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Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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