Cabbage Roll Soup Unstuffed Comfort in a Bowl

Recipe Introduction: Cabbage Roll Soup, Sorted!
Fancy a bit of comfort food that's proper easy? Ever wondered how to get all the taste of Stuffed Cabbage Rolls In Broth without all the faff? Then, mate, you’ve come to the right place.
This Cabbage Roll Soup is about to become your new best friend. Honestly, it's like a warm hug in a bowl!
Why This Deconstructed Cabbage Roll Soup Rocks
So, Easy Stuffed Cabbage , but make it soup . Cabbage and Ground Beef Soup like this recipe has roots in Eastern European cuisine, where cabbage rolls are a staple.
This version simplifies the process without sacrificing flavour. It's super simple, taking about an hour, give or take. You'll get enough to feed 6-8 hungry souls.
Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a lazy Sunday lunch!
Benefits Galore: More Than Just a Tasty Treat
This Healthy Cabbage Roll Soup isn't just delicious. It's packed with goodness! Cabbage is a fantastic source of fibre, plus the tomatoes are full of vitamins.
Think of it as a hearty, healthy hug. This soup is especially amazing on a cold evening when you just want something warming and comforting.
Honestly, what makes this recipe special is how easy it is to throw together without compromising on that classic cabbage roll flavor.
It's perfect for those days when you crave Easy Cabbage Rolls but can't be bothered with the intricate rolling process.
Let's get on to the ingredients, shall we?
Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Cabbage Roll Soup
Alright, let's talk bits and bobs for making a smashing Cabbage Roll Soup ! Forget all that faffing about with rolling leaves.
This is all about unstuffed cabbage rolls , right in your soup bowl. We're keeping it simple and delicious.
Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show
- Olive Oil: 1 tbsp (15ml) . It doesn't need to be fancy schmancy extra virgin, just a decent one for sautéing.
- Onion: 1 large yellow onion , chopped. Aim for about 1 1/2 cups (200g) . Nobody wants massive chunks of onion, eh?
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Roughly 2 teaspoons (6g) . Honestly, if you love garlic, chuck in another clove. Who's counting?
- Ground Beef: 1 lb (450g) . Go for lean! You can swap it for ground turkey or even a bit of pork if you’re feeling cheeky. This is cabbage and ground beef soup after all.
- Cabbage: 1 medium head of green cabbage , shredded. That's around 6 cups (500g) . It wilts down, so don't panic if it looks like loads.
- Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (28 ounce/794g) can . Don't skimp on the tomatoes! They bring all the flavour.
- Tomato Sauce: 1 (15 ounce/425g) can . It adds a lovely richness.
- Beef Broth: 4 cups (950ml) . Proper beef broth is lush, but chicken works too if you're in a pinch.
- Water: 1 cup (240ml) .
- Rice: 1/2 cup (90g) uncooked long grain rice. Rinse it first so the soup isn’t gloopy.
- Smoked Paprika: 1 tsp (5ml) . Honestly, smoked paprika makes everything better.
- Dried Thyme: 1/2 tsp (2.5ml) . Adds a subtle earthiness, you know?
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 tsp (1.25ml) . Optional, if you like a bit of a kick, yeah?
- Salt and Pepper: To taste. Don't be shy!
- Parsley: Fresh, chopped, for garnish. Makes it look all fancy like.
- Sour Cream/Yogurt: Optional dollop. Because sometimes you just need it.
Seasoning Notes: It's All About the Flavour
Smoked paprika and thyme are a must. They are the secret to that proper hearty taste. A little bit of red pepper flakes can give it a lovely warmth without blowing your head off, honestly.
Try some Easy Stuffed Cabbage later with these ingredients!.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
- A large stockpot or Dutch oven . Essential for simmering a big batch of soup.
- A cutting board and a chef's knife . For chopping and shredding.
- A wooden spoon or spatula . For stirring!
That's it! Nothing too scary. Now, on to the fun part cooking up this deconstructed cabbage roll soup ! You'll be proper chuffed with the results.
Let's Get Soupy: Mastering Cabbage Roll Soup
Fancy some comfort food? I'm talking serious, soul warming stuff. Forget slaving over individual rolls, let's dive into Cabbage Roll Soup , a deconstructed version that's ridiculously easy and just as delicious.
Seriously, this is gonna become a weeknight staple.
Prep Power-Up: Your Mise en Place Mission
First things first, a bit of prep. Chop your 1 large yellow onion (aim for about 1 1/2 cups, roughly 200g).
Mince 2 cloves of garlic (that's about 2 teaspoons, 6g). Core and shred 1 medium head of green cabbage (you want around 6 cups, or 500g).
Get all your ingredients measured and ready to go. This mise en place malarkey really does save time. Oh, and rinse 1/2 cup (90g) of uncooked long grain rice .
No one wants a starchy mess.
From Pot to Plate: The Cabbage Roll Soup Rundown
Heat 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil in your stockpot over medium heat. Chuck in the onions and cook 'em till they're soft, about 5 minutes .
Now add that minced garlic and cook for another minute until it smells amazing.
Crumble in 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or turkey, pork, whatever you fancy). Brown it properly, breaking it up with a spoon.
Drain off any excess fat, you don't want an oily soup, right? Browning the meat is key for flavour.
Stir in your shredded cabbage, 1 (28 ounce/794g) can of crushed tomatoes , and 1 (15 ounce/425g) can of tomato sauce .
