Hearty & Easy Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup: A Comforting Weeknight Meal
Embrace all the beloved flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls in a simple, hearty soup that’s ready in a fraction of the time. This “unstuffed” version is not only delicious and filling but also healthy and perfect for any chilly evening!
Traditional stuffed cabbage rolls are a classic, cherished recipe enjoyed across many cultures, particularly popular in the United States and Eastern Europe. However, anyone who has made them knows they can be quite time-consuming. The process typically involves browning ground meat, cooking rice, blanching or boiling large cabbage leaves, carefully rolling the filling into each leaf, and then baking them slowly for an extended period. While the result is undeniably delicious, the labor and time commitment often reserve them for special occasions or weekend projects.
What if you could enjoy that same comforting, savory flavor profile of ground beef, tender cabbage, and a rich tomato broth without all the fuss? This Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup recipe is your answer! It captures the essence of the classic dish but transforms it into a quick, one-pot soup that can be on your table in under an hour. It’s the ultimate weeknight hack for a deeply flavorful and satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love This Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup
This recipe isn’t just a shortcut; it’s a culinary revelation that brings traditional flavors into the modern, busy kitchen. Here’s why this unstuffed cabbage roll soup will become a staple in your home:
- All the Flavor, Less the Fuss: You get all the comforting, savory taste of classic stuffed cabbage – ground beef, rice, and tender cabbage simmered in a rich tomato and beef broth – but in a much quicker and easier-to-prepare soup format. No tedious rolling, no lengthy baking! This soup streamlines the process, delivering that beloved taste profile with minimal effort.
- Perfect Comfort Food: A warm, hearty bowl of this soup is ideal for a chilly evening, offering a deeply satisfying and wholesome meal that truly warms you from the inside out. Its robust flavors and thick texture make it incredibly comforting on a cold day.
- Highly Customizable: This recipe is incredibly versatile. Easily adapt it to your dietary needs or preferences. Swap white rice for brown rice, ground beef for ground turkey, ground chicken, or a plant-based meat alternative. You can also use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a lighter or vegetarian version. Feel free to add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers, celery, or even spinach for added nutrients and color.
- Family-Favorite Legacy: Like cherished family recipes passed down through generations, this soup taps into that nostalgic comfort. Dishes like my mom’s Old Fashioned Goulash are staples because they bring warmth and tradition to the table. Cabbage rolls were often a signature dish of grandmas, particularly in Polish or Eastern European households, and this soup carries on that legacy with modern convenience and a quicker turnaround.
- Healthy and Wholesome: Packed with nutrient-rich vegetables like cabbage and carrots, lean protein from the ground beef, and wholesome grains from the rice, this soup is a nutritious choice that doesn’t compromise on flavor. It’s a complete and balanced meal in one bowl, making it a great option for health-conscious eaters.
Essential Ingredients for Cabbage Roll Soup
Creating this delicious unstuffed cabbage roll soup requires a handful of simple, readily available ingredients. You likely have many of these pantry staples already, making it an easy dish to whip up on short notice:
- Olive Oil: A foundational ingredient, used for browning the meat and sautéing the aromatics, which helps to build a rich and complex flavor base for the soup.
- Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is recommended for a less greasy soup, but you can use any ground meat of your choice, such as ground turkey or pork, depending on your preference.
- Onion & Garlic: These aromatic vegetables form the savory backbone of the soup, providing depth and a pungent sweetness that is essential to the overall flavor profile.
- Carrots: Add natural sweetness, a vibrant color, and an extra layer of vegetable goodness, contributing to the soup’s hearty texture.
- Cabbage: The undisputed star of the show! Green cabbage is traditional for cabbage rolls. Chopped into bite-sized pieces, it cooks down beautifully in the soup, becoming tender and soaking up all the rich flavors.
- Long Grain White Rice: This rice cooks directly in the broth, absorbing the delicious flavors and adding satisfying substance and carbohydrates to make the soup truly filling. If you prefer, brown rice can also be used, though it may require slightly longer cooking time and additional liquid.
- Tomato Sauce: Forms the rich, tangy, and slightly sweet base of the soup, perfectly echoing the characteristic sauce often found in traditional cabbage rolls.
- Beef Broth (Low Sodium): Provides the essential liquid base and deepens the savory flavor of the soup. Using low sodium broth allows you to control the overall salt level of your dish.
- Brown Sugar: A crucial ingredient that adds a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity of the tomato sauce, a common and beloved element in many classic cabbage roll recipes.
- Salt & Italian Seasoning: Essential for proper seasoning. Italian seasoning adds a harmonious blend of dried herbs that complements the savory and tangy notes of the soup perfectly.
- Bay Leaf: Adds a subtle, aromatic, and slightly bitter depth to the broth during simmering. Remember to remove it before serving, as it is not meant to be eaten.
How to Prepare Quick & Easy Cabbage Roll Soup
For detailed measurements and a printable recipe card, please scroll to the bottom of this post.
