If you’re craving something hearty and soul-warming, you’ve got to try this Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe. It’s like all the cozy goodness of classic stuffed cabbage rolls, but in a comforting bowl you can slurp up any night of the week. I absolutely love how this turns out—rich, savory, with a hint of sweetness from the brown sugar, and those tender bites of cabbage and rice make it feel homey beyond words. Stick around because I’m sharing all my tips so your soup turns out perfect every time!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Classic Comfort in a Bowl: Get all the hearty flavors of cabbage rolls without the fuss of rolling each one.
Super Simple Ingredients: You don’t need anything fancy, and it comes together quickly on a busy weeknight.
Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this soup, and I bet yours will too!
Nutritious and Filling: It’s packed with protein, veggies, and just the right amount of carbs to keep you satisfied.

The image shows a white bowl filled with a chunky soup on a white marbled surface. The soup has several layers with a bright orange-red broth forming the base layer. Floating in the broth are soft, pale green cabbage pieces with slightly wrinkled texture, scattered chunks of cooked ground meatballs in a brown color, and slices of orange carrots. Small grains of white rice are also layered throughout the soup, mixed evenly with the other ingredients. Tiny green parsley pieces are sprinkled on top for a fresh look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cabbage Roll Soup, hearty cabbage soup, easy comfort food, savory cabbage stew, simple dinner recipes

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beautiful thing about this Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe is how each ingredient shines and works together to create layers of flavor. I always grab lean ground beef for a lighter touch and fresh cabbage for that subtle crunch that softens perfectly.

Flat lay of fresh ground beef, finely diced yellow onion, minced garlic cloves, chopped green cabbage, vibrant sliced carrots, bright red tomato sauce in a rich pool, uncooked white rice grains scattered delicately, a single bay leaf, and a small pile of fresh chopped parsley, all beautifully arranged on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cabbage Roll Soup, hearty cabbage soup, easy comfort food, savory cabbage stew, simple dinner recipes

Vegetable oil: This helps brown the beef nicely without burning – any neutral oil works here.
Lean ground beef: I use 90/10 for a good balance of flavor and less grease.
Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings to elevate the flavors as you go.
Yellow onion: Finely diced to melt into the soup and add depth.
Garlic cloves: Minced fresh garlic packs a punch – garlic powder won’t quite cut it here.
Green cabbage: Chopped fresh – it softens during cooking but keeps enough texture to enjoy.
Carrots: Quartered and sliced thin for subtle sweetness and color.
Low-sodium beef broth: Using low sodium lets you control salt levels better as you cook.
Tomato sauce: This adds richness and a tangy balance to the beef and veggies.
White rice: Uncooked – it simmers right in the soup, absorbing all those flavors.
Bay leaf: A classic herb that adds a quiet earthiness – don’t skip it!
Light brown sugar: Just a touch, for that hint of sweetness that makes cabbage taste amazing.
Fresh chopped parsley: Brightens up the final dish with a fresh herbal note.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love customizing this soup depending on what’s in my fridge or what my family’s craving. Feel free to tweak it — this recipe is forgiving and made to be your own!

Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground beef with diced mushrooms or a plant-based ground alternative; just boost the broth flavor with soy sauce or miso.
Spicy Kick: My husband loves to add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
Different Grains: Brown rice or quinoa can work instead of white rice, but keep in mind they may need a longer simmer.
Herb Twist: Try adding thyme or dill for a different herb profile — parsley is classic but these make it unexpectedly fresh.

How to Make Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Build Flavor

Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and season generously with salt and pepper. As it browns, use a wooden spoon to break the meat apart into crumbles. You’ll want it nicely browned but not dried out, so keep an eye on it—about 5-7 minutes usually does it. This step is key for that rich foundation of flavor.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Once your beef is browned, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring often, until the onions become translucent and tender. This little step builds layers of savory goodness that really make the soup sing.