Cook for about 5 minutes , letting the cabbage wilt a bit. This is where the magic starts happening.
Pour in 4 cups (950ml) beef broth and 1 cup (240ml) water . Add 1 tsp (5ml) smoked paprika , 1/2 tsp (2.
5ml) dried thyme , and a pinch of red pepper flakes (about 1/4 tsp/1.25ml if you like a bit of a kick).
Season with salt and pepper. Get it simmering nicely.
Stir in your rinsed rice.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 30- 35 minutes , stirring occasionally.
You want that rice to be tender and the cabbage super soft. This is where all the flavours meld into something truly special.
Taste the soup. Add more seasoning if needed. Remember, it's your soup , so make it to your liking.
Ladle it into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt is a game changer, trust me. Healthy Cabbage Roll Soup never tasted so good.
Pro Tips for Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Perfection
- Don't rush the browning. It's where a lot of the flavour comes from, mate.
- For an extra smoky flavour, chuck in a smoked sausage.
- Stuffed Cabbage Rolls In Broth is a classic that inspired this easy recipe, but this version is ready in half the time!
So there you have it, folks! My take on Tomato Cabbage Soup Recipe , made simple. This One-Pot Cabbage Roll Soup is hearty, comforting, and perfect for those nights when you need a hug in a bowl.
Now go on, get cooking!
Recipe Notes for the Best Cabbage Roll Soup Ever
Right, before we dive in, let's chat about some things to keep in mind when making this belter of a Cabbage Roll Soup .
Honestly, it's pretty straightforward, but these little tips and tricks will take it to the next level. I learned some of these the hard way, you know?
Serving Suggestions: Let's Get This on the Table!
Fancy plating can really elevate a dish, even something as humble as Deconstructed Cabbage Roll Soup . A simple swirl of sour cream or Greek yogurt looks great.
A sprinkle of fresh parsley? Chef's kiss! And for an extra special touch, Top with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
Plus, serve with crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping. It's proper comfort food. Pair with a side salad for a complete meal .
Storage Tips: Making it Last
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This soup is even better the next day.
- Refrigeration guidelines : Pop it in an airtight container. Should be good for 3-4 days .
- Freezing options : Absolutely! Freeze in individual portions for easy lunches. Thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat gently.
- Reheating instructions : Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Or, zap it in the microwave. Just be careful it doesn't explode!
Variations: Making It Your Own
Here's where you can get creative. Not feeling the beef? No worries!
- Cabbage Roll Soup Vegetarian : Swap the beef for lentils or your favorite plant based mince. Use veggie stock instead of beef stock. Easy peasy!
- Dietary Adaptations : For a grain free version, ditch the rice. Maybe try cauliflower rice instead, but add it in the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- Seasonal Swaps : In the winter, add some chopped swede (rutabaga) or parsnip for extra sweetness. In the summer, use fresh, ripe tomatoes instead of canned.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bowl
Okay, I'm no nutritionist, but here's the gist. Each serving of this Healthy Cabbage Roll Soup is packed with goodness.
About 250-300 calories per serving. It’s a great source of protein (around 20-25g ), fiber ( 5-7g ), and vitamins from all those veggies.
It really fills you up without being heavy.
So there you have it! All the insider info you need to make the most amazing One-Pot Cabbage Roll Soup .
Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Happy cooking, loves!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this Cabbage Roll Soup actually easy to make? I'm a bit of a beginner in the kitchen.
Absolutely! This recipe is designed to be super straightforward, even for kitchen novices. It's basically a "chuck it all in and simmer" kind of affair, much like a good old stew. If you can chop an onion and brown some mince, you're already halfway there. It's less "MasterChef" and more "Mum's comfort food."
Can I make Cabbage Roll Soup ahead of time? I'm always looking for ways to get a head start on weeknight dinners.
You bet! Cabbage Roll Soup is actually even better the next day as the flavours have a chance to meld together. Just cool it down completely, pop it in an airtight container, and keep it in the fridge. It’ll keep happily for 3-4 days.
You can also freeze it for longer storage it's proper batch cooking gold!
I'm trying to eat a bit healthier are there any sneaky swaps I can make in this Cabbage Roll Soup recipe?
Good on you! You can easily lighten things up by using lean ground turkey instead of beef, or even a plant based mince. Swapping white rice for brown rice adds more fibre and nutrients.
And don't be shy with the veggies adding extra cabbage, carrots, or bell peppers will boost the nutritional value without sacrificing flavour. You could even stir in some cauliflower rice towards the end for an even lower carb option.
My family aren't fans of plain Cabbage Roll Soup. Any ideas on how to jazz it up a bit?
Right, let's get creative! A squeeze of lemon juice at the end can really brighten the flavours. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a creamy tang. For a bit of a kick, add a pinch more red pepper flakes or a dash of your favourite hot sauce.
Alternatively, stir in some cooked smoked sausage for a richer, heartier flavour, like a proper bangers and mash kinda feel.
Can I make Cabbage Roll Soup in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
Absolutely! For a slow cooker, brown the meat and sauté the onions and garlic on the stove first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
For the Instant Pot, use the sauté function to brown the meat and sauté the aromatics, then add the remaining ingredients. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then a quick release.
Cabbage Roll Soup Unstuffed Comfort In A Bowl

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 275 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 12.5g |
| Fiber | 6g |