One of the best features of this unstuffed cabbage roll soup recipe is its sheer simplicity and efficiency. It truly is a “dump and simmer” meal, perfect for those busy evenings when you crave something homemade and comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. Follow these straightforward steps to create a delicious and satisfying soup:
- Brown the Beef & Aromatics: Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of lean ground beef and 1 small, finely chopped onion to the pot. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, break up the ground beef as it cooks. Continue to cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the ground beef is fully browned and cooked through, and the onions have softened and become translucent. This crucial step develops a deep, savory foundation for your soup. If there’s a significant amount of grease, carefully drain the excess fat.
- Add the Garlic for Fragrance: Once the beef is browned and the onions are tender, stir in 3 cloves of minced garlic. Cook for just about one minute more, stirring constantly to prevent it from burning, until you can smell its distinct, fragrant aroma. Burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste, so watch it closely.
- Combine All Remaining Ingredients: Now comes the incredibly easy part! Add all of the remaining ingredients directly to the pot with the beef mixture. This includes 2 diced carrots, 4 cups of chopped green cabbage, a 28 oz can of tomato sauce, 1/2 cup of uncooked white rice, 4 cups of low sodium beef broth, 1 bay leaf, 3 Tablespoons of light brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Stir everything together thoroughly to ensure all components are well combined and the rice is submerged in the liquid.
- Simmer to Perfection: Bring the soup to a low boil over medium-high heat. Once it starts to bubble gently, reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer. Allow the soup to cook for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is completely cooked through and tender, and the cabbage has softened to your liking. You typically don’t need to cover the pot; letting it simmer uncovered allows some of the liquid to reduce slightly, concentrating the flavors beautifully. The rice will plump up as it absorbs the flavorful broth. Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom.
- Serve Warm: Once the rice is perfectly cooked and the cabbage is tender, remove the bay leaf from the soup and discard it. Your hearty and flavorful unstuffed cabbage roll soup is now ready to be served! Ladle generous portions into bowls. You can garnish individual servings with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness, or simply enjoy it as is. It’s a satisfying and complete meal all on its own.
Freezing and Storage Tips for Cabbage Roll Soup
This cabbage roll soup is an excellent candidate for meal prepping and freezing, making it even more convenient for future busy days. Prepare a larger batch and store individual or family-sized portions for quick lunches or dinners whenever you need a comforting meal.
- Refrigeration: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. As the soup sits, the rice will continue to absorb liquid, so the soup might thicken considerably. This is normal and doesn’t affect the taste, though you may want to add a splash of broth when reheating.
- Freezing: Yes, you absolutely can freeze this soup for longer storage! While the rice might absorb some additional liquid and become slightly softer or a tiny bit mushy after thawing and reheating, it’s generally not a significant issue and still tastes fantastic. This soup freezes beautifully and is a great make-ahead option.
- To Freeze: Allow the soup to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. If using containers, leave about an inch of headspace at the top, as liquids expand when frozen. Label with the date. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months for optimal quality.
- To Reheat from Frozen: For best results, thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, reheat it gently in a pot on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If you’re short on time, you can also reheat it directly from frozen over very low heat, adding a small amount of broth or water and stirring frequently to prevent scorching, until it thaws and warms up.
- Adjusting Consistency: If the soup is too thick after reheating, simply add a splash of additional beef broth or water and stir until you reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Delicious Side Dishes for Cabbage Roll Soup
While this unstuffed cabbage roll soup is a complete and satisfying meal on its own, pairing it with a simple side can truly elevate the dining experience. A warm piece of bread or a light, crisp salad offers a lovely contrast and enhances the meal. Here are some fantastic options to serve alongside your comforting bowl of soup:
- Garlic Knots: Soft, pillowy, savory, and generously infused with garlic and Parmesan cheese, these are absolutely perfect for soaking up every last drop of the flavorful, rich broth.
- Flaky Crescent Rolls: Their buttery, airy texture and delicate sweetness offer a lovely and light contrast to the hearty and robust flavors of the soup.
- Soft Breadsticks: Warm, soft, and lightly seasoned, these breadsticks are reminiscent of your favorite Italian restaurant. They are always a crowd-pleaser and an ideal companion for dipping into any soup.
- Sweet Honey Butter Dinner Rolls: A touch of sweetness from these incredibly soft and fluffy rolls can beautifully complement the savory and tangy notes of the cabbage roll soup.
- Crusty French Bread: Sometimes, the simplest option is the best. A rustic loaf of crusty French bread, sliced thick, is always a good idea for any soup. It provides a satisfying chew and a neutral base to enjoy the soup’s flavors.
- A Simple Green Salad: For a refreshing counterpoint to the rich and hearty soup, serve a light, fresh green salad tossed with a simple vinaigrette dressing. The crispness and acidity will cleanse the palate beautifully.
