Old-Fashioned Cabbage Roll Soup
If you love traditional stuffed cabbage rolls, this Cabbage Roll Soup delivers all those classic flavors in a simple one-pot meal. It’s hearty, comforting, and packed with ground beef, tender cabbage, rice, and vegetables simmered in a rich tomato broth. Every spoonful tastes like a warm homemade meal straight from grandma’s kitchen.
This soup is perfect for cold evenings, family dinners, or meal prep, and it fills the house with the most amazing aroma while it cooks.
🧾 Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chopped green cabbage
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- ½ cup uncooked rice
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Garnish
- Fresh parsley
- Sour cream
- Extra black pepper
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Brown the Beef
Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.
2. Cook the Aromatics
Add onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the Vegetables
Stir in chopped cabbage and carrots. Cook for 3 minutes until the cabbage begins to soften.
4. Build the Soup
Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Bring the soup to a boil.
5. Add the Rice
Stir in uncooked rice. Reduce heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes until the rice and cabbage are tender.
6. Serve
Season with salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Serve with warm crusty bread or garlic bread.
- Add a simple garden salad on the side.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
📊 Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: ~300
- Protein: 23g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Fat: 12g
- Sodium: ~500 mg
✨ Kitchen Tip: This soup tastes even better the next day, because the cabbage and spices soak up the tomato broth and deepen the flavor.