Why Make This Recipe
Cabbage Roll Soup is a comforting dish that brings the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls into an easy-to-make soup. It’s hearty, delicious, and perfect for chilly days. This recipe is not only simple but also a great way to use up leftover cabbage. Plus, it’s packed with protein and vegetables, making it a wholesome meal for the whole family.
How to Make Cabbage Roll Soup
Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, finely diced
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 4 cups coarsely chopped green cabbage
- 2 carrots, peeled, quartered, and sliced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 3 (8 ounce) cans tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup uncooked long grain rice
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons parsley
Directions:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spatula, until the beef is browned, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Add the onion and garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add the cabbage, carrots, beef broth, tomato sauce, rice, bay leaf, and brown sugar to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 25 minutes or until the rice is tender.
- Remove the bay leaf and discard it.
- Sprinkle with parsley and serve hot.
How to Serve Cabbage Roll Soup
Serve Cabbage Roll Soup hot in bowls. You can add a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. It pairs well with crusty bread or a simple side salad. Feel free to top it with some shredded cheese if you like!
How to Store Cabbage Roll Soup
To store leftovers, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage, and it will last for about 3 months. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Tips to Make Cabbage Roll Soup
- If you want a spicier kick, consider adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
- For added flavor, simmer the soup longer; the flavors will meld together nicely.
Variation
You can customize this recipe by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with lentils or mushrooms and use vegetable broth.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cabbage?
- Yes, frozen cabbage can be used, but make sure to thaw it before adding it to the pot.
How can I thicken the soup?
- You can add a cornstarch slurry (mix cornstarch with water) to the soup while it simmers to thicken it.
Is Cabbage Roll Soup healthy?
- Yes, this soup is packed with vegetables and has protein from the meat, making it a healthy choice for a meal.
Cabbage Roll Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons olive oil For sautéing
- 1 pound ground beef Can substitute with ground turkey or chicken
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 4 cups coarsely chopped green cabbage Fresh or thawed frozen
- 2 medium carrots, peeled, quartered, and sliced
- 4 cups beef broth Can substitute with vegetable broth for vegetarian option
- 3 cans (8 ounce) tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup uncooked long grain rice
- 1 leaf bay leaf Remove before serving
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar Adds sweetness
- 2 tablespoons parsley For garnish
Instructions
Cooking
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add the onion and garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add the cabbage, carrots, beef broth, tomato sauce, rice, bay leaf, and brown sugar. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 25 minutes or until the rice is tender.
- Remove the bay leaf and discard it.
- Sprinkle with parsley and serve hot.