There’s something so comforting about a warm bowl of Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe bubbling on the stove. It hits that perfect note of home-cooked goodness, capturing all the flavors of classic cabbage rolls but in a soothing, easy-to-savor soup form.

The image shows a close-up of a ladle full of a thick stew held over a white pot filled with the same stew. The stew has several layers: a chunky red-orange tomato base with pieces of ground meat, bright orange carrot slices, soft pale green cabbage pieces, and small diced tomatoes. The stew is topped with fresh chopped green herbs, scattered evenly across the surface. The textures range from smooth and saucy to slightly chunky with visible vegetable and meat bits. The pot sits on a white marbled surface with a soft blue cloth partially visible underneath. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve always loved traditional cabbage rolls, but rolling each one can be time-consuming. This Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe is my shortcut to all those cozy flavors without the fuss. It’s hearty, flavorful, and even better the next day!

Comfort in a bowl: All the savory goodness of classic cabbage rolls, but in soup form, perfect for chilly days.
Easy prep: No delicate cabbage wrapping skills needed—just chop, simmer, and enjoy.
Hearty and filling: Ground beef, cabbage, and rice come together to make a satisfying meal.
Flexible and forgiving: You can adjust veggies, spices, or broth thickness depending on your mood.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The mix of ingredients in this soup hits a great balance—savory beef, tender cabbage, and tangy tomatoes. Picking fresh veggies and a quality broth really makes the flavors sing in this Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a mound of raw lean ground beef, two whole brown eggs with clean shells, a large yellow onion cut in half showing its layers, two bright orange whole carrots, a pile of fresh chopped green cabbage leaves, three peeled garlic cloves, a small white bowl filled with rich dark red tomato sauce, a small white bowl of petite diced fresh red tomatoes, a small white bowl of light brown packed sugar, a small white bowl with reddish-brown Worcestershire sauce, a small white bowl of dried paprika powder, a small white bowl with dried oregano, a small white bowl with dried thyme, two fresh green bay leaves, a small white bowl of dry long-grain white rice, a small white bowl of fresh lemon juice, and a small pile of chopped fresh green parsley all arranged symmetrically, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Olive oil: Just enough to brown the beef and get veggies started without heaviness.
Lean ground beef: Adds hearty protein with less fat, helping the soup stay light but filling.
Yellow onion: Provides subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed.
Carrots: Adds a gentle sweetness and nice texture contrast with cabbage.
Chopped cabbage: The star ingredient that gives you that classic cabbage roll vibe in soup form.
Garlic: Boosts the overall flavor, enhancing savory and aromatic notes.
Low-sodium beef broth: The perfect savory base—low sodium lets you control the salt perfectly.
Tomato sauce & diced tomatoes: Bring richness and a touch of acidity that balances the earthiness.
Brown sugar: A little sweetens the acidity of tomatoes and brightens the flavor.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami depth that really rounds out the meatiness.
Dried paprika, oregano, thyme, bay leaves: Classic herbs and spices that create that comforting, aromatic character.
White long-grain rice: Hearty grains that soak up flavors and add substance—plus it cooks right in the soup.
Fresh lemon juice: A splash at the end brightens everything and balances richness.
Fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous finish—don’t skip it!

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I like to keep this soup pretty classic, but don’t hesitate to shake it up! This recipe welcomes your tweaks depending on what you have on hand or your dietary needs.

Variation: For a twist, I’ve swapped out ground beef for ground turkey to cut the fat—but still keep that meaty feel.
Vegetarian version: Try replacing the beef with mushrooms and lentils, use vegetable broth instead, and you’ve got a cozy meatless meal.
Add more veggies: Toss in chopped bell peppers or zucchini for extra color and nutrition.
Spice it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick if you like it spicy.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe

A white bowl filled with chunky vegetable soup sits on a dark teal plate on a white marbled surface. The soup has three main layers: a bright red tomato broth base with bits of cooked ground meat, mixed with pieces of pale green cabbage, bright orange carrot chunks, and green celery, all topped with scattered fresh dark green parsley leaves. Around the bowl, there are pieces of torn bread and a spoon rests on the teal plate. In the background, another bowl of soup is slightly visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Brown the beef just right

Start by heating olive oil over medium-high heat—this heats quickly and helps create a nice sear. Add the ground beef, season with salt and black pepper, and stir occasionally to break it up. Aim for a nice, golden brown without drying it out. Once done, transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate so it doesn’t get greasy. Don’t rush this step! Browning adds layers of flavor that make the soup sing.

