Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe

Introduction

This Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup offers all the comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the hassle of rolling. It’s a hearty, easy-to-make dish that combines savory beef, tender cabbage, and a rich tomato broth perfect for any day.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 head green cabbage, chopped
• 28 oz diced tomatoes (fire-roasted)
• 15 oz tomato sauce
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 cup white rice, cooked separately
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Paprika, to taste
• Splash of vinegar (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large Dutch oven over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onion until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease. Stir in the minced garlic and season with paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Step 2: Add the chopped cabbage and sauté for about 3 minutes until it begins to wilt slightly.
3. Step 3: Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, and brown sugar. Stir everything together to combine.
4. Step 4: Cover the pot and simmer on low heat for 20 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender but still holds its shape.
5. Step 5: Meanwhile, cook the white rice separately according to package directions.
6. Step 6: Just before serving, stir the cooked rice into the soup or add rice separately into individual bowls. Adjust seasoning as needed and add a splash of vinegar if you like a touch of tang.

Tips & Variations

• For a healthier twist, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
• Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
• Use brown rice instead of white for added fiber, but cook it separately to control doneness.
• If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of beef broth or let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if it has thickened. This soup also freezes well for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I cook the rice directly in the soup?

It’s best to cook the rice separately to avoid overcooking and mushiness. Adding the rice just before serving keeps the texture perfect.

Is this soup suitable for freezing?

Yes, this soup freezes well. Be sure to store it in a freezer-safe container and thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating. You may want to add extra rice after thawing for the best texture.

Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe

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4.9 from 106 reviews

Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup offers all the comforting flavors of classic stuffed cabbage rolls but in a quicker, easier soup form. Ground beef, tender cabbage, fire-roasted tomatoes, and savory seasonings simmer together to create a hearty, satisfying meal perfect for warming up on chilly days. With the addition of cooked rice stirred right into the soup, this recipe is both filling and flavorful without the fuss of rolling individual cabbage leaves.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Aromatics

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Vegetables

• 1 head green cabbage, chopped
• 28 oz diced tomatoes (fire-roasted)

Liquids and Sauces

• 15 oz tomato sauce
• 4 cups beef broth

Other Ingredients

• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 cup white rice, cooked separately
• salt, to taste
• black pepper, to taste
• paprika, to taste
• splash of vinegar (optional)

Instructions

1. Brown the Meat and Sauté Aromatics: In a large Dutch oven over medium heat, brown the ground beef together with the diced onion until fully cooked and the onion is softened. Drain any excess grease from the pot. Stir in the minced garlic, then season the mixture with paprika, salt, and black pepper to taste.
2. Add and Wilt Cabbage: Add the chopped green cabbage to the pot with the beef mixture. Sauté for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is slightly wilted but still has some texture.
3. Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the fire-roasted diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, and brown sugar. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
4. Simmer the Soup: Cover the Dutch oven and reduce heat to low. Let the soup simmer gently for 20 minutes, or until the cabbage becomes tender but not mushy, allowing all the flavors to meld.
5. Cook Rice Separately: While the soup simmers, cook the white rice according to the package instructions until fluffy and fully cooked.
6. Combine and Serve: Just before serving, stir the cooked rice into the soup to incorporate it throughout. Alternatively, add the rice directly into individual bowls and ladle soup over it. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed. Add a splash of vinegar if desired to brighten the flavors.

Notes

• Cooking the rice separately helps maintain a better texture so it doesn’t get mushy in the soup.
• Adding a splash of vinegar (such as apple cider or white vinegar) at the end enhances the tangy flavor reminiscent of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls.
• You can substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner version of this soup.
• Fire-roasted diced tomatoes add a smoky depth, but regular diced tomatoes work just fine.
• This soup reheats well and tastes even better the next day after flavors have melded more.

Keywords: Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup, stuffed cabbage soup, cabbage soup, ground beef soup, easy soup recipes, comfort food, one pot soup