Introduction
Transform humble cabbage, ground beef, and pantry staples into a hearty, flavorful Cabbage Roll Soup in a flash! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, delivering big on taste without sacrificing precious time. Forget hours of chopping and rolling; this one-pot magic gets dinner on the table faster than takeout.
Why This Works
This recipe streamlines the classic cabbage roll, offering all the comforting flavors in a fraction of the time. The secret? No rolling! We achieve the same deliciousness by simply combining all ingredients in one pot, resulting in a deeply satisfying, richly flavored soup bursting with tender cabbage and savory ground beef. It’s quick, easy, and unbelievably delicious – perfect for even the busiest cook.
Key Ingredients
- 🥬 1 medium head of green cabbage, chopped
- 🥩 1 lb ground beef
- 🧅 1 large onion, chopped
- 🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 🍅 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 🥕 1 cup chopped carrots
- 🥣 4 cups beef broth
- 🍚 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
- 🌿 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 🌿 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 🧂 Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1️⃣ Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and brown, breaking it up with a spoon.
2️⃣ Add the chopped onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3️⃣ Stir in the crushed tomatoes, chopped carrots, beef broth, rice, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4️⃣ Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the cabbage is tender.
5️⃣ Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot.
Handy Tips
- For extra flavor, sauté the onion and garlic in a little olive oil before adding the ground beef.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the cooked cabbage against the side of the pot before serving.
- Feel free to add other vegetables, such as diced celery or bell peppers, to the soup.
Heat Control
Maintaining a low simmer is key. High heat will burn the ingredients and create a less flavorful broth. Once the soup comes to a boil, reducing the heat ensures a gentle cooking process that allows the flavors to meld perfectly while the rice cooks evenly.
Crunch Factor
While this recipe focuses on tender, comforting textures, you can add a bit of crunch by serving it with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- Use pre-chopped vegetables to save time.
- For a richer flavor, use homemade beef broth.
- Add a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce for a deeper savory note.
Storage Tips
Leftover Cabbage Roll Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This soup makes a wonderful and heartwarming gift! Package it in a beautiful thermal food container or a decorative mason jar, adding a personalized label with the recipe.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy Cabbage Roll Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a kick.
🌟 Cabbage Roll Soup with Sausage: Substitute Italian sausage for the ground beef for a flavorful twist.
🌟 Creamy Cabbage Roll Soup: Stir in a cup of sour cream or heavy cream during the last few minutes of cooking for a richer, creamier soup.
🌟 Vegetarian Cabbage Roll Soup: Omit the ground beef and add 1 (15 ounce) can of lentils or beans for a hearty vegetarian version.
Troubleshooting
- Soup too watery: Simmer uncovered for a few minutes to reduce the liquid.
- Rice is undercooked: Continue to simmer for a few more minutes, covered.
- Cabbage is too tough: Increase the simmering time or use pre-chopped cabbage for faster cooking.
FAQ
- Can I use frozen vegetables? Yes, but you may need to adjust cooking time.
- Can I make this in a slow cooker? Yes, brown the beef and sauté the vegetables as directed. Then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Can I use different types of rice? Yes, but long-grain rice cooks best in this recipe. Adjust cooking times according to the rice you choose.
- Can I freeze this soup? Yes, allow to cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
This One-Pot Wonder Cabbage Roll Soup is your new weeknight hero! Its simplicity, speed, and incredible flavor make it a family favorite. Share this recipe with your friends and enjoy every delicious spoonful! Don’t forget to rate and review on RateMyRecipes.com!
30-Minute Cabbage Roll Soup: Weeknight Dinner Winner
A hearty and comforting soup that captures the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls, made easy for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chopped green cabbage
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
- 4 cups beef or vegetable broth
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef or turkey over medium heat until fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot, and sautu00e9 for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes (with juice), broth, uncooked rice, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the cabbage is cooked.
- Adjust seasoning to taste and serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Tips
- For added flavor, feel free to include a splash of hot sauce or some crushed red pepper flakes.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with lentils or mushrooms, and use vegetable broth.