Introduction

Cabbage Roll Soup brings all the comforting flavors of classic stuffed cabbage rolls into a hearty, easy-to-make soup. It’s a warming dish that combines savory meat, tender cabbage, and a rich tomato broth, perfect for cooler days or anytime you need a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

1 lb lean ground beef
½ lb ground sausage
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 large yellow onion, chopped
2 medium carrots, quartered and sliced
5 cups chopped cabbage (packed)
4 cloves garlic, minced
5-6 cups low-sodium beef broth
2 (8 oz) cans tomato sauce
1 (14.5 oz) can petite diced tomatoes
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
¾ cup dry jasmine or long-grain white rice
Juice from ½ of a small lemon
2 Tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Step 1: Heat a Dutch oven or large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and ground sausage, breaking the meat into small pieces as it cooks. Continue cooking until the meat is thoroughly browned.
Step 2: Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook for about 2 minutes until it begins to soften. Stir in the minced garlic, then add the carrots and chopped cabbage. Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Pour in the beef broth, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes. Add the Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, and bay leaf. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer. Once simmering, stir in the rice.
Step 4: Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let the soup simmer gently for about 25 minutes, stirring once or twice during cooking to prevent sticking, until the rice is fully cooked.
Step 5: Remove the bay leaf. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Stir in the lemon juice and fresh parsley. Serve hot, optionally topped with crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Tips & Variations

For a milder flavor, omit the smoked paprika and use sweet paprika instead.
Try substituting ground turkey for the beef and sausage for a lighter version.
If you prefer a thicker soup, use less beef broth or add more rice.
Adding a splash of vinegar or a teaspoon of sugar can balance the acidity of the tomatoes if desired.

Storage

Store the cabbage roll soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. The rice may thicken the soup as it cools; add a little extra broth or water when reheating if needed to reach your preferred consistency.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly before serving.

Can I freeze cabbage roll soup?

Yes, you can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. Keep in mind that rice texture may change slightly after freezing and reheating, so slightly undercook the rice if you plan to freeze the soup.

Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 142 reviews

A hearty and flavorful Cabbage Roll Soup that combines ground beef and sausage with fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and tangy tomato broth. This comforting soup captures the essence of traditional cabbage rolls but in a warm, easy-to-make soup form perfect for any season.

Author: Bella
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Meat

1 lb lean ground beef
½ lb ground sausage
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Vegetables and Aromatics

1 large yellow onion, chopped
2 medium carrots, quartered and sliced
5 cups chopped cabbage (packed)
4 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Canned Goods

5–6 cups low-sodium beef broth
2 (8 oz) cans tomato sauce
1 (14.5 oz) can petite diced tomatoes

Seasonings and Herbs

1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf

Other

¾ cup dry jasmine or long-grain white rice
Juice from ½ of a small lemon
2 Tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Brown meat: Heat a Dutch oven or large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and sausage, breaking it up into small pieces with a spatula. Cook until the meat is fully browned and no longer pink, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Sauté veggies: Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook for about 2 minutes until slightly softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Add the quartered and sliced carrots along with the chopped cabbage, cooking everything together for 2 more minutes to start softening the vegetables.
Finish soup base: Pour in the low-sodium beef broth, tomato sauce, and petite diced tomatoes. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, dried oregano, dried thyme, and the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a simmer and then stir in the dry jasmine or long-grain white rice evenly throughout the soup.
Simmer: Cover the pot and reduce heat to low. Let the soup simmer gently for about 25 minutes, stirring once or twice during cooking to prevent sticking. Continue simmering until the rice is cooked through and tender.
Taste and serve: If you prefer a soupier consistency, add additional beef broth to your liking. Adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed. Remove and discard the bay leaf. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley for brightness. Optionally sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes before serving for a little heat.

Notes

Use low-sodium beef broth to control the saltiness of the soup.
If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute meats with plant-based protein and use vegetable broth.
Adjust the type of rice based on your preference; jasmine or long-grain works best for even cooking.
Simmering time may vary slightly depending on the rice used; ensure it is fully cooked before serving.
This soup reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Keywords: Cabbage Roll Soup, Ground Beef Soup, Hearty Soup, Cabbage Soup, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner Soup