Craving the comforting flavors of cabbage rolls without all the work? This Cabbage Roll Soup is the perfect solution! Packed with ground beef, tender vegetables, and savory tomato broth, it delivers all the hearty goodness of traditional cabbage rolls in a simple, one-pot meal. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or something to warm you up on a chilly day, this Cabbage Roll Soup will hit the spot. Plus, it’s a slow cooker recipe, which means minimal hands-on time!
Why You’ll Love This Cabbage Roll Soup:
If you love the classic taste of cabbage rolls but don’t have time to make them from scratch, this Cabbage Roll Soup is a must-try. It’s rich in flavor, easy to prepare, and loaded with nutrient-packed vegetables. The slow cooker does all the work for you, making it perfect for busy days. This soup is not only filling and comforting but also versatile—you can easily customize it with different types of broth or add extra veggies for even more flavor.
“This Cabbage Roll Soup has become a family favorite. It has all the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls but without the hassle! It’s a perfect blend of hearty and healthy, with the convenience of a slow cooker.”
Ingredients You’ll Need for Cabbage Roll Soup:
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Cabbage Roll Soup:
Protein Base
- 1 lb Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef (90% lean) for a healthier option.
- 1 Onion, Chopped: Adds depth and flavor to the broth.
Vegetable Medley
- 3 Cups Cabbage, Chopped: A cruciferous vegetable that adds texture and nutrients.
- 1 Cup Green Beans, Cut in Half: Provides a crunchy, vibrant addition.
- 1 Cup Celery, Chopped: Contributes a subtle earthiness.
- 1/2 Bell Pepper, Chopped: Adds sweetness and color.
Tomato Components
- 1 Can (796ml) Diced Tomatoes: Bursting with flavor and nutrients.
- 1 Can (156ml) Tomato Paste: Concentrated tomato goodness that thickens the soup.
Flavor Enhancements
- 1 Teaspoon Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that elevates the dish.
- 3 Cloves Minced Garlic: Infuses the soup with a robust aroma.
Broth Base
- 3/4 Cup (900ml) Broth: Choose vegetable, beef, or chicken broth based on preference.
Rice Addition
- 1 Cup Minute Rice, Uncooked: A quick-cooking rice that provides comfort and texture.
Seasoning
- Salt and Pepper to Taste: Customize according to your flavor preference.
Equipment You’ll Need:
To prepare this delicious Cabbage Roll Soup, you will need the following kitchen tools:
- Slow Cooker: Essential for cooking the soup low and slow, allowing flavors to meld.
- Large Skillet: For browning the ground beef.
- Cutting Board and Knife: For chopping vegetables.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure accurate ingredient amounts.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring the soup.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cabbage Roll Soup:
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Begin by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. This process usually takes about 6-8 minutes. Once the beef is cooked through, drain any excess fat and transfer the meat to your slow cooker.
Pro Tip: For a lighter version, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
While the beef is cooking, chop your vegetables: onion, cabbage, green beans, celery, and bell pepper. Having all your vegetables prepped and ready to go ensures everything cooks evenly and adds a variety of textures to the soup.
“Cutting the vegetables into similar sizes ensures even cooking and makes every bite more satisfying.”
Step 3: Layer the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
In the slow cooker, layer the chopped vegetables on top of the browned ground beef. This method helps maintain the vegetables’ texture, preventing them from becoming too mushy during the slow cooking process.
Pro Tip: For extra flavor, you can lightly sauté the onions and garlic before adding them to the slow cooker.
Step 4: Add Tomato Components
Pour the diced tomatoes and tomato paste over the vegetables in the slow cooker. The diced tomatoes add moisture, while the tomato paste provides a rich, concentrated flavor that helps thicken the broth.
“Tomato paste is a secret weapon in soups—it adds richness and depth without extra liquid.”
Step 5: Pour in the Broth
Add the broth of your choice to the slow cooker—whether vegetable, beef, or chicken, the broth will enhance the overall flavor and create a savory base for the soup.
Step 6: Season the Soup
Season the soup by adding the Italian seasoning, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all the ingredients, ensuring the flavors meld together as the soup cooks.
Step 7: Cover and Cook
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on high for 4 hours or low for 7-8 hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to develop fully and ensures the vegetables become tender and flavorful.
Slow Cooker Tip: If you’re short on time, cooking on high for 4 hours will still give you delicious results. However, cooking on low allows the flavors to deepen even more.
Step 8: Add Rice Towards the End
In the last 15-20 minutes of cooking, stir in the uncooked minute rice. This allows the rice to cook and absorb the flavors of the broth. Check the rice after about 10 minutes to ensure it’s cooked through and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Pro Tip: For an even heartier soup, you can substitute the minute rice with cooked long-grain