Introduction
Ever wished you could have all the deliciousness of cabbage rolls without all the… rolling? Well, wish no more! This recipe transforms humble cabbage, meat, and pantry staples into a hearty, flavorful soup that’s perfect for a chilly evening or a family gathering. It’s so easy, even the littlest helpers can pitch in!
Why This Works
This recipe is a winner because it’s unbelievably simple, yet bursting with flavor. We’re skipping the tedious rolling process, which means less prep time and more time to enjoy the delicious results. Plus, it’s easily customizable to your family’s preferences, making it a true comfort food champion.
Key Ingredients
- 🥬 1 medium head of green cabbage, chopped
- 🧅 1 large onion, chopped
- 🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 🥩 1 lb ground beef
- 🍅 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 🥣 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 🍚 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
- 🥕 1 cup chopped carrots
- 🥔 1 cup chopped potatoes
- 🫙 6 cups beef broth
- 🌿 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 🌿 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 🧂 Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1️⃣ In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.
2️⃣ Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3️⃣ Stir in the chopped cabbage, carrots, and potatoes. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4️⃣ Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Add the rice, thyme, and oregano. Season generously with salt and pepper.
5️⃣ Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the rice is cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6️⃣ Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. You might want to add a little more salt, pepper, or even a dash of hot sauce for a kick!
7️⃣ Serve hot and enjoy!
Handy Tips
- For extra flavor, sauté the onions and garlic in a little bacon grease instead of oil.
- If you don’t have fresh herbs, you can use 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning instead of the thyme and oregano.
- Feel free to add other vegetables you love, like celery, green beans, or zucchini.
Heat Control
Simmering the soup over low heat ensures that the cabbage cooks evenly and becomes tender without burning. This gentle heat also allows the flavors to meld beautifully. If the soup boils too vigorously, reduce the heat immediately to prevent it from becoming watery or sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Crunch Factor
While the cabbage softens beautifully in this soup, you can add a little crunch by serving it with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Some people enjoy adding a handful of chopped fresh green onions for extra bite.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For a richer flavor, use homemade beef broth instead of store-bought.
- Add a bay leaf during the simmering process for an extra layer of depth. Remove before serving.
- For a quicker meal, use pre-chopped vegetables to save time.
Storage Tips
Leftover cabbage roll soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s even better the next day! Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This soup makes a wonderful and thoughtful gift, especially during the colder months. Package it in a festive thermos or a beautiful, reusable container tied with a ribbon. Include a handwritten recipe card for a personal touch.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy Cabbage Roll Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
🌟 Sausage Cabbage Roll Soup: Substitute Italian sausage for the ground beef for a different flavor profile.
🌟 Vegetarian Cabbage Roll Soup: Omit the ground beef and add a can of drained and rinsed lentils or chickpeas for a hearty vegetarian version.
🌟 Creamy Cabbage Roll Soup: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese before serving for a richer, creamier texture.
Troubleshooting
- Soup is too watery: Simmer uncovered for a longer period to allow excess liquid to evaporate.
- Cabbage is not tender: Continue simmering for a longer period, or add a little more broth to help it soften.
- Rice is mushy: This is less likely with long-grain rice, but if this happens, don’t overcook. You may have used a different type of rice.
FAQ
Q: Can I use other types of cabbage? A: Yes, you can use savoy cabbage or Napa cabbage as well.
Q: Can I freeze this soup? A: Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
Q: How long does it take to make? A: Prep time is about 20 minutes, and cooking time is around 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your stove and how tender you like your cabbage.
Q: Can I use different types of meat? A: Absolutely! Ground turkey or pork would work well too.
Conclusion
This Grandma’s Cozy Cabbage Roll Soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! It’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. Give it a try and let us know what you think! Don’t forget to share your photos on social media using #GrandmasCabbageRollSoup!
Cozy Cabbage Roll Soup: A Family Favorite
A warm and hearty soup filled with flavors reminiscent of traditional cabbage rolls, perfect for chilly nights.
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of green cabbage, chopped
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups beef or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground beef or turkey until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot, cooking until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the chopped cabbage and cook for about 5 minutes until slightly wilted.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, broth, rice, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is cooked and the cabbage is tender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Tips
- For added flavor, you can sautu00e9 the garlic and onions in olive oil before adding the meat.
- This soup can be made ahead of time and tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.