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Home » Soup Recipes

CABBAGE ROLL SOUP

Updated: May 3, 2026 · Published: Mar 9, 2026 by Sana Umer · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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Cabbage roll soup is a delightful twist on the classic stuffed cabbage rolls. This soup captures all the comforting flavors of the traditional dish in easy-to-make bowl. With minimal effort, you can create a dish that tastes like it simmered all day.

The recipe combines tender cabbage, savory ground meat, and a rich tomato-based broth, offering a hearty and satisfying meal. Preparing this soup is straightforward, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced cooks.

Cabbage roll soup is versatile, allowing you to adjust the ingredients to suit your family’s preferences. This soup is highly customizable. It’s a wholesome meal that brings warmth, flavor, and a touch of nostalgia to any dinner table.

This soup not only satisfies your taste buds but also fills your kitchen with a comforting aroma. It’s perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you crave something nourishing and flavorful. Making Cabbage roll Soup is simpler than traditional rolls.

Add extra vegetables like carrots, celery, or bell peppers, or adjust spices to your liking. You can also make it in a slow cooker for convenience. You can add rice, quinoa, or extra vegetables for added texture and nutrition.

Healthy cabbage roll soup with ground beef and vegetables.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

  • Hearty Comfort: This soup offers all the cozy, satisfying flavors of cabbage rolls without the long preparation time.

  • Rich Flavor: The combination of meat, cabbage, and tomato broth creates a savory taste that delights every bite.

  • Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions make this recipe accessible for any skill level.

  • Family-Friendly: Mild seasoning and familiar flavors make it appealing to kids and adults alike.

  • Nutritious Ingredients: Loaded with vegetables and daily protein needs, it’s a balanced meal that supports healthy eating habits.

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 lb ground beef or pork
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 4 cups beef or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme

DIRECTIONS

  • Step No.1: Prepare the meat and vegetables
    Heat benefits of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant. Then, add ground meat, cooking until browned.

  • Step No.2: Add the cabbage and spices
    Stir in chopped cabbage, salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried thyme. Cook for 5–7 minutes, allowing cabbage to soften slightly.

  • Step No.3: Combine with broth and tomatoes
    Pour in diced tomatoes with their juice and broth. Stir everything together, ensuring all ingredients are evenly mixed.

  • Step No.4: Simmer the soup
    Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20–25 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.

  • Step No.5: Add cooked rice
    Stir in cooked rice and continue simmering for 5 more minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.
Hearty cabbage roll soup with ground beef, rice, and fresh vegetables in a savory tomato broth. Perf.

TIPS FOR SUCCESS

  • Use Fresh Cabbage: Fresh cabbage ensures the soup has a tender texture and rich, natural flavor.

  • Brown the Meat Well: Browning meat adds depth and richness to the overall taste of the soup.

  • Simmer Slowly: Low and slow simmering enhances flavor development and softens the cabbage perfectly.

  • Season Gradually: Add spices gradually and taste frequently to achieve balanced, flavorful results.

  • Use Homemade Broth: Homemade broth adds richness, but store-bought works fine for convenience.

  • Add Fresh Herbs: Garnish with parsley or dill to brighten flavor and add visual appeal.

VARIATIONS

  • vegetarian diet Version: Replace meat with lentils or beans for a plant-based, protein-rich alternative.

  • Spicy Twist: Add crushed red pepper or hot sauce to create a flavorful, spicy version.

  • Extra Vegetables: Include carrots, celery, or bell peppers to boost nutrition information and texture.

  • Different Grains: Swap rice with quinoa, barley, or cauliflower rice for variation.

  • slow cooker Option: Cook the soup in a slow cooker for 6–8 hours on low for convenience.

  • Cheesy Finish: Sprinkle shredded cheese over each serving for added richness and creaminess.

SERVING AND STORAGE

Serving

Serve hot in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream for a cozy, complete meal.

