Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
- Chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces.
- Dice the onion, slice the carrots and celery, and mince the garlic.
- Cook 1 cup of rice if you don’t have pre-cooked rice on hand. Set it aside.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef or pork and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Season the meat with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
- Once browned, use a slotted spoon to transfer the meat to a plate, leaving the fat in the pot.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same pot, add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Add the Cabbage and Seasonings
- Stir in the chopped cabbage, paprika, dried thyme, and bay leaf.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes to allow the cabbage to start softening.
Step 5: Add Liquids and Simmer
- Pour in the beef broth, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes with their juice.
- Return the browned meat to the pot and stir everything to combine.
- Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25–30 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender.
Step 6: Add Cooked Rice
- Stir in the cooked rice and let it heat through for 5 minutes. If you prefer a thicker soup, add more rice; for a thinner consistency, add more broth.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and black pepper as needed.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
- Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Variations and Tips:
- Make It Low-Carb: Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice or omit the rice altogether for a lighter version.
- Add Beans: Stir in a can of drained and rinsed white beans or chickpeas for extra protein and fiber.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne for a bit of heat.
- Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: Substitute the beef or pork with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Reheat gently to maintain texture and flavor.
Why You’ll Love It
Cabbage roll soup is the perfect combination of convenience and comfort. It’s hearty enough to serve as a standalone meal and versatile enough to customize to your taste preferences. The ingredients are simple and budget-friendly, making it an excellent choice for feeding a family or meal prepping for the week. Each spoonful delivers the nostalgic flavors of stuffed cabbage rolls in a fraction of the time.
Serve it with crusty bread or a side salad, and enjoy a warm, nourishing bowl of cabbage roll soup!