Step 2: Sauté the vegetables till fragrant

In the same pot, reserve about 2 tablespoons of that beef fat (it’s full of flavor). Toss in your chopped onions and carrots and cook for about 2 minutes. Then add the cabbage and garlic and cook for another 3 minutes. The cabbage will soften just enough but still maintain a bit of texture, giving the soup a nice body.

Step 3: Build your broth and season well

Now pour in beef broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, oregano, thyme, and the bay leaves. Toss the browned beef back in. Give it a good stir, taste, and adjust salt and pepper here. Bring everything up to a gentle boil before you add rice.

Step 4: Simmer with rice until just perfect

Add the dry rice to the pot, cover it, reduce the heat, and let it simmer slowly for about 25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The rice soaks up the rich flavors and thickens the soup, but if it gets too thick for your liking, simply add another splash of broth to thin it out.

Step 5: Brighten and finish with fresh herbs

Once the rice is tender and the soup’s thickened to your preference, remove the bay leaves. Stir in fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley for a burst of freshness that lifts the whole dish. Serve immediately while warm.

Top Tip

From my kitchen to yours, here are a few simple tips that help every batch of this cabbage roll soup come out just right. These little insights will save you time and frustration, and ensure your soup tastes amazing.

Browning beef thoroughly: Don’t skip or rush this step—it creates that deep, meaty flavor base.
Saving rendered fat: Use the beef fat for sautéing the veggies instead of fresh oil to boost flavor naturally.
Rice timing: Add dry rice straight into the simmering soup so it perfectly absorbs the broth and tomato blend.
Lemon boost: Wait to add lemon juice right before serving to keep the brightness fresh without dulling during cooking.

How to Serve Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe

Garnishes

I always sprinkle a little extra fresh parsley on top—it adds a lovely herbal freshness and a pop of color. Sometimes I dollop on a spoonful of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt for creaminess, especially on colder days.

Side Dishes

Fresh crusty bread or garlic toast is my go-to side because it’s perfect for soaking up every last drop of this flavorful soup. A simple green salad on the side balances the richness and rounds out the meal nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd or special occasions, I’ve served this soup in mini bread bowls—talk about cozy and impressive! You can also set up a “garnish bar” with shredded cheese, chopped herbs, and sour cream so guests customize their bowls.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I let the Cabbage Roll Soup cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps beautifully for 3 to 4 days. It’s one of those soups where flavors meld and deepen overnight, so leftovers often taste even better.

Freezing

This soup freezes wonderfully. I portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving a bit of headspace because the rice expands. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if it gets too thick.

Reheating

Reheating is best done on the stovetop over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally. This prevents the rice from sticking or drying out. Adding a little broth or water keeps the consistency perfect and fresh-tasting.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use different types of meat for this Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe?

Absolutely! While ground beef is traditional, many swap in ground turkey, chicken, pork, or even a mix. Just adjust seasoning as needed since different meats vary in flavor and fat content.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you check that your tomato sauce, broth, and Worcestershire sauce do not contain gluten additives. Always read labels to be sure.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

You can, but I find the stovetop method gives better texture to the rice and cabbage. If using a slow cooker, add rice halfway through cooking to avoid it becoming mushy. Cook 3-4 hours on low.

What can I serve with this soup to make it a full meal?

Pairing with crusty bread or a simple salad is an easy way to round out the meal. Adding a side of roasted vegetables or a light dessert keeps things balanced and satisfying.

Final Thoughts

This Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe has become one of my all-time favorites because it’s quick enough for weeknights but full of the kind of warmth you want on cold days. It reminds me of family dinners without all the rolling and fuss. I hope you’ll give it a try and find it just as comforting and delicious as I do—trust me, it’s worth every spoonful.