Dinner

Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe

ByAiden Wells January 19, 2026January 19, 2026

Introduction

Cabbage Roll Soup captures all the comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls in a warm, hearty bowl. This easy-to-make soup combines ground beef, cabbage, rice, and a tangy tomato broth for a satisfying meal perfect for any day.

The image shows a close-up of a pot filled with a thick stew. The stew has visible layers including chunks of cooked cabbage with soft, pale yellow and green leaves, small diced carrots giving bright orange spots, browned ground meat scattered throughout, and a dark red tomato-based sauce that fills the gaps. Small bits of chopped herbs float on top, adding specks of green. The pot is metallic with a shiny rim, and it sits on a white marbled surface with a striped cloth and some green leafy herbs in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 teaspoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 pound ground beef (90% lean recommended)
1 onion, finely diced
2 teaspoons minced garlic
4 cups coarsely chopped green cabbage
2 carrots, peeled, quartered, and sliced
4 cups beef broth
3 (8 ounce) cans tomato sauce
1/2 cup uncooked long grain rice
1 bay leaf
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons parsley

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 2: Cook, breaking up the meat with a spatula, until the beef is browned, about 4-5 minutes. Add the onion and garlic, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
Step 3: Stir in the chopped cabbage, sliced carrots, beef broth, tomato sauce, rice, bay leaf, and brown sugar. Season again with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 25 minutes, or until the rice is tender. Remove the bay leaf and discard.
Step 5: Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving to add color and freshness.

Tips & Variations

For a vegetarian version, replace ground beef with cooked lentils and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
Use jasmine or basmati rice if you prefer a different texture but adjust cooking times accordingly.

Storage

Store leftover cabbage roll soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. The soup can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with hearty cabbage soup, showing layers of light green cabbage pieces, browned ground meat, and bright orange carrot chunks, all simmered in a rich red tomato broth. The soup is garnished with small bits of fresh green herbs scattered on top. A silver spoon lies beside the bowl, and in the blurry background, there is fresh leafy parsley and slices of light brown bread resting on a white marbled surface. The overall look is warm and inviting, with a mix of textures and colors that catch the eye. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey makes a leaner alternative and works well in this soup. Adjust cooking times as needed to ensure it’s fully cooked.

Is it necessary to use rice in this soup?

Rice adds texture and heartiness but can be omitted or replaced with other grains like quinoa or barley based on your preference.