Delicious Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe for Cozy Weeknight Dinners
Cabbage Roll Soup is a warm bowl of comfort, perfect for chilly evenings when one needs a hug in a bowl. Picture this: fresh cabbage mingling with savory ground beef, all simmered together with tomatoes and herbs, filling your kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma that makes even the most reluctant dinner guests drool with anticipation. Not only does this dish capture the essence of cozy dining, but it also whisks you away to memories of simpler times, perhaps reminding you of family gatherings or a grandma’s hearty recipe passed down through generations.
This delightful soup is like a casserole in a bowl that celebrates the perfect marriage of flavors and textures. At its heart, it’s a nostalgic nod to the beloved cabbage rolls many grew up with, but without the fuss of rolling each one meticulously. Whether you’re huddled on the couch watching a movie, hosting friends for game night, or simply craving something nourishing and delicious, this Cabbage Roll Soup is bound to bring smiles all around.
Why You'll Love This Cabbage Roll Soup
- This incredible Cabbage Roll Soup transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
- Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
- Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
- Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.
Ingredients for Cabbage Roll Soup
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Cabbage Roll Soup:
1 lb lean ground beef – Use grass-fed if possible for richer flavor, although any lean ground beef works well.
1 medium onion, chopped – Adds sweetness and depth to the flavor; choose a yellow or sweet onion for the best results.
3 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic delivers a robust aroma and taste; feel free to add more for an extra kick.
4 cups green cabbage, shredded – Core the cabbage and use fresh leaves for a tender crunch, perfect for soup.
2 (14.5 oz) cans fire-roasted diced tomatoes – These enhance the soup with smoky depth; if unavailable, regular diced tomatoes work too.
4 cups low-sodium beef broth – A flavorful base that you can substitute with vegetable broth for a lighter option.
1 cup uncooked white rice – Long-grain rice holds its shape well; if you’re low-carb, feel free to skip it or swap with cauliflower rice.
2 tsp dried oregano – Adds comforting Italian flavor; fresh is better, but dried works just fine in a pinch.
1 tsp dried thyme – An earthy herb that beautifully complements the cabbage; adjust to your taste.
Salt and pepper to taste – Make sure to season generously for the best flavor, adjusting as you go!
How to Make Cabbage Roll Soup
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Cabbage Roll Soup:
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by chopping the onion and mincing the garlic. Core the cabbage, then shred it finely. The more colorful and fresh your ingredients, the better the flavor, so aim for vibrant produce.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot over medium heat, drizzle a bit of olive oil and add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until they’re fragrant, which should take about 3-5 minutes. You want to bring out those delicious sweet notes before adding the beef.
Step 3: Brown the Beef
Add the lean ground beef to the pot. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook until browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to keep stirring so it cooks evenly and doesn’t stick.
Step 4: Combine All Ingredients
Now it’s time to bring everything together! Stir in the fire-roasted diced tomatoes (along with their juice), beef broth, uncooked rice, shredded cabbage, oregano, thyme, and season with salt and pepper. Give it all a good mix to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
Step 5: Simmer to Flavor Awesomeness
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes. This is where the magic happens! The cabbage will wilt tenderly, the rice will cook to perfection, and all the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 6: Taste and Adjust
After the soup has simmered, give it a taste and adjust your seasoning if necessary. Feel free to sprinkle in more herbs or salt according to your preference.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor. This Cabbage Roll Soup is just waiting to wrap you in its cozy embrace!
You Must Know About Cabbage Roll Soup
- This showstopping Cabbage Roll Soup delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
- The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest.
- Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.
Perfecting Cabbage Roll Soup Cooking Process
Start by sautéing the onions and garlic to build a flavorful base. Brown the ground beef next, followed by adding the cabbage, tomatoes, and broth. Finally, let the rice cook to absorb all those delicious flavors.
Add Your Touch to Cabbage Roll Soup
Feel free to swap the ground beef for turkey or chicken if you’re aiming for a leaner option. Spice it up with red pepper flakes or experiment with fresh herbs like dill or basil for a unique twist.
Storing & Reheating Cabbage Roll Soup
Cool the soup completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be stored in the fridge for up to four days or frozen for three months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Chef's Helpful Tips for Cabbage Roll Soup
- This professional-quality Cabbage Roll Soup relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
- Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
- The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
- Pro tip: let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.
I remember the first time I served this Cabbage Roll Soup at a family gathering; everyone loved it! My aunt even asked for the recipe, claiming it was the best thing she’d tasted in ages.
FAQs About Cabbage Roll Soup
What is Cabbage Roll Soup?
Cabbage Roll Soup is a hearty, comforting dish that takes the classic flavors of stuffed cabbage rolls and transforms them into a flavorful soup. This satisfying meal typically features ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and shredded cabbage, all simmered together in a rich broth. It’s an easy and delicious way to enjoy the essence of cabbage rolls without the fuss of wrapping each one. Perfect for cozy weeknight dinners, this soup is sure to please your family and make for great leftovers!
How long does it take to make Cabbage Roll Soup?
The total time to make Cabbage Roll Soup is approximately 55 minutes. This includes a prep time of about 15 minutes, where you chop onions, mince garlic, and shred your cabbage. The cooking time is around 40 minutes, allowing all those flavors to meld beautifully. So, in under an hour, you can have a pot of delicious soup simmering on your stove, ready to serve to your hungry family.
Can I make Cabbage Roll Soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! Cabbage Roll Soup is an excellent candidate for meal prep. You can prepare it ahead of time and simply reheat when you’re ready to serve. This soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option, extending its life up to three months. Remember to cool the soup completely before transferring it to your freezer!
What variations can I try with Cabbage Roll Soup?
This versatile Cabbage Roll Soup recipe can be adapted to suit your personal tastes. You can swap ground beef for turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Spice lovers can add red pepper flakes for heat, while herb enthusiasts might enjoy experimenting with fresh dill or basil. Feel free to customize the vegetables too; adding bell peppers or carrots can enhance the texture and nutrition of your soup, making it even more delightful!
Conclusion for Cabbage Roll Soup
In summary, Cabbage Roll Soup is an easy-to-make, nutritious meal that captures the essence of traditional cabbage rolls. With its delightful combination of flavors and textures, this dish is perfect for family dinners or meal prep. You’ll love how versatile it is, allowing you to tailor it to your preferences effortlessly. So grab your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of this scrumptious Cabbage Roll Soup that will warm your heart and fill your belly!
Cabbage Roll Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare your ingredients by chopping the onion and mincing the garlic. Core and shred the cabbage.
- In a large pot over medium heat, drizzle olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until fragrant (about 3-5 minutes).
- Add the ground beef to the pot; cook until browned (5-7 minutes), breaking it up as you stir.
- Stir in diced tomatoes (with juice), beef broth, rice, shredded cabbage, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Bring to a boil; reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 30-40 minutes until the cabbage is tender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving with fresh parsley.
