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cabbage roll soup served with crusty bread

Easy Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe (Hearty Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls)

This easy cabbage roll soup has everything you love about traditional stuffed cabbage rolls in a cozy one-pot meal. Ground beef, tender cabbage, rice, and a savory tomato broth come together for an easy weeknight dinner without all the rolling and stuffing.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Dinner, Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: American
Calories: 322
Ingredients Equipment Method Video Notes

Ingredients
  

Equipment

  • Large Dutch oven or soup pot: Gives you plenty of room to brown the beef and simmer the soup without overcrowding
  • Wooden spoon: For breaking apart the ground beef and stirring the soup
  • Chef’s knife and cutting board: For prep
  • Measuring cups and spoons For accurate measurements

Method
 

Stovetop Instructions
  1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and onion and cook for about 5 minutes, breaking the beef apart as it cooks, until browned and the onion begins to soften. Drain excess grease if needed. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  2. Add the cabbage, carrots, and bell pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage begins to wilt.
  3. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for about 1 minute. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and bring to a boil.
  4. Stir in the rice. Reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 15–18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and the cabbage is cooked to your liking.
  5. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. For a brighter sweet-tangy finish, stir in a small splash of lemon juice or red wine vinegar. Serve warm with sour cream and fresh parsley or dill, if desired.
Slow Cooker Instructions
  1. Brown beef and onions in a skillet. Add garlic and cook briefly.
  2. Transfer to a slow cooker along with all ingredients except rice. Cook on Low for 6–7 hours or High for 3–4 hours.
  3. Stir in rice during the last 30 minutes of cooking so it stays tender but not mushy.
Instant Pot Instructions
  1. Use the Sauté function to brown beef and onions. Stir in garlic.
  2. Add all ingredients except rice. Lock lid, set to High Pressure for 10 minutes. Quick release.
  3. Add rice, then pressure cook for 4 minutes more. Quick release, stir, and serve.

Video

Notes

  • Rice choices: For best texture in cabbage roll soup, use long-grain white rice. Brown rice works but add 15–20 extra minutes; or cook it separately and stir in before serving.
  • Flavor balance: Classic cabbage rolls are sweet-tangy—don’t skip the small amount of brown sugar, and finish with lemon juice or vinegar to brighten the tomato base.
  • Slow cooker: Brown beef/onion first, add remaining ingredients except rice, cook Low 6–7 hrs (High 3–4). Stir in rice for last 30 mins.
  • Instant Pot: Sauté beef/onion, add everything except rice, Pressure Cook High 10 mins, add rice, High 4 mins.
  • Make-ahead & storage: Soup thickens as it rests; add a splash of broth when reheating. Refrigerate 3–4 days; freeze up to 3 months in airtight containers.
  • Low-carb option: Swap rice for 2 cups cauliflower rice; stir in during last 5 minutes.
  • Variations: Try half beef/half pork, Italian sausage, or add dill, paprika, or a pinch of red pepper flakes. For extra tang, stir in a little sauerkraut.
  • Troubleshooting:
    • Too thick? Add broth or water and simmer 1–2 minutes.
    • Too thin? Simmer uncovered to reduce.
    • Rice too soft? Use long-grain white next time, add rice later, or cook it separately.
  • Serving ideas: Top bowls with sour cream and fresh dill/parsley; serve with crusty bread or dinner rolls.
  • Nutrition (per serving, 8 servings): 322 calories, 10g fat, 42g carbs, 18g protein, 6g fiber. Nutrition information is an estimate. Actual values may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.