Cozy One-Pot Cabbage Roll Soup: Your Go-To Easy Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe
Forget the fuss of rolling and embrace the comforting simplicity of our Cozy One-Pot Cabbage Roll Soup! This hearty main course delivers all the beloved, rich flavors of traditional Eastern European cabbage rolls in a streamlined, incredibly satisfying soup format. If you’ve been searching for an easy cabbage roll soup recipe that doesn’t compromise on taste or warmth, your culinary quest ends here. We’re talking tender lean ground beef, sweet crushed tomatoes, soft cabbage ribbons, and fluffy rice, all simmered together in one warming pot to create a wholesome, flavorful meal perfect for any chilly evening or busy weeknight.
Why You’ll Love This Cozy One-Pot Cabbage Roll Soup
This soup isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience of comforting flavors made effortlessly. Here’s why it’s destined to become a staple in your kitchen:
- Ultimate Comfort: It captures the nostalgic essence of homemade cabbage rolls, bringing warmth and satisfaction with every spoonful.
- One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup! Everything cooks in a single pot, making it ideal for busy schedules.
- Flavorful Depth: A robust tomato base, aromatic spices, and a hint of apple cider vinegar create a complex flavor profile that tastes like it simmered all day.
- Hearty & Wholesome: Packed with lean ground beef, nutrient-rich cabbage, and satisfying rice, it’s a complete meal that will keep you full and content.
- Weeknight Friendly: With just 20 minutes of prep and 35 minutes of cook time, you can have a gourmet-tasting dinner on the table in under an hour.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Crafting this delicious soup starts with quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need, along with some helpful substitution ideas:
- Lean Ground Beef: We recommend lean ground beef for its flavor and lower fat content. You can also use ground turkey or a plant-based ground meat substitute for a different twist.
- Aromatic Base: Yellow onion and garlic create the essential foundation of flavor.
- Herbs & Spices: Dried oregano, dried thyme, and black pepper infuse the soup with classic savory notes.
- Tomato Trio: Crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste build a rich, deep tomato flavor that is central to this dish.
- Beef Broth: Low-sodium beef broth allows you to control the salt content. Vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian version.
- Uncooked White Rice: Basmati or jasmine rice works beautifully, absorbing the broth and thickening the soup. Brown rice can be used but will require a longer simmering time.
- Green Cabbage: The star of the show! Chop it into 1-inch pieces; it will soften perfectly in the soup.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: This secret ingredient brightens all the flavors and adds a crucial tangy finish. White vinegar can be used as an alternative.
- Olive Oil & Salt: Essential for cooking and seasoning.
- Fresh Parsley: An optional but highly recommended garnish for a burst of freshness.
How to Make This Easy Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe
Creating this satisfying soup is straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfect pot every time:
- Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s nicely browned. Drain any excess fat to keep the soup lighter, then set the cooked beef aside.
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped yellow onion to the pot and sauté until it softens, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, and black pepper. Cook for another minute, until the fragrant aromas are released.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Use a spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot, deglazing it to incorporate all those delicious flavors. Next, pour in the beef broth and return the cooked ground beef to the pot.
- Add the uncooked rice and chopped cabbage to the mixture. Stir everything well to combine. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 25-30 minutes. Continue cooking until the rice is tender and the cabbage is soft to your liking.
- Once cooked, stir in the apple cider vinegar. This step is crucial as the vinegar beautifully brightens the overall flavor profile. Taste the soup and season with salt as needed.
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls. For a fresh finish, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Rush the Aromatics: Sautéing the onion until soft and cooking the garlic and spices until fragrant truly builds the flavor foundation for your soup.
- Deglazing is Key: Scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pot after adding the tomatoes adds a layer of rich, savory depth.
- Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can reduce the amount of beef broth slightly. For a thinner soup, add a splash more broth at the end.
- Flavor Boosters: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a bay leaf during the simmering stage. For more comforting, savory delights, check out our recipe for Oven-Fried Feta Rolls.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste your soup before serving and adjust salt and vinegar as needed. The vinegar is a game-changer!
Serving Suggestions
This Cozy One-Pot Cabbage Roll Soup is a complete meal on its own, but a few additions can elevate the experience:
- Serve with a side of crusty bread or warm dinner rolls for dipping.
- A dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt on top adds a lovely creamy tang.
- A sprinkle of extra fresh parsley or dill provides a vibrant finish.
Storage & Reheating
This soup is perfect for meal prepping! Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. In fact, the flavors often deepen and meld even more overnight, making it even more delicious the next day. To reheat, simply warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave until heated through. If the soup has thickened significantly, you might want to add a splash of beef broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
FAQ
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the lean ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative or cooked lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep it completely vegetarian.
What kind of rice is best for this soup?
Uncooked white rice such as basmati or jasmine works wonderfully as they cook relatively quickly and absorb the soup’s flavors. Avoid instant rice, as it can become mushy, and if using brown rice, allow for additional simmering time.
Can I freeze this cabbage roll soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop.
Embrace the warmth and incredible flavor of this Cozy One-Pot Cabbage Roll Soup. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly extraordinary and deeply comforting. This fuss-free approach to a classic dish is perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying on a quiet evening. We hope it brings a delicious dose of home-cooked goodness to your table. If you’re looking for more simple and satisfying weeknight recipes, don’t miss this Easy Street Corn Chicken Chili Recipe from Marry Me Recipe!
Cozy One-Pot Cabbage Roll Soup: A Hearty Weeknight Delight
Dive into the comforting embrace of this simplified Cabbage Roll Soup! All the beloved flavors of traditional cabbage rolls – tender lean ground beef, sweet crushed tomatoes, soft cabbage ribbons, and fluffy rice – are simmered together in one warming pot. No more tedious rolling! This recipe offers a hearty, satisfying meal perfect for chilly evenings, busy weeknights, or whenever you crave a taste of home without the fuss. It’s a wholesome, flavorful dish that brings warmth and nostalgia to your table with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
- 6 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1/2 cup uncooked white rice (such as basmati or jasmine)
- 1 small head green cabbage (about 2 pounds), cored and chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, and black pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Deglaze the pot by scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Pour in the beef broth and return the cooked ground beef to the pot.
- Add the uncooked rice and chopped cabbage to the pot. Stir well to combine. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the cabbage is soft.
- Stir in the apple cider vinegar. Taste the soup and season with salt as needed. The vinegar brightens the flavors beautifully.
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
For an extra layer of flavor, you can add a pinch of smoked paprika or a bay leaf during the simmering stage. If you prefer a thicker soup, you can reduce the amount of beef broth slightly. Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, and the flavors often deepen overnight. For a vegetarian version, substitute ground plant-based meat or lentils for the beef and vegetable broth for beef broth.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop Simmering
- Cuisine: Eastern European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg