Failproof Easy Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe in 45 Min

Oh, man, there’s just nothing like a big bowl of warm, comforting soup on a chilly day, right? And trust me, this Easy Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe is *the* definition of comfort in a bowl. Seriously, forget standing over a stove for hours meticulously rolling cabbage leaves. This is all the flavor, all the heartiness, but, like, a million times easier.

It’s got everything you love about classic cabbage rolls – flavorful ground beef, tender cabbage, and a little bit of rice simmered in a rich tomato-y broth. My family? They go absolutely bonkers for this! Even my picky eater nephew asks for seconds (which, let’s be honest, is a miracle). I’ve been making this Easy Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe for years, tweaking it here and there until it was *just* right. And now, I’m spilling all my secrets to you!

This recipe is one of my all time favorites – especially when I am feeling under the weather and need a boost. It is also easy to customize which is fantastic when I need to use up the vegetables in my crisper!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe

Quick and Easy Comfort Food

Seriously, who has time to spend all day in the kitchen? Not me! That’s why this Easy Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe is a lifesaver. It comes together in about 45 minutes, start to finish! I mean, 15 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of simmering? Yes, please!

Packed with Flavor

Don’t let the “easy” part fool you – this soup is bursting with flavor! The savory ground beef, the slightly sweet cabbage, and that rich tomato sauce… mmm! It’s seriously aromatic while it simmers, and the taste? Pure comfort food heaven!

Hearty and Filling

This isn’t one of those wimpy soups that leaves you hungry an hour later. Nope! This Easy Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe is packed with ground beef, veggies, and rice, so it’s super filling and satisfying. Perfect for a cold night when you need something to really warm you up from the inside out.

Gluten-Free Option

Bonus! This recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just double-check your beef broth and tomato sauce labels to be sure, but otherwise, you’re good to go. So, everyone can enjoy a bowl of this deliciousness!

Ingredients for the Easy Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe

Okay, let’s talk ingredients! Nothing too crazy here, I promise. Just good, simple stuff that comes together to make magic. Remember, the better the ingredients, the better the soup! So grab these and let’s get cooking!

• 2 teaspoons olive oil (for browning that beef!)
• Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy!)
• 1 pound ground beef (90% lean – I like this ’cause it’s flavorful but not *too* greasy)
• 1 onion, finely diced (about 1 cup – nobody wants big chunks of onion!)
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic (I use the jarred stuff sometimes, shhh! But fresh is best if you have it)
• 4 cups coarsely chopped green cabbage (about half a medium head)
• 2 carrots, peeled, quartered and sliced (about 1 cup – adds a nice sweetness!)
• 4 cups beef broth (low sodium is my go-to, so I can control the salt)
• 3 8-ounce cans tomato sauce (yep, the small cans!)
• 1/2 cup uncooked long grain rice (I use regular ol’ white rice)
• 1 bay leaf (don’t forget to take it out later!)
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar (adds a touch of sweetness that balances everything out)
• 2 tablespoons parsley (fresh is pretty, but dried works in a pinch!)

How to Prepare This Easy Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe: Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Ground Beef

Alright, first things first, let’s get that ground beef browned! Heat up the olive oil in a large pot (I use my trusty Dutch oven) over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, toss in the ground beef, season with salt and pepper (don’t be shy!), and get to work breaking it up with a spatula. You’ll want to cook it until it’s nicely browned – about 4-5 minutes. Trust me, browning the beef adds *so* much flavor!

Sauté the Aromatics

Next up, the aromatics! Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the browned beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent – about 2-3 minutes. Your kitchen should be smelling amazing right about now!

Combine Ingredients and Simmer

Okay, now for the easy part – just dump everything else in! Add the chopped cabbage, sliced carrots, beef broth, tomato sauce, uncooked rice, bay leaf, and brown sugar to the pot. Season again with salt and pepper. Give it a good stir to combine everything. Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for about 25 minutes, or until the rice is tender. Don’t worry if it seems a little watery at first; it’ll thicken up as it simmers.

Serve and Enjoy Your Easy Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe

Almost there! Once the rice is cooked, remove the bay leaf (you don’t want anyone accidentally eating that!), sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve hot. I like to add a dollop of sour cream on top, but that’s totally optional. Now, dig in and enjoy your delicious, easy cabbage roll soup!

Tips for the Best Easy Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe

Browning the Beef for Maximum Flavor

Seriously, don’t skimp on browning the beef! That deep, rich color equals *amazing* flavor in your soup. I like to let it get a little crispy around the edges – that’s where the magic happens! It’s a little extra effort, but trust me, it’s SO worth it.

Adjusting the Sweetness

Okay, so the brown sugar adds a *hint* of sweetness that really balances out the acidity of the tomatoes. But, you know, everyone’s taste is different! Start with the 3 tablespoons, then give the soup a taste. If you like it a little sweeter, add a bit more brown sugar, a teaspoon at a time, until it’s *just* right for you.

Using Different Types of Rice

I usually use long grain white rice for this Easy Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe because it’s easy and cooks quickly. But you can totally experiment! Brown rice will give you a nuttier flavor and a chewier texture, but it’ll also take longer to cook – maybe 45 minutes or so. Just keep an eye on it and add more broth if needed. You could even try using quinoa for a healthier twist!

