Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe: A Comforting Twist on a Classic
Cabbage roll soup takes the essence of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls—savory ground meat, tender rice, tangy tomato sauce, and hearty cabbage—and transforms it into a one-pot, no-fuss meal. This soup retains all the comforting flavors of the original dish but is much easier to prepare. If you’re craving a cozy bowl of flavor-packed goodness, this cabbage roll soup recipe is perfect. Let’s break it down step by step.
Why Cabbage Roll Soup?
Cabbage rolls, though delicious, can be time-consuming to prepare. From blanching the cabbage leaves to rolling and baking, the process can feel daunting. Cabbage roll soup delivers the same flavors with far less effort, making it ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use budget-friendly ingredients to create a filling and nutritious dish.
Ingredients:
For a serving of 6–8, you’ll need:
- Ground beef or pork (or a mix) – 1 pound
- Cabbage (chopped) – 4 cups (about 1 small head)
- Onion (diced) – 1 medium
- Garlic cloves (minced) – 3
- Carrots (sliced) – 2 medium
- Celery stalks (sliced) – 2
- Cooked rice – 1 cup (white, brown, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option)
- Tomato sauce – 1 (15-ounce) can
- Diced tomatoes (with juice) – 1 (15-ounce) can
- Beef broth – 6 cups
- Bay leaf – 1
- Paprika – 1 teaspoon
- Dried thyme – 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt and black pepper – To taste
- Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish) – Optional

