If you love the comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls but don’t have the time or patience to roll and bake them, then this Cabbage Roll Soup is your answer. It’s everything you adore about the classic dish—savory ground meat, tender cabbage, tomatoes, rice, and aromatic herbs—all simmered together in a rich, flavorful broth. This hearty soup captures that same homemade, old-world flavor with a lot less effort. It’s a one-pot wonder that fills your kitchen with warmth and your belly with satisfaction. Each spoonful delivers the perfect balance of tangy tomato richness and comforting rice and meat, making it ideal for chilly evenings or cozy family dinners.

Full Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 500 g (1 lb) ground beef or pork (or a mix of both)

• 1 medium head cabbage (about 900 g / 2 lb), chopped

• 2 medium carrots, diced

• 1 bell pepper, chopped

• 1 can (400 g / 14 oz) diced tomatoes

• 1 can (400 g / 14 oz) tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• 6 cups (1.5 L) beef or vegetable broth

• ½ cup (100 g) uncooked rice (white or brown)

• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian herbs

• 1 bay leaf

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Cooking Directions

1. Heat the Oil
   In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant.

2. Cook the Meat
   Add the ground beef or pork and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Season lightly with salt and pepper as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

3. Add the Vegetables
   Stir in the chopped cabbage, diced carrots, and bell pepper. Let them cook for about 5 minutes until slightly softened. The cabbage will start to shrink as it releases its water.

4. Add Tomatoes and Seasonings
   Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Stir to combine, then add the broth, smoked paprika, thyme, bay leaf, and brown sugar if using. Mix well and bring to a boil.

5. Add Rice
   Once the soup reaches a boil, stir in the uncooked rice. Lower the heat to medium-low, cover, and let it simmer gently for about 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice and cabbage are tender.

6. Adjust the Seasoning
   Taste and adjust salt and pepper to your liking. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

7. Serve
   Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve it hot with crusty bread or a dollop of sour cream for an extra creamy touch.

Nutrients

• Calories: Around 290 kcal per serving

• Protein: 18 g

• Carbohydrates: 28 g

• Fat: 12 g

• Fiber: 5 g

• Vitamin C: 65% DV

• Iron: 15% DV

• Calcium: 8% DV

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cabbage Roll Soup takes all the heartwarming flavors of the traditional cabbage roll and turns them into an easy, nourishing meal you can enjoy any day of the week. It’s budget-friendly, filling, and freezer-friendly. You don’t need to spend hours rolling and baking cabbage leaves—everything goes into one pot and simmers to perfection. It’s a dish that tastes even better the next day, as the flavors deepen and blend beautifully. This is one of those recipes that brings nostalgia and comfort in every spoonful.

The Origins and Inspiration Behind the Dish

Cabbage rolls have been part of European and Middle Eastern cooking for centuries, with versions found in Polish, Ukrainian, Russian, and Hungarian cuisines. They were originally made as a way to stretch ingredients—ground meat, rice, and cabbage were inexpensive staples. The soup version likely came later, born out of convenience and practicality. Busy cooks found a way to capture the same familiar flavors without the time-consuming process of rolling the cabbage leaves. Cabbage Roll Soup keeps the spirit of the original dish alive while making it more accessible for modern kitchens.

Ingredient Spotlight

Cabbage: The star of the dish. It becomes tender and sweet as it simmers, adding both texture and nutrients.
Ground Meat: Traditionally beef or pork is used, but you can also try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Tomatoes: Crushed or diced tomatoes create a tangy, rich base for the broth. They add that essential acidity to balance the savory meat.
Rice: A classic filler that adds body and creaminess to the soup. You can use white or brown rice—or even quinoa if you want a protein boost.
Spices: Smoked paprika, thyme, and garlic deepen the flavor, giving it that homestyle, slow-cooked taste.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Cabbage Roll Soup stores very well and often tastes even better the next day. Let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It keeps in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave in portions. If you plan to freeze it, make the soup without adding rice, then freeze for up to 2 months. Add freshly cooked rice when reheating to prevent it from becoming mushy.

Common Variations to Try

1. Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat and use lentils or chickpeas for protein. Substitute vegetable broth for beef broth.

2. Low-Carb Option: Replace rice with cauliflower rice or chopped zucchini to reduce carbs.

3. Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce for extra warmth.

4. Smoky Flavor: Stir in a few diced smoked sausages or bacon bits to add depth.

5. Creamy Style: Mix in a splash of heavy cream or sour cream just before serving for a richer, velvety soup.

Pairing Recommendations

This hearty soup pairs wonderfully with a slice of buttered rye bread, garlic toast, or cornbread. If you’re serving it as a full meal, add a simple green salad with vinaigrette for balance. It also goes beautifully with a light white wine like Pinot Grigio or a mug of hot tea on a cold day. For a classic Eastern European touch, top it with a spoonful of sour cream and serve it alongside pickled vegetables.

Health Benefits

Cabbage Roll Soup is both comforting and nutrient-rich. Cabbage is high in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants that support digestion and immunity. The combination of meat and rice provides a good balance of protein and carbohydrates for lasting energy. If you use lean meat and limit added fats, this soup can easily fit into a healthy, balanced diet. The tomatoes supply lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to heart health. It’s proof that you can enjoy a bowl of comfort food without any guilt.

Conclusion

Cabbage Roll Soup is the kind of meal that feels like a hug in a bowl. It delivers all the hearty flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage without the work, making it perfect for busy evenings or when you crave something warm and filling. Its rich tomato base, tender cabbage, and savory meat make every bite satisfying and familiar. It’s budget-friendly, wholesome, and deeply comforting—a timeless recipe that bridges the old and the new, keeping family traditions alive while making dinner simple. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, this soup is sure to become a regular favorite on your table.