Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe
Introduction
Cabbage Roll Soup captures all the comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls in a warm and hearty soup form. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that’s easy to prepare and full of satisfying ingredients like ground beef, cabbage, and rice.

Ingredients
- 2 tsp. vegetable oil
- 1 lb. lean ground beef
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced finely
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chopped green cabbage
- 2 medium carrots, quartered and sliced
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 3 (8 oz.) cans tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup white rice, uncooked
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 tbsp. light brown sugar
- 2 tbsp. fresh chopped parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: In a Dutch oven or large soup pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef.
- Step 2: Season the ground beef with salt and pepper as desired, and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Step 3: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the onions become tender.
- Step 4: Stir in the chopped cabbage, carrots, tomato sauce, beef broth, uncooked white rice, bay leaf, and brown sugar. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Step 5: Bring the soup to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
- Step 6: Remove the bay leaf. Serve the soup hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.
Tips & Variations
- For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
- Add a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for a tangy finish that complements the cabbage.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Use brown rice in place of white rice, but increase the cooking time accordingly.
Storage
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. The flavors often improve after a day of resting.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes. Simply omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can add extra vegetables or beans for protein.
Can I freeze cabbage roll soup?
Absolutely. Freeze the soup in suitable containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
PrintCabbage Roll Soup Recipe
Cabbage Roll Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that captures the delicious flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls in a warming soup form. This recipe features lean ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a tomato-based broth with rice and a hint of sweetness from brown sugar, making it a perfect meal for cozy evenings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tsp. vegetable oil
- 1 lb. lean ground beef
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced finely
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chopped green cabbage
- 2 medium carrots, quartered and sliced
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 3 (8 oz.) cans tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup white rice, uncooked
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 tbsp. light brown sugar
- 2 tbsp. fresh chopped parsley
Instructions
- Sear the Ground Beef. Heat 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil in a Dutch oven or large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of lean ground beef and season with salt and pepper. Cook, breaking up the meat, until browned and cooked through.
- Sauté Aromatics. Add the finely diced medium yellow onion and minced garlic cloves to the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become tender and fragrant.
- Add Vegetables and Liquids. Incorporate 4 cups of chopped green cabbage and 2 medium carrots (quartered and sliced) into the pot. Pour in 3 cans (8 oz each) of tomato sauce and 4 cups of low-sodium beef broth. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Add Rice and Seasonings. Stir in 1/2 cup of uncooked white rice, 1 bay leaf, and 3 tablespoons of light brown sugar. Mix thoroughly to distribute the seasoning evenly.
- Simmer the Soup. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover and let it cook for approximately 25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the flavors have melded together perfectly.
- Finish and Serve. Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped parsley over the top for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting bowl of cabbage roll soup.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content without sacrificing flavor.
- You can substitute the beef broth with vegetable broth for a lighter version.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, allow it to simmer uncovered for an additional 10 minutes.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- For added depth, you can add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika during cooking.
Keywords: Cabbage Roll Soup, Ground Beef Soup, Hearty Soup, Comfort Food, Cabbage Soup, Tomato Soup, Rice Soup

