Cabbage Roll Soup

Cabbage Roll Soup is the perfect dish to enjoy on a chilly day, bringing warmth and comfort with every spoonful. This delightful soup combines all the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the hassle of rolling them up. It’s versatile enough for family dinners or cozy gatherings, making it a go-to recipe whenever you crave something hearty and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This recipe comes together in just over 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of beef, cabbage, and spices creates a rich and savory flavor profile that will satisfy your taste buds.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily adapt this soup by adding other vegetables or using different proteins based on what you have at home.
• Healthy Comfort Food: Packed with nutritious ingredients, Cabbage Roll Soup provides a wholesome meal that doesn’t compromise on taste.
• Freezable Option: Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for those days when you need a quick meal.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the Cabbage Roll Soup recipe, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment makes cooking more efficient and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven or large soup pot
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven or large soup pot: Ideal for even heat distribution, ensuring your soup cooks uniformly.
• Sharp knife: Makes chopping vegetables quick and easy, saving you time in preparation.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring without scratching your pot’s surface while mixing ingredients.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 2 tsp. vegetable oil
• 1 lb. lean ground beef
• Salt and pepper
• 1 medium yellow onion (diced finely)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

For Vegetables and Flavor

• 4 cups chopped green cabbage
• 2 medium carrots (quartered and sliced)

For the Broth

• 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 3 8 oz. cans tomato sauce

For Additional Flavor

• 1/2 cup white rice (uncooked)
• 1 bay leaf
• 3 tbsp. light brown sugar

For Garnish

• 2 tbsp. fresh chopped parsley

How to Make Cabbage Roll Soup

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

In a Dutch oven or large soup pot, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook until browned.

Step 2: Add Onions and Garlic

Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until onions are tender.

Step 3: Combine Key Ingredients

Stir in chopped cabbage, sliced carrots, tomato sauce, beef broth, uncooked white rice, bay leaf, and light brown sugar until well combined.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

Bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 25 minutes until the rice is tender.

Step 5: Final Touches

Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Enjoy your delicious bowl of Cabbage Roll Soup!

How to Serve Cabbage Roll Soup

Cabbage Roll Soup is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner or looking for a comforting meal, these serving suggestions will enhance your experience.

With Fresh Bread

• Crusty Baguette: Serve slices of crusty baguette for dipping into the rich broth.
• Garlic Bread: Enhance flavors with warm, buttery garlic bread on the side.

Topped with Cheese

• Shredded Cheddar: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top for a creamy finish.
• Parmesan Crumbles: A sprinkle of Parmesan adds a nutty flavor that complements the soup.

Accompanied by Salad

• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad brings a refreshing crunch alongside the warm soup.
• Garden Salad: A simple garden salad with vinaigrette balances the hearty soup perfectly.

Garnished with Herbs

• Fresh Parsley: Top each bowl with fresh parsley for an added burst of color and flavor.
• Dill Sprigs: A few sprigs of dill can enhance the soup’s taste and provide an aromatic touch.

How to Perfect Cabbage Roll Soup

To make your Cabbage Roll Soup truly special, here are some tips to consider. These simple adjustments can elevate your dish to new heights.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables enhance the flavor and nutrition of your soup.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper to suit your palate.
• Add Protein Variations: Experiment with ground turkey or sausage for different flavor profiles.
• Incorporate More Veggies: Feel free to add bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition and texture.
• Let It Simmer Longer: Allowing the soup to simmer longer can deepen the flavors even more.
• Store Leftovers Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

Best Side Dishes for Cabbage Roll Soup

Pairing Cabbage Roll Soup with delightful side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options you may want to try.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic pair beautifully with the soup.
2. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins are perfect for soaking up every drop of broth.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Roasted seasonal veggies add color and flavor, making them a great addition.
4. Stuffed Peppers: Serve stuffed peppers as a hearty side that complements the cabbage flavors.
5. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad adds a nutritious element while balancing the richness of the soup.
6. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides crunch and acidity, enhancing your overall meal experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Cabbage Roll Soup, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the Browning Step: Failing to brown the ground beef can lead to a less flavorful soup. Make sure to cook it until it’s nicely browned for the best taste.

• Neglecting Seasoning: Not seasoning your ingredients can result in bland soup. Always taste and adjust salt and pepper as you go along.

• Not Cooking the Rice Properly: Adding rice at the wrong time can affect its texture. Make sure to add it with enough cooking time left for it to become tender.

• Overcooking the Vegetables: Cooking cabbage and carrots too long can make them mushy. Stir them in just until they are tender but still have some crunch.

• Ignoring Storage Guidelines: Improper storage can ruin your leftovers. Store your Cabbage Roll Soup in airtight containers to keep it fresh longer.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Cabbage Roll Soup in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Allow the soup to cool before sealing the container.

Freezing Cabbage Roll Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• It can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
• Leave space at the top of containers for expansion as it freezes.

Reheating Cabbage Roll Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 25-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat. Stir frequently and heat until warmed through, about 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Cabbage Roll Soup:

How do I make Cabbage Roll Soup vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, replace ground beef with lentils or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Can I use leftover cooked cabbage?

Absolutely! You can add leftover cooked cabbage directly into your soup without any issues; just adjust cooking time accordingly.

What can I serve with Cabbage Roll Soup?

This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a side salad, adding freshness and texture to your meal.

Is Cabbage Roll Soup freezable?

Yes! This soup freezes wonderfully, making it perfect for meal prep or future dinners.

Final Thoughts

Cabbage Roll Soup is not only a comforting dish but also very versatile. You can customize it by adding different vegetables or spices according to your taste. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a favorite!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Cabbage Roll Soup

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x

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Description

Cabbage Roll Soup is a heartwarming dish that captures the comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the fuss of rolling. This nourishing soup features tender ground beef, vibrant cabbage, and subtle spices, making it an ideal meal for chilly days or family gatherings. In just under an hour, you can enjoy a rich and savory soup that not only satisfies your cravings but is also packed with wholesome ingredients. Perfect for meal prep, leftovers can be easily frozen for future enjoyment, ensuring you always have a delicious option on hand.

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Ingredients

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• 2 tsp vegetable oil
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chopped green cabbage
• 2 medium carrots, quartered and sliced
• 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 3 (8 oz) cans tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup white rice (uncooked)
• 1 bay leaf
• 3 tbsp light brown sugar
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. In a Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and season with salt and pepper; cook until browned.
2. Stir in diced onion and minced garlic; cook for another 2-3 minutes until onions are tender.
3. Add chopped cabbage, sliced carrots, tomato sauce, beef broth, uncooked rice, bay leaf, and brown sugar; mix well.
4. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 25 minutes until rice is tender.
5. Remove bay leaf and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 640mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 70mg