones and creates robust liquid foundation; select low-sodium varieties for better flavor control.
For Vegetable Symphony:
  • Onion, Garlic: Aromatic duo that builds complex flavor base; select fresh, firm onions and plump garlic cloves for maximum taste punch.
  • Cabbage: Adds delightful texture and subtle sweetness; pick crisp, compact heads with vibrant green leaves.
  • Carrot: Introduces natural sweetness and beautiful color; choose firm, bright orange roots without blemishes.
  • Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce: Create tangy, rich background notes; opt for high-quality canned versions with minimal additives.
For Seasoning Ensemble:
  • Paprika: Delivers warm, slightly smoky undertone; select authentic Hungarian or Spanish varieties for superior taste.
  • Thyme: Contributes earthy, herbal complexity; use fresh sprigs for most intense flavor profile.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers; choose sea salt and freshly ground black pepper for maximum impact.
  • Uncooked Rice: Provides comforting, filling element; select long-grain white rice for ideal texture.
  • Parsley: Offers fresh, bright finishing touch; choose vibrant green, crisp leaves.

Equipment You’ll Use for Cabbage Soup Prep

  • Large Pot: Essential for cooking ground beef, sautéing vegetables, and simmering the entire soup.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking during cooking.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for chopping cabbage, onions, carrots, and preparing ingredients.
  • Sharp Knife: Crucial for dicing vegetables and precise ingredient preparation.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Help accurately measure broth, rice, and seasonings for balanced flavor.
  • Colander: Useful for draining excess grease from browned beef.

Making Cabbage Roll Soup in Just a Few Steps

  • Meat Foundation

Start by heating a sturdy pot and transforming ground beef into a delicious golden-brown canvas. Carefully eliminate any unnecessary fat to keep the flavor clean and focused.

  • Aromatic Awakening

Introduce diced onions and garlic, allowing them to dance and release their vibrant essence into the meat. Watch as the kitchen fills with a tantalizing fragrance that promises comfort.

  • Veggie Symphony

Layer in chopped cabbage, carrots, tomatoes, and other garden treasures. These colorful ingredients will create a harmonious base for your hearty soup.

  • Liquid Magic

Pour in beef broth and tomato sauce, transforming the mixture into a rich, warming liquid. Sprinkle in herbs and spices that will elevate the soup’s depth and character.

  • Slow Transformation

Allow the pot to gently bubble, letting each ingredient mingle and soften. The rice will slowly absorb the surrounding flavors, creating a soul-warming experience.

  • Final Touch

Taste and adjust the seasoning, ensuring a perfect balance of flavors. Garnish with fresh herbs to add a bright, fresh finish that makes the soup feel complete.

  • Comfort Serving

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls, ready to warm hearts and satisfy hungry souls with its rich, comforting embrace.

Flavor Tips to Upgrade Cabbage Roll Soup

  • Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or lamb for a unique flavor profile and lighter protein option.
  • Incorporate additional vegetables like bell peppers, celery, or zucchini to increase nutrient density and add more color to the soup.
  • Replace meat with plant-based alternatives like lentils, mushrooms, or crumbled tofu for a hearty meatless option that maintains the soup's robust texture.
  • Kick up the heat by adding red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce for those who enjoy a spicier soup experience.
  • Substitute rice with quinoa, barley, or orzo to create different textures and add interesting nutritional variety to the classic recipe.

How to Serve a Bowl of Cabbage Soup

  • Garnish with Green Goodness: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top to add a vibrant pop of color and a light herbal note that brightens the entire soup.
  • Pair with Crusty Companions: Serve alongside warm garlic bread or a rustic sourdough slice to soak up the delicious broth and add a satisfying crunch to your meal.
  • Elevate with Cheese Topping: Sprinkle some grated parmesan or sharp cheddar cheese over the hot soup to create a creamy, rich layer that complements the hearty cabbage roll flavors.
  • Create a Comforting Combo: Enjoy this soup as a complete meal by adding a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the rich and warming qualities of the dish.

Reheat and Store Cabbage Soup Smoothly

  • Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover soup in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, maintaining its delicious flavor and texture.
  • Freeze for Future Meals: Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freezes perfectly for up to 3 months, creating a convenient meal option for busy days.
  • Reheat with Care: Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of beef broth if the soup seems too thick after refrigeration.
  • Portion for Easy Enjoyment: Divide soup into individual serving containers before storing. This smart approach allows quick reheating of single portions and helps reduce food waste while keeping the soup's original taste and quality intact.
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Hearty Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe

Hearty Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe


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4.7 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Polish cabbage roll delight soup blends hearty ingredients from traditional Eastern European cuisine. Rich broth and tender cabbage create a comforting meal you’ll savor with each warming spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
  • 4 cups (946 milliliters) beef broth
  • 1 small head of green cabbage, chopped
  • 1 can (14.5 oz/411 grams) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (8 oz/227 grams) tomato sauce
  • ½ cup (95 grams) uncooked white rice
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 large carrot, peeled and diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

  1. Meat Preparation: Brown ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat, completely rendering fat and creating a robust flavor foundation.
  2. Aromatic Enhancement: Sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic until translucent, releasing their intense fragrance and developing deep flavor layers.
  3. Liquid and Vegetable Assembly: Combine chopped cabbage, diced carrots, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, and long-grain rice into the pot, stirring thoroughly to create a unified mixture that promises robust taste and textural complexity.
  4. Seasoning Infusion: Integrate paprika, dried thyme, kosher salt, and black pepper, ensuring comprehensive distribution throughout the liquid base to create a nuanced flavor profile.
  5. Simmering and Melding: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, immediately reduce heat to low, cover pot securely, and allow soup to simmer for 25-30 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent rice from sticking and promote even cooking and flavor integration.
  6. Final Refinement: Taste and adjust seasonings, balancing flavors to achieve a harmonious culinary experience, ensuring each spoonful delivers maximum gustatory pleasure.
  7. Presentation: Ladle soup into serving bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, creating a vibrant and appetizing dish that promises comfort and satisfaction.

Notes

  • Beef Browning Tip: Drain excess fat completely to prevent greasy soup and ensure a clean, rich flavor profile.
  • Sautéing Technique: Allow onions and garlic to become translucent for maximum flavor development and aromatic base.
  • Rice Cooking Caution: Stir occasionally during simmering to prevent rice from sticking and ensure even, consistent cooking throughout the soup.
  • Seasoning Balance: Taste and adjust seasonings gradually, as paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper can dramatically transform the soup’s overall taste experience.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Eastern European

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 14 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Michael Rivera

Michael Rivera

Co-Founder & Culinary Instructor

Expertise

  • Classic French Cuisine
  • Artisanal Bread Baking
  • Plant-Based Culinary Innovation
  • Recipe & Menu Development
  • Interactive Online Instruction

Education

The French Culinary Institute (now part of the International Culinary Center)

  • Program: Classic Culinary Arts
  • Focus: An intensive curriculum rooted in classical French techniques, artisanal bread production, and contemporary culinary methods.

Michael Rivera is a seasoned chef and culinary instructor based in San Francisco, CA. Trained in Classic Culinary Arts at The French Culinary Institute, he refined his skills in Michelin-starred kitchens, mastering classic French techniques and artisanal bread baking. 

Passionate about making gourmet methods accessible, Michael co-founded thatsmyhome.com to share his expertise through interactive online lessons and innovative, plant-based recipes. He loves blending traditional techniques with modern ideas, encouraging home cooks to enjoy the art of cooking in a relaxed, fun environment.

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