Cabbage Roll Soup – Easy, Delicious Comfort Food Recipe

Cabbage Roll Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that brings the flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls into a simple, easy-to-make soup. Perfect for chilly days, this dish is a warm, filling, and flavorful meal that will satisfy your family or guests. Packed with ground beef, cabbage, rice, and rich tomato broth, this soup is a wonderful blend of nutrients and flavors that everyone will enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Cabbage Roll Soup

If you’re looking for a hearty, easy-to-make, and family-friendly dinner option, this Cabbage Roll Soup is the perfect recipe. It combines the beloved flavors of classic cabbage rolls but without the hassle of stuffing and rolling. This soup is not only simple to prepare but also incredibly satisfying, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual weekend dinners. The combination of vegetables, rice, and seasoned beef creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors.

Ingredients for Cabbage Roll Soup

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Cabbage Roll Soup:

• Lean Ground Beef: The base of the soup, providing rich protein and flavor while keeping the soup lean and hearty.
• Vegetable Oil: Used to brown the ground beef and sauté the vegetables.
• Yellow Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the soup’s flavor.
• Garlic: Provides an aromatic base that enhances the overall taste.
• Green Cabbage: The star of the soup, offering a mild, crunchy texture and earthy flavor.

• Carrots: Adds a touch of sweetness and vibrant color.
• Low-Sodium Beef Broth: Forms the rich liquid base for the soup, adding savory depth.
• Tomato Sauce: Provides a tangy, savory element that balances the richness of the broth.
• White Rice: Helps thicken the soup and adds heartiness.
• Bay Leaf: Adds a subtle herbal note to the soup.
• Brown Sugar: A hint of sweetness to balance the acidity from the tomatoes.
• Parsley: Freshly chopped parsley adds color and a burst of freshness right before serving.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

If you’re missing some ingredients or looking to make substitutions, here are some ideas:

• Ground Turkey: Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey to make the soup leaner.
• Vegetable Broth: For a lighter, vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Wild Rice: Use wild rice instead of white rice for a nuttier flavor and chewy texture.
• Sweet Potatoes: Swap carrots for diced sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter and heartier version of the soup.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make your own Cabbage Roll Soup:

1. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and season with salt and pepper. Cook the beef until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
2. Add Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
3. Add Vegetables and Liquids: Stir in the chopped cabbage, sliced carrots, tomato sauce, and low-sodium beef broth. Then, add the uncooked rice, bay leaf, and brown sugar.
4. Simmer: Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let the soup cook for about 25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the flavors have melded together.
5. Finish the Soup: Remove the bay leaf and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Cabbage Roll Soup

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Cabbage Roll Soup turns out perfectly:

• Don’t Overcook the Rice: Keep an eye on the rice while it cooks, as overcooking it can make the soup too thick or mushy.
• Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the soup as it cooks and adjust the seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a little heat.
• Freezing the Soup: This soup freezes beautifully. After cooling, store it in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, simply reheat it on the stove.
• Texture Adjustments: If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer uncovered for an extra 5-10 minutes to reduce the liquid slightly.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

This Cabbage Roll Soup is filling on its own, but it can be paired with a variety of sides to round out the meal:

• Bread: Serve with crusty bread or rolls to soak up the flavorful broth. Try pairing it with 30-minute dinner rolls for an easy and delicious side.
• Salad: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette would provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.
• Make It Spicy: For a spicier version, add some hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the soup for a kick.

Storage: Leftover Cabbage Roll Soup can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you plan on making it ahead, it also freezes well, as mentioned earlier.

The Health Benefits of Cabbage Roll Soup

Not only is Cabbage Roll Soup incredibly satisfying, but it’s also packed with healthy ingredients. The cabbage provides fiber and antioxidants, while the lean ground beef offers a good source of protein. The rice and vegetables make it a balanced meal that can easily serve as a one-pot dinner.

This soup is a great option for a low-calorie, high-nutrient meal, making it ideal for anyone looking to eat healthy without sacrificing flavor. It’s a delicious way to warm up on a cold day, and it’s easy enough to prepare for busy weeknights.

Conclusion

Cabbage Roll Soup is the perfect comfort food that combines heartiness with simplicity. It’s easy to make, rich in flavor, and sure to be a hit with everyone at the dinner table. With its healthy ingredients and the option to freeze for later, it’s not just a meal but a long-lasting family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend gathering, this soup will always satisfy your cravings. Enjoy the warmth and goodness of Cabbage Roll Soup!

FAQ: Common Questions About Cabbage Roll Soup

More Relevant Recipes

• Stuffed Pepper Soup – Easy & Hearty Comfort Food: This recipe is a comforting bowl of stuffed peppers in soup form, with ground beef, rice, and colorful bell peppers simmered in a savory broth. A great alternative to cabbage roll soup for those who love hearty, veggie-packed meals.
• Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing Recipe: A classic, easy-to-make recipe that combines tender chicken with savory stuffing, creating a perfect one-pot meal. This dish is ideal for those who enjoy cozy comfort foods like cabbage roll soup but prefer poultry over beef.
• Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup: A flavorful, creamy soup with the earthy sweetness of butternut squash and sweet potatoes, making it a great vegetarian option with similar warming qualities to cabbage roll soup. It’s a wonderful choice for the fall season.

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