Recipe Variations and Pro Tips for the Best Cabbage Roll Soup
One of the joys of cooking is being able to customize a recipe to suit your taste, dietary preferences, or simply what you have on hand. This unstuffed cabbage roll soup is highly adaptable, allowing you to easily put your own spin on it. Here are some ideas to make this soup truly your own, along with some tips for success:
- Meat Alternatives: If you’re looking to change up the protein, instead of just ground beef, try ground turkey, ground pork, or a savory mix of beef and pork for a different flavor profile and texture. For a vegetarian option, simply use your favorite plant-based ground meat substitutes (e.g., soy-based crumbles or lentil “meat”) and ensure you use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- Rice Options: While white rice cooks quickly and soaks up the broth beautifully, feel free to use brown rice for extra fiber and a nuttier taste. Keep in mind brown rice will typically take longer to cook (often 35-45 minutes), so you might need to add a bit more broth and simmer for an additional 10-20 minutes until tender. Alternatively, you can use pre-cooked rice and add it in during the last 5-10 minutes of simmering to prevent it from getting mushy.
- Add More Vegetables: Enhance the nutritional value and textural complexity by adding other finely diced vegetables. Bell peppers (any color), celery, or zucchini can be added along with the carrots and cabbage. For a boost of greens, stir in a few handfuls of fresh spinach or chopped kale during the last few minutes of cooking until wilted.
- Spice It Up: If you enjoy a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the aromatics. A dash of smoked paprika can also add a wonderful smoky depth that complements the other flavors beautifully. Other herbs like a pinch of dried dill can also enhance the “Eastern European” flavor.
- Sweetness Adjustment: The brown sugar is included to balance the acidity of the tomato sauce, creating a well-rounded flavor. Adjust the amount to your personal preference; some prefer a slightly sweeter soup, while others like it more savory. If you want to enhance the tang without adding more sugar, a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar can be stirred in at the end.
- Thicker or Thinner Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash a portion of the cooked rice and vegetables against the side of the pot with your spoon, or simply let the soup simmer uncovered for a bit longer to reduce the liquid. For a thinner soup, stir in additional beef broth or water, a quarter cup at a time, until your desired consistency is reached.
- Don’t Overcook the Rice: While it’s tempting to let the soup simmer for a very long time for flavors to meld, be mindful of the rice. Overcooked rice can become overly mushy. Once the rice is tender, the soup is generally ready to serve.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste your soup before serving and adjust the seasonings (salt, pepper, sugar) as needed. Broths and tomato sauces can vary in saltiness and acidity.
If you grew up savoring traditional cabbage rolls but find yourself short on time or simply don’t want the hassle, this unstuffed cabbage roll soup is truly for you. It masterfully captures all the rich, comforting flavors of the classic dish in an easy-to-make soup format. What’s more, I particularly love that this soup is ready in mere minutes. Unlike many soups that require hours of simmering to develop deep flavors, this recipe delivers incredible taste without the wait. The careful balance of tomato and beef broth ensures a rich and delicious result without hours on the stove, precisely preventing the rice from becoming a mushy mess. It’s a perfect harmony of convenience and old-world flavor, proving that you don’t need to sacrifice taste for speed.
More Hearty & Quick Soup Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re a fan of comforting, easy-to-make soups like this Cabbage Roll Soup, you’re in luck! There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup to make a meal feel special, especially when it comes together quickly. Here are some other fantastic and quick soup recipes that are perfect for any occasion, from busy weeknights to cozy weekends:
- Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup
- Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Carrot Ginger Soup
- Wonton Soup
- Easy Taco Soup
- Minestrone Soup
- Broccoli Cheese Soup
- French Onion Soup
Cabbage Roll Soup
Erin Sellin
5 minutes
30 minutes
35 minutes
5
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Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 4 cups chopped green cabbage
- 28 oz tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup uncooked white rice
- 4 cups low sodium beef broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 Tablespoon light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
-
In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of lean ground beef and 1 small, finely chopped onion. Break up the ground beef with a spoon and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully cooked and browned and the onions are soft and translucent. Drain any excess fat if necessary.1 Tablespoon olive oil,
1 pound lean ground beef,
1 small onion -
Stir in 3 cloves of minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.3 cloves garlic
-
Add all of the remaining ingredients to the pot: 2 diced carrots, 4 cups chopped green cabbage, 28 oz tomato sauce, 1/2 cup uncooked white rice, 4 cups low sodium beef broth, 1 bay leaf, 3 Tablespoons light brown sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Stir well to combine all ingredients.2 carrots,
4 cups chopped green cabbage,
28 oz tomato sauce,
1/2 cup uncooked white rice,
4 cups low sodium beef broth,
1 bay leaf,
3 Tablespoon light brown sugar,
1 teaspoon salt,
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning -
Bring the soup to a low boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and fully cooked. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 42g |
Protein: 33g |
Fat: 14g |
Saturated Fat: 5g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g |
Cholesterol: 81mg |
Sodium: 1732mg |
Fiber: 6g |
Sugar: 17g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Erin Sellin
5 minutes
30 minutes
35 minutes
Dinner Recipes
American
5
423
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