Step 3: Add the Veggies, Broth, and Rice

Next, stir in the chopped cabbage, sliced carrots, tomato sauce, beef broth, uncooked white rice, bay leaf, and light brown sugar. Give it a good stir to combine everything evenly. The rice will cook directly in the soup, absorbing all those rich flavors. Make sure to keep the heat at a gentle simmer once it starts bubbling.

Step 4: Simmer Until Tender

Let your soup simmer gently for about 25 minutes. You’ll see the rice plump up and the cabbage soften perfectly. When the rice feels tender to the bite, it’s time to remove the bay leaf and taste for seasoning. Add a bit more salt and pepper if you feel it needs a lift.

Step 5: Finish with Fresh Parsley

Right before serving, sprinkle in the fresh chopped parsley for a bright note that balances out the richness. This step really freshens up the whole dish, making it even more inviting.

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Pro Tips for Making Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe

Brown the Meat Well: Browning the beef thoroughly adds savory depth—don’t rush this step.
Mind the Rice Cook Time: Check the rice at 20 minutes too—overcooked rice can get mushy, so adjust simmer time as needed.
Don’t Skip the Bay Leaf: It might seem small, but that bay leaf adds an irresistible layer of subtle flavor.
Taste and Adjust: Soup flavors deepen as it sits; some salt or pepper at the end really rounds things out.

How to Serve Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe

The image shows a round white pot filled with a thick stew made of multiple layers. The bottom layer is a rich, red-orange tomato broth with a glossy texture, swirling around pieces of light brown cooked ground meat. Mixed in are chopped light green cabbage leaves and soft pieces of orange carrot, creating a varied texture and color contrast. Small sprigs of bright green parsley are sprinkled on top for garnish. The pot rests on a white marbled surface with some fresh parsley sprigs nearby and a blue striped cloth partially visible in the top left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cabbage Roll Soup, hearty cabbage soup, easy comfort food, savory cabbage stew, simple dinner recipes

Garnishes

I usually top the soup with a little extra fresh parsley, but a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese adds a nice creamy touch if you’re in the mood for indulgence. A grind of fresh black pepper on top doesn’t hurt either!

Side Dishes

Crusty bread or warm dinner rolls are perfect for dunking, and sometimes I serve a simple green salad on the side to balance the meal out. If you want something heartier, garlic mashed potatoes make a lovely pairing too.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving this soup in rustic bowls with a swirl of sour cream and a sprig of parsley on top. Setting the table with colorful napkins and some pickled cucumbers on the side gives it a fun, homestyle vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I put leftover cabbage roll soup into airtight containers and refrigerate it. It keeps beautifully for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen, but I make sure to reheat it gently to not overcook the rice.

Freezing

This soup freezes really well! Just cool it completely, transfer to freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. I’ve found the texture of the rice stays pretty good if you don’t freeze too long.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup feels too thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. This keeps the rice tender and prevents drying out.

FAQs

Can I make this Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the beef first on the stovetop, then add all ingredients to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the rice and veggies are tender. Just add the brown sugar and parsley at the end for the freshest flavor.
Is there a gluten-free option for this soup?

Absolutely. Make sure you use gluten-free beef broth and tomato sauce. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, and the rice keeps it hearty and satisfying without any gluten.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?

Definitely! I’ve experimented by adding celery, bell peppers, or even diced tomatoes for extra texture and flavor. Just adjust cooking times so everything softens nicely together.
Why is there brown sugar in this Cabbage Roll Soup?

The brown sugar balances the acidity of the tomato sauce and complements the cabbage’s natural bitterness. It gives the soup a subtle sweetness that rounds out the flavors beautifully.
Can I substitute ground beef for another protein?

Yes! Ground turkey or chicken work well, but you might want to add a bit more seasoning to keep things flavorful. For a vegetarian twist, mushrooms or lentils can be great meat alternatives.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe is one of those dishes I go back to again and again, especially when I want something that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening. It’s satisfying without being complicated, and I love that you can make it ahead or freeze it for busy nights. I’m excited for you to try it out and see how simple ingredients come together into something truly special. Trust me, once you taste that first hearty spoonful, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make this sooner!