Variations on the Easy Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe

Vegetarian Cabbage Roll Soup

Okay, so maybe you’re not a meat-eater, or maybe you just want a lighter version of this Easy Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe. No problem! Just swap out the ground beef for lentils or beans! Brown or green lentils work great, or you could use kidney beans or cannellini beans for a different texture. You might need to adjust the cooking time a bit, so just keep an eye on things!

Spicy Cabbage Roll Soup

Want to kick things up a notch? I’m all about it! Add a pinch (or a big pinch, if you’re brave!) of red pepper flakes to the soup while it’s simmering. Or, for a different kind of heat, add a dash or two of your favorite hot sauce. Sriracha, Cholula, you name it! Just be careful not to add too much at once – you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!

Different Vegetables in Your Easy Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe

The beauty of soup is that it’s so easy to customize! Feel free to toss in whatever veggies you have on hand. Bell peppers (any color!), zucchini, or even some diced potatoes would be delicious in this Easy Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe. Just add them along with the cabbage and carrots, and you’re good to go!

Serving Suggestions for Easy Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe

Crusty Bread

Oh, you *have* to have some crusty bread with this soup! Seriously, it’s a must. Grab a baguette, a sourdough loaf, whatever you like! Just slice it up, maybe toast it a little, and get ready to dip it into that delicious broth. Trust me, you won’t regret it!

Side Salad

If you want to lighten things up a bit, a simple side salad is a great addition. Just toss some greens with your favorite vinaigrette, maybe add a few cherry tomatoes or cucumber slices. It’s a nice, refreshing contrast to the richness of the Easy Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe.

Sour Cream or Yogurt

Okay, this is totally optional, but I *love* adding a dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt to my bowl of Easy Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe. It adds a bit of creaminess and tang that’s just irresistible! Plus, it cools the soup down a little, which is always a plus when you’re impatient like me!

Storing and Reheating Your Easy Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Easy Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe tastes even better the next day, if you ask me! Just let it cool down a bit, then pop it into an airtight container and stick it in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3-4 days, easy peasy!

Reheating Instructions

When you’re ready for round two, you’ve got options! You can reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through. Or, if you’re in a hurry, just zap it in the microwave for a few minutes, stirring halfway through. Just be careful, it gets HOT!

Easy Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe FAQs

Can I freeze this Easy Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe?

Absolutely! This Easy Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe freezes like a dream. Just let it cool completely, then pour it into freezer-safe containers or bags. Make sure to leave a little room at the top, ’cause the soup will expand as it freezes. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw it overnight in the fridge or pop it straight into a pot on the stove and heat it up. Easy peasy!

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in this Easy Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe?

Totally! If you’re looking to lighten things up a bit, ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef in this Easy Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe. Just use the same amount (1 pound), and cook it the same way. You might find that ground turkey is a little drier than ground beef, so you might want to add a splash of olive oil to the pot when you’re browning it. But otherwise, it’s a super easy swap!

How can I make this Easy Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe in a slow cooker?

Oh, I *love* making this in the slow cooker! It’s so easy! Just brown the ground beef on the stovetop like the recipe says, then dump it into your slow cooker along with all the other ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. Just make sure the rice is tender before you serve it. This is a fantastic way to come home to a warm, comforting meal after a long day!

What is the best kind of cabbage to use for Easy Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe?

I usually use green cabbage for this Easy Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe because it’s easy to find and has a nice, mild flavor. But you can totally experiment! Savoy cabbage has a slightly sweeter flavor and more tender leaves, so that would be delicious too. Red cabbage would add a pop of color, but it can also bleed a bit and turn the soup a little purple-ish. So, green cabbage is my go-to, but feel free to get creative!

Nutritional Information for Easy Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe

Okay, so everyone always asks about the nutritional stuff, right? Here’s the deal: this Easy Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe is pretty darn good for you, packed with veggies and protein. But, full disclosure, I’m no nutritionist, so these numbers are just an estimate based on the ingredients I use.

Per serving (and this recipe makes about 6 servings), you’re looking at roughly:

• Calories: 350 (give or take, depending on how much beef you sneak!)
• Fat: 15g (mostly from the beef, so go leaner if you want to cut back)
• Protein: 25g (yay for beef!)
• Carbohydrates: 30g (from the rice and veggies)
• Sugar: 15g (mostly natural sugars from the tomatoes and carrots)
• Sodium: 800mg (you can lower this by using low-sodium broth!)

Remember, these are just ballpark figures! But hey, at least you’re getting a big bowl of deliciousness packed with good stuff. And honestly, sometimes you just need a little comfort food, right? Don’t sweat the small stuff!

Enjoy Your Easy Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe!

Okay, my friend, that’s it! You’ve got all the secrets to making the *best* Easy Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe EVER! Now, get in that kitchen and whip up a batch. I promise, you (and your family!) will absolutely love it!

But hey, don’t just take my word for it! Try it out, and then come back here and let me know what you think! Did you make any fun tweaks? Did your kids actually eat their veggies? Spill the beans! I wanna hear all about it!

And if you loved this recipe, don’t be shy – share it with your friends! Pin it on Pinterest, post it on Facebook, shout it from the rooftops! (Okay, maybe not the rooftops… that could be dangerous!). Seriously, sharing is caring, and I’d be so grateful!

Oh, and one last thing… if you’re feeling extra generous, give this recipe a rating! It helps other people find it, and it makes my day! Happy cooking, everyone!

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