If there’s one thing that can warm your soul faster than fuzzy socks and a cozy blanket, it’s a steaming bowl of cabbage roll soup. This comforting dish takes everything we love about classic cabbage rolls—the tender beef, tangy tomato sauce, and hearty rice—and turns it into an easy soup recipe that’s perfect for chilly evenings.
I first stumbled upon this recipe one snowy night when I just didn’t have the energy to roll a dozen cabbage leaves (honestly, who does on a weeknight?). Instead, I tossed everything into a pot, crossed my fingers, and what emerged was magic. This soup is rich, savory, and tastes like it’s been simmering all day—even though it comes together in under 45 minutes.
So whether you’re feeding your family after a long day or just craving something that feels like a warm hug, this cabbage roll soup delivers all the flavor with none of the fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Cabbage Roll Soup
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It’s a hearty winter soup that’s filling, flavorful, and satisfying.
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You get all the comfort of stuffed cabbage rolls without the tedious prep.
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It freezes beautifully—perfect for make-ahead meals.
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It’s budget-friendly and packed with simple pantry staples.
Cabbage Roll Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Cabbage Roll Soup transforms the nostalgic comfort of stuffed cabbage rolls into a cozy, one-pot meal. Featuring tender ground beef, hearty rice, and sweet cabbage simmered in a tangy tomato broth, it’s a warming, budget-friendly dish that’s perfect for chilly nights. This hearty winter soup is rich, flavorful, and ready in under 45 minutes—ideal for busy weeknights or easy meal prep.
Ingredients
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1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
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½ medium onion, chopped
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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3 cups (270 g) chopped cabbage
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1 can (14 oz / 400 g) tomato sauce
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1 can (28 oz / 796 g) fire-roasted diced tomatoes with juices
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4 cups (950 ml) beef broth
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1 cup (240 ml) water
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1 tsp paprika
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½ tsp Italian seasoning
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⅔ cup (135 g) uncooked white rice (such as jasmine)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Brown the beef and onion: In a large soup pot, cook ground beef and chopped onion over medium-high heat for about 8 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
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Add garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
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Add remaining ingredients: Add chopped cabbage, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with juices), beef broth, water, paprika, Italian seasoning, and rice. Stir well to combine.
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Simmer: Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low. Cover with the lid slightly ajar and simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until rice is tender.
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Season and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot with bread or salad.
Notes
Use lean beef or substitute ground turkey for a lighter version.
Jasmine rice adds aroma, but any long-grain rice works fine.
For a thicker soup, simmer uncovered during the last 5 minutes.
Add extra broth or water when reheating; rice absorbs liquid as it sits.
Freezes beautifully—cool before storing in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Reheat on the stove over medium heat for best results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop simmer
- Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Ingredients
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1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
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½ medium onion, chopped
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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3 cups (270 g) chopped cabbage
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1 can (14 oz / 400 g) tomato sauce
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1 can (28 oz / 796 g) fire-roasted diced tomatoes with juices
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4 cups (950 ml) beef broth
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1 cup (240 ml) water
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1 tsp paprika
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½ tsp Italian seasoning
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⅔ cup (135 g) uncooked white rice (such as jasmine)
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Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Cabbage Roll Soup
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Brown the beef and onion: In a large soup pot over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned. Drain most of the excess fat if needed.
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Add the garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant—your kitchen will smell heavenly.
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Add the rest: Toss in the chopped cabbage, tomato sauce, fire-roasted diced tomatoes (with juices), beef broth, water, paprika, Italian seasoning, and uncooked rice. Stir everything together.
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Simmer: Bring the soup to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with the lid slightly ajar and let it simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender.
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Taste and season: Adjust with salt and pepper before serving hot.
Cooking Tips for the Perfect Tomato Cabbage Soup
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Choose your beef wisely: Lean ground beef keeps things light but flavorful. If you prefer, substitute ground turkey for a lighter touch.
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Rice matters: Jasmine rice adds a subtle fragrance, but any long-grain rice works. Just remember—it will continue to soak up liquid as it sits, so you might want to add a splash of broth when reheating.
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Love a thicker soup? Let it simmer uncovered for the last 5 minutes.
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Short on time? Use instant rice—just reduce the simmering time slightly.
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And remember, don’t panic if your soup looks too thin at first! As it cools, it thickens beautifully (kind of like how life settles down after the dinner rush).
A Little Story from My Kitchen
This cabbage roll soup became a family favorite during one particularly cold winter. I remember my kids trudging in from the snow, cheeks rosy and fingers frozen, while the aroma of simmering tomato cabbage soup filled the kitchen. By the time they peeled off their coats, bowls were waiting—steaming, hearty, and comforting.
It’s one of those recipes that feels nostalgic even if you’ve just discovered it. My grandmother used to make traditional cabbage rolls, and this soup brings back that same homestyle goodness—without spending hours rolling and baking. It’s comfort food, modernized for busy lives.
What to Serve with Cabbage Roll Soup
Pair this hearty winter soup with a slice of crusty garlic bread or a simple green salad for a balanced meal. If you’re feeding a crowd, cornbread or homemade biscuits make perfect sides. And if you want to go all in on comfort, top your bowl with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar or a dollop of sour cream—trust me, it’s a game-changer.
For dessert, something simple and sweet like apple crisp or a warm brownie rounds out the meal beautifully. Because after all, no cozy dinner should end without a little treat!
How to Store and Reheat
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Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freeze: This easy soup recipe freezes wonderfully! Let it cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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Reheat: Warm on the stove over medium heat. If it’s thicker than you’d like, just add a bit of water or broth until you reach your preferred consistency.
Pro tip: Reheat only what you’ll eat—rice can get overly soft if repeatedly heated.
FAQs About Cabbage Roll Soup
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Yes! Just note that brown rice takes longer to cook—add an extra 10–15 minutes of simmer time or pre-cook it before adding.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely. Swap the beef for lentils or plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
How can I thicken the soup?
Let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes, or mash a few of the tomatoes with a spoon to naturally thicken the base.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
You sure can! Brown the beef first, then add everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours.
There’s something magical about cabbage roll soup—it’s cozy,
nourishing, and filled with that home-cooked love that makes every spoonful feel special. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or looking for a hearty winter soup to share around the table, this dish promises warmth, flavor, and comfort with every bite. So grab your biggest ladle and dive in—your new favorite soup awaits.
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