Cabbage Roll Soup: The Ultimate One-Pot Comfort Food

There’s something magical about walking through your front door after a long day, knowing a warm, hearty meal awaits with minimal effort. That’s exactly what this Cabbage Roll Soup delivers. When the weather turns chilly and you’re craving something that warms you from the inside out, this deconstructed version of the classic Eastern European dish comes to the rescue.

The aroma of this Cabbage Roll Soup fills your kitchen with the comforting scents of simmered tomatoes, savory ground beef, and tender cabbage – all the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls but without the fuss of stuffing and rolling. Each spoonful delivers a perfect balance of savory, slightly sweet, and tangy flavors that dance on your palate. This recipe transforms a labor-intensive classic into an approachable, weeknight-friendly meal that doesn’t sacrifice an ounce of flavor.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week ahead recipe is about to become your new favorite comfort food go-to.

• ✅ Best cabbage roll soup with ground beef that’s budget-friendly and satisfying
• ✅ Healthy recipe for weight loss that doesn’t compromise on flavor
• ✅ Slow cooker cabbage roll soup for busy weeknights – set it and forget it!
• ✅ Gluten-free cabbage roll soup with tomato base perfect for dietary restrictions
• ✅ Easy cabbage roll soup for family dinner that even picky eaters will enjoy
• ✅ Traditional Eastern European cabbage roll soup with modern convenience
• ✅ Converts to Instant Pot cabbage roll soup in under 30 minutes with simple adjustments

Ingredients for Cabbage Roll Soup

For this hearty Cabbage Roll Soup, you’ll need:

• 3 pounds ground beef
• 2 cans (28 ounces each) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 4 cans (16 ounces each) kidney beans or 4 cans (15 ounces each) pinto beans or black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 pound smoked kielbasa, sliced and halved (optional for extra flavor)
• 2 large onions, halved and thinly sliced
• 2 cans (8 ounces each) tomato sauce
• 2/3 cup hickory-flavored barbecue sauce
• 1-1/2 cups water (or beef broth for richer flavor)
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 medium head cabbage, chopped into 1-inch pieces
• 5 fresh banana peppers, seeded and sliced (can substitute with green bell peppers)
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons ground mustard
• 2 teaspoons instant coffee granules (secret ingredient for depth!)
• 1 teaspoon each dried oregano, thyme and sage
• 1/2 to 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust according to heat preference)
• 1/2 to 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Dietary Substitutions:

• For a low-carb cabbage roll soup for keto diet, omit the beans and reduce or substitute the brown sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener
• For vegetarian cabbage roll soup with lentils, replace the meat with 2 cups of green or brown lentils and use vegetable broth instead of water

Preparing the Base

Step 1: In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it apart as it cooks until no pink remains (about 8-10 minutes). Drain excess fat.

Step 2: Add the sliced onions and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Sauté until the onions become translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Stir in the chopped cabbage and continue cooking for another 5 minutes until the cabbage begins to soften.

Building the Flavor

Step 4: Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, barbecue sauce, water (or broth), and brown sugar to the pot. Stir to combine.

Step 5: Add the kidney beans, sliced kielbasa (if using), and banana peppers to the mixture.

Step 6: Sprinkle in all the seasonings: chili powder, ground mustard, instant coffee granules, dried oregano, thyme, sage, cayenne pepper, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cooking the Soup

Step 7: Bring the Cabbage Roll Soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 8: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. The flavors will develop and deepen as the soup simmers.

Step 9: Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and the soup to reach the perfect temperature for enjoying.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Cabbage Roll Soup

• Secret to rich flavor: Don’t skip the instant coffee granules! It adds a depth of flavor that complements the tomato and beef without adding any coffee taste.
• Make-ahead option: This Cabbage Roll Soup actually tastes better the next day when flavors have had time to meld. Make it a day ahead for even more delicious results.
• Slow cooker method: For slow cooker cabbage roll soup for busy weeknights, brown the beef first, then add all ingredients to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
• Instant Pot variation: To make Instant Pot cabbage roll soup in under 30 minutes, use the sauté function to brown the beef, then add all ingredients and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes with a natural release.
• Freezer-friendly: This soup freezes beautifully! Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months for a quick weeknight meal.

Best Ways to Serve Cabbage Roll Soup

This comforting cabbage roll soup for cold weather is a meal in itself, but here are some ways to elevate your serving:

• Top with a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess
• Sprinkle with fresh dill or parsley for brightness
• Serve with crusty bread for dipping (or garlic bread for extra indulgence)
• For a complete meal, pair with a simple side salad dressed with vinaigrette
• For traditional Eastern European flair, serve with a side of pierogies

Nutritional Information for Cabbage Roll Soup

Per serving (approximately 1.5 cups)

• Calories: 385 kcal
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 8g
• Fat: 15g
• Sodium: 850mg

This healthy recipe for weight loss is packed with fiber and protein to keep you feeling satisfied. It’s also relatively low in calories considering how filling it is!

Storage & Leftovers

How long does cabbage roll soup last in the fridge? This Cabbage Roll Soup will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container.

Can you freeze cabbage roll soup? Absolutely! This soup freezes exceptionally well for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Leave some room at the top as the soup will expand when frozen.

Best way to reheat: For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat slowly on the stovetop over medium-low heat. You may need to add a splash of water or broth if the soup has thickened too much during storage.

FAQs About Cabbage Roll Soup

What ingredients are typically in cabbage roll soup?

Traditional Cabbage Roll Soup contains ground meat (usually beef), cabbage, rice, onions, and tomato sauce or diced tomatoes – all the components of classic stuffed cabbage rolls but in soup form. Our recipe enhances these basics with additional flavors for an extra-delicious result.

How do you make cabbage roll soup from scratch?

Making Cabbage Roll Soup from scratch involves browning ground beef, sautéing aromatics like onions and garlic, then adding chopped cabbage, tomatoes, seasonings, and liquid. Everything simmers together until the cabbage is tender and flavors meld, typically 30-40 minutes.

Can you freeze cabbage roll soup?

Yes! Cabbage Roll Soup freezes exceptionally well. Cool it completely, then store in airtight containers leaving some headspace for expansion. It will maintain quality for up to 3 months in the freezer.

What is the cooking time for cabbage roll soup?

Total cooking time for Cabbage Roll Soup is approximately 50-60 minutes, including browning the meat and simmering the soup. Using a slow cooker extends this to 6-8 hours on low, while an Instant Pot can reduce it to about 30 minutes total.

Conclusion

This Cabbage Roll Soup brings all the comfort and flavor of traditional cabbage rolls without the tedious rolling process. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you crave something hearty, nutritious, and soul-warming. Whether you make it on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or an Instant Pot, this versatile recipe delivers consistent, delicious results every time.

The combination of savory ground beef, tender cabbage, and rich tomato broth creates a meal that’s greater than the sum of its parts. It’s economical, feeds a crowd, and tastes even better as leftovers – what more could you want from a family-friendly recipe?

We’d love to hear how your Cabbage Roll Soup turned out! Did you try any variations? Share your experience in the comments below, or tag us in your soup photos on social media. Happy cooking!

Print