Cabbage Roll Soup 🥬🍲✨

“A Hearty and Flavorful Twist on Classic Cabbage Rolls in a Bowl!”

This Cabbage Roll Soup has all the comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls—savory ground meat, tender cabbage, and a tangy tomato base—without the effort of rolling! It’s easy to make, satisfying, and perfect for chilly days or a cozy meal.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey (or a mix of both)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 small head of cabbage, chopped (about 6–8 cups)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 4 cups beef or chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Rice:

• 1/2 cup uncooked white or brown rice (or 1 cup cooked rice)

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh parsley or dill, chopped
• A dollop of sour cream
• Crusty bread for serving

How to Make Cabbage Roll Soup

Step 1: Brown the Meat and Sauté the Aromatics

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Drain any excess fat.
2. Stir in the onion and garlic, cooking for 3–5 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Step 2: Add the Cabbage and Base Ingredients

1. Add the chopped cabbage to the pot and stir for 2–3 minutes until it begins to soften.
2. Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, thyme, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.

Step 3: Simmer the Soup

1. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Add the Rice

1. Stir in the uncooked rice and simmer for an additional 20–25 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
   • If using cooked rice, add it in the last 5 minutes of cooking to warm through.

Step 5: Taste and Serve

1. Remove the bay leaf and taste the soup. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper as needed.
2. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley or dill, and serve with crusty bread or rolls.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Filling: A complete meal in one bowl, packed with protein, veggies, and rice.
• Easy to Make: No rolling or stuffing required—just chop, simmer, and enjoy.
• Customizable: Swap ground beef for turkey, add different veggies, or adjust spices to suit your taste.

Pro Tips for Success

1. Make It Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
2. Low-Carb Option: Skip the rice and use cauliflower rice instead.
3. Freezer-Friendly: Let the soup cool completely, then freeze in portions for a quick and easy meal later.

This Cabbage Roll Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that brings all the best parts of cabbage rolls to your table with less effort. Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week! 🥬🍲✨ Enjoy!