Grandma’s Famous Cabbage Roll Soup (So Easy!)

Introduction

Transform humble cabbage, ground beef, and pantry staples into a big, warm bowl of deliciousness with this Hearty Classic Cabbage Roll Soup! This recipe skips the tedious rolling and delivers all the comforting flavors of cabbage rolls in a fraction of the time. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend meal, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. Get ready for a flavor explosion that’ll warm your heart and soul!

Why This Works

This recipe works because it’s unbelievably easy, incredibly flavorful, and uses ingredients you likely already have on hand. We’re taking all the deliciousness of traditional cabbage rolls and simplifying the process for maximum enjoyment with minimum effort. It’s the perfect balance of hearty and comforting, and cleanup is a breeze!

Key Ingredients

• 🥬 1 medium head of green cabbage, chopped
• 🥩 1 lb ground beef
• 🧅 1 large onion, chopped
• 🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 🍅 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 🥣 6 cups beef broth
• 🍚 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
• 🌿 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 🌿 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 🥄 1 teaspoon salt
• 🥄 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 🥄 1 tablespoon tomato paste

Instructions

1️⃣ Sauté the aromatics: Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

2️⃣ Brown the beef: Add the ground beef to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.

3️⃣ Add the remaining ingredients: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, rice, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.

4️⃣ Simmer the soup: Add the chopped cabbage to the pot. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the rice is cooked through. Stir occasionally.

5️⃣ Serve and enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot.

Handy Tips

• For extra flavor, brown the ground beef with a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce.
• If you prefer a thicker soup, simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
• Feel free to add other vegetables, such as carrots, celery, or diced potatoes, along with the onions.

Heat Control

Maintaining a low simmer is crucial to ensure the cabbage cooks evenly and becomes tender without burning. A rolling boil will cause the cabbage to break down too quickly and result in a mushy soup. Adjust your heat as needed to maintain a gentle simmer throughout the cooking process.

Crunch Factor

While this soup is primarily focused on a comforting softness, you can add a bit of crunch by topping each bowl with freshly chopped parsley or a dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt right before serving.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• Use pre-chopped cabbage to save time.
• For a richer flavor, use homemade beef broth.
• Add a bay leaf during simmering for an extra layer of flavor; remove before serving.

Storage Tips

Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It also freezes well; allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Gift Packaging Ideas

This soup makes a wonderful gift! Package it in a beautiful thermal food carrier or a mason jar decorated with a festive ribbon. Include a handwritten card with the recipe so your recipient can enjoy it again and again.

Flavor Variations

🌟 Spicy Cabbage Roll Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a kick.

🌟 Sausage Cabbage Roll Soup: Substitute Italian sausage for the ground beef for a heartier flavor.

🌟 Vegetarian Cabbage Roll Soup: Omit the ground beef and add a can of drained and rinsed lentils or chickpeas for a protein boost.

🌟 Creamy Cabbage Roll Soup: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or heavy cream before serving for added richness.

Troubleshooting

• Soup is too watery: Simmer uncovered for the last 15 minutes to reduce the liquid.
• Cabbage is too tough: Extend the simmering time by another 10-15 minutes, or consider using a pressure cooker to speed up the cooking process.
• Rice is undercooked: Ensure the rice is fully submerged in the liquid and continue to simmer until cooked through.

FAQ

• Can I use different types of cabbage? Yes, red cabbage or savoy cabbage will also work well.
• Can I make this in a slow cooker? Yes, brown the beef and sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
• Can I add other vegetables? Absolutely! Carrots, celery, and potatoes are all great additions.
• How many servings does this make? This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
• Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef? Yes, but the flavor will be slightly different.

Conclusion

This Hearty Classic Cabbage Roll Soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for chilly evenings and family gatherings. It’s so easy to make, yet bursting with flavor. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do! Don’t forget to share your photos and reviews on Ratemyrecipes.com! We can’t wait to see your creations!