Cabbage Roll Soup: 5 Hearty Variations to Savor

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Cabbage Roll Soup is a delightful dish that combines the comforting flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls into a warm and satisfying soup. This easy-to-make recipe features lean ground beef, tender cabbage, and hearty rice simmered in a savory tomato broth. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, it comes together in under an hour, making it an ideal option for anyone craving a nutritious meal. Let’s dive into this comforting bowl of goodness!

Why You’ll Love This Cabbage Roll Soup

This Cabbage Roll Soup is not just another soup recipe; it’s a hearty meal that checks all the boxes! Packed with protein from the ground beef and fiber from the cabbage, it’s a complete dish that’s satisfying and nutritious. Here are a few reasons to love it:

Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
Hearty and filling, ensuring everyone leaves the table satisfied.
Can be made in a Cabbage Roll Soup Slow Cooker for convenience.
Great for meal prep, easily stored and reheated.
Versatile; you can switch up the ingredients based on what you have.
Comforting flavors reminiscent of a Stuffed Cabbage Soup Recipe.

Ingredients for Cabbage Roll Soup

Gather these items:

1 pound lean ground beef
1/2 medium onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups chopped cabbage
1 (14 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (28 ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes with juices
4 cups beef broth
1 cup water
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2/3 cup uncooked white rice (jasmine rice recommended)
Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Cabbage Roll Soup Step-by-Step

Step 1: In a large soup pot, cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 8 minutes. If there is excess fat, carefully spoon out most of it to reduce grease in the soup.
Step 2: Stir in the minced garlic, then add the chopped cabbage, tomato sauce, fire-roasted diced tomatoes with their juices, beef broth, water, paprika, Italian seasoning, and uncooked rice to the pot. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
Step 3: Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil. Once it begins boiling, stir thoroughly, reduce the heat to low, and cover the pot with the lid slightly ajar. Let the soup simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is fully cooked and tender, ensuring it doesn’t stick to the bottom.
Step 4: Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed. Serve the soup hot for a comforting and flavorful meal.

Pro Tips for the Best Cabbage Roll Soup

Keep these in mind:

Choose fresh cabbage for the best flavor and texture.
For a Low-Carb Cabbage Roll Soup, substitute rice with cauliflower rice.
Let the soup cool completely before storing it in an airtight container for meal prep.
This recipe is gluten-free, making it suitable for various diets.

Best Ways to Serve Cabbage Roll Soup

This soup is delicious on its own but can be enhanced with various toppings. Consider serving it with:

Crusty bread or rolls for dipping.
A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Fresh herbs like parsley or dill for added freshness.

How to Store and Reheat Cabbage Roll Soup

To store leftovers, allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. This makes it a fantastic option for Cabbage Roll Soup for Meal Prep.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cabbage Roll Soup

What’s the secret to perfect Cabbage Roll Soup?

The secret to a perfect Cabbage Roll Soup lies in balancing the flavors. Using quality ingredients, such as lean ground beef and fresh cabbage, enhances the dish’s overall taste. Additionally, allowing the soup to simmer helps meld the flavors beautifully.

Can I make Cabbage Roll Soup ahead of time?

Yes! Making Cabbage Roll Soup ahead of time is a great idea. The flavors develop even more as it sits, and it can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer for later use.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Cabbage Roll Soup?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure not to overcook the rice, as it can become mushy. Also, taste and adjust the seasoning before serving to achieve the best flavor. Following the recipe closely will yield the best results!

Variations of Cabbage Roll Soup You Can Try

There are many delicious ways to customize your Cabbage Roll Soup. Here are a few ideas:

Vegetarian Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe: Substitute ground beef with lentils or mushrooms for a meatless version.
Cabbage Roll Soup with Sausage: Replace ground beef with your favorite sausage for a spicier kick.
Hearty Cabbage Roll Soup: Add additional vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for extra nutrients.

With these variations, your Cabbage Roll Soup can be a new dish each time you make it!