Storage

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Delicious cabbage roll soup with ground meat, rice, and fresh vegetables in a flavorful broth. Perfe.

FAQ

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, it tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to meld in the fridge overnight.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef or pork?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well and creates a lighter version of the soup.

Is it possible to make this soup gluten-free?

Yes, simply ensure the broth and spices used are gluten-free, and avoid adding any wheat-based ingredients.

Can I freeze cabbage roll soup?

Yes, it freezes well. Cool completely before storing in airtight containers for up to three months.

Can I adjust the rice quantity?

Certainly, reduce or increase the rice to your preference, keeping the soup texture balanced and hearty.

This soup is a great choice for weeknights or cozy weekends, offering warmth and nutrition in every bite.

The recipe is flexible, allowing you to modify ingredients to suit dietary preferences or what’s available in your pantry. You can add grains, vegetables, or even spice it up for variation.

Cooking this soup fills your home with a aroma, creating an inviting atmosphere and making mealtime more enjoyable.

Whether served fresh or reheated later, cabbage roll soup maintains its hearty texture and rich flavor.

Warm cabbage roll soup with ground meat, rice, and fresh vegetables in a bowl.

Healthy cabbage roll soup with ground beef and vegetables.

CABBAGE ROLL SOUP

Sana Umer
This Cabbage Roll Soup is hearty, comforting, and full of classic cabbage roll flavors. Made with ground meat, rice, cabbage, and a savory tomato broth, it’s perfect for cozy dinners and easy weeknight meals.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 35 minutes mins
Total Time 45 minutes mins
Course Soup
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb 450g ground beef or turkey
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 medium head cabbage chopped
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 28 oz can diced tomatoes
  • 4 cups beef or chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Meat:

  • In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground meat with diced onion and garlic until fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed.

Add Liquids:

  • Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and broth. Mix well.

Add Cabbage and Rice:

  • Add chopped cabbage, cooked rice, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

Simmer the Soup:

  • Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes, until cabbage is tender.

Serve:

  • Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

  • Make Ahead: Soup can be made a day in advance—flavors improve after sitting overnight.
  • Rice Options: Use white, brown, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
  • Meat Alternatives: Swap ground beef with turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat for a lighter version.
  • Flavor Boost: Add a splash of vinegar or Worcestershire sauce for extra depth.
Keyword cabbage roll soup, comfort food soup, ground beef soup, hearty soup, stuffed cabbage soup, tomato cabbage soup

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About Sana Umer

I'm Sana Umer — the home cook behind every recipe on For Foodie Friends. I'm a Pakistani-American mom of two based in the US, and I've been cooking seriously for about a decade now, mostly because feeding a family every day is the fastest way to learn how to actually cook.

I'm completely self-taught. I learned by watching my mother in Pakistan, by burning a lot of food in my early years, and by paying attention to which recipes worked and which ones needed fixing. I don't specialize in just one cuisine — I cook the Pakistani dishes I grew up with, the American desserts my kids request, weeknight dinners, holiday roasts, and everything in between.

Every recipe is personally tested in my own kitchen, every word is written by me, and every photo is taken of food I actually made.

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Hi, I'm Sana Umer — the home cook, recipe tester, and writer behind For Foodie Friends.

I'm a Pakistani-American mom based in the US. I learned to cook in two kitchens — my mother's in Pakistan, where I grew up watching whole spices bloom in oil, and my own kitchen now, where I cook for my husband and kids.

Every recipe on this site has been tested in my own kitchen, often more times than I'd like to admit, before it ever made it here. I cook a little bit of everything: the Pakistani comfort food I grew up with, the American desserts my kids beg for, weeknight dinners that need to come together fast, and the holiday spreads that take all day.

If a recipe is on this site, it earned its place. No ghostwriters, no AI shortcuts, no copy-paste from somewhere else — just real recipes from a real kitchen, written to actually work the first time you make them.

Welcome to my corner of the internet.

— Sana

More about me →

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