Description
This hearty Cabbage Roll Soup captures the comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls in a warm, easy-to-make soup. Ground beef, tender cabbage, rice, and a medley of fragrant herbs simmer together in a savory tomato and beef broth base, making it a perfect dish for chilly days or anytime you crave a nourishing, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups cabbage, chopped
Liquids and Canned Goods
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup cooked rice
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for sweetness)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. This step builds flavor and prepares the meat base for the soup.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the browned beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onions soften and the garlic becomes fragrant, contributing depth to the soup.
- Add liquids and seasonings: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, water, cooked rice, chopped cabbage, dried basil, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, combining all ingredients for a rich soup base.
- Simmer the soup: Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer gently for 30-40 minutes. This allows the cabbage to become tender and the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Adjust sweetness: If desired, stir in brown sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and enhance the overall taste of the soup.
- Serve and garnish: Remove the soup from the heat. Adjust seasoning as needed, then ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness before serving hot.
Notes
- For a leaner version, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
- You can skip the brown sugar or replace it with honey or maple syrup based on preference.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, add a bit more cooked rice or reduce the amount of broth slightly.
- This soup freezes well; cool completely before storing in airtight containers.
- For added texture and nutrition, consider adding shredded carrots or celery along with the cabbage.
