Introduction
Transform humble cabbage, ground beef, and pantry staples into a deeply satisfying, flavor-packed soup in under an hour! This Hearty Classic Cabbage Roll Soup is your new weeknight go-to – perfect for busy cooks craving comfort without the fuss. Say goodbye to complicated recipes and hello to delicious, easy dinners.
Why This Works
This recipe captures all the cozy goodness of traditional cabbage rolls without the tedious rolling and baking. We simmer everything in one pot for a supremely flavorful, incredibly simple soup that’s ready in a flash. It’s budget-friendly, adaptable, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
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
- 🥣 6 cups beef broth
- 🍚 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 🥫 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 🌿 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 🌿 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 🧂 Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1️⃣ Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
2️⃣ Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3️⃣ Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, rice, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
4️⃣ Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the cabbage is tender.
5️⃣ Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot and enjoy!
Handy Tips
- For even faster prep, use pre-chopped cabbage.
- Don’t overcook the rice; it will continue to cook in the residual heat.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, celery, or diced potatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.
Heat Control
Maintaining a low simmer is key to ensuring the cabbage cooks through without becoming mushy and the rice cooks evenly. A rolling boil will cause the soup to splatter and may burn the bottom of the pot.
Crunch Factor
While this soup is designed for a tender, comforting texture, you can add a bit of crunch by serving it with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh parsley right before serving.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of ground beef and ground pork.
- Add a bay leaf during simmering for an extra layer of depth. Remove before serving.
- A splash of Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of brown sugar can add complexity to the flavor profile.
Storage Tips
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen overnight, making it even more delicious. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This soup makes a wonderful, heartwarming gift for friends and family, especially during colder months. Package individual servings in freezer-safe containers with a handwritten tag and a recipe card.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy Cabbage Roll Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
🌟 Cabbage Roll Soup with Sausage: Replace the ground beef with Italian sausage for a heartier, more savory soup.
🌟 Vegetarian Cabbage Roll Soup: Omit the ground beef and add a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas or lentils for a hearty vegetarian version.
🌟 Creamy Cabbage Roll Soup: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or heavy cream at the end for a richer, creamier texture.
Troubleshooting
- Soup is too watery: Simmer uncovered for a few minutes to reduce the liquid. You can also thicken the soup with a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water).
- Soup is too thick: Add a little more broth to thin it out to your desired consistency.
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Cabbage is too tough: Make sure to simmer the soup long enough for the cabbage to become tender. Adding a bit more broth at the beginning may also help.
FAQ
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Can I use different types of rice? Yes, you can experiment with other types of rice, but long-grain white rice cooks best in this recipe.
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Can I freeze this soup? Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
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How long does it take to make this soup? The entire recipe, from start to finish, takes approximately 1 hour.
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Can I make this soup in a slow cooker? Yes, this recipe is easily adaptable for a slow cooker. Follow the same instructions but cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Conclusion
This Hearty Classic Cabbage Roll Soup is a guaranteed weeknight winner! It’s quick, easy, delicious, and perfect for busy schedules. Share this recipe with your friends and family – and don’t forget to rate it on RateMyRecipes! Enjoy!
30-Minute Cabbage Roll Soup: Busy Cook's Dream
A quick and hearty soup that captures the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the fuss, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot, cooking until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes (with juice), beef broth, cooked rice, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Tips
- For extra flavor, try adding a splash of lemon juice before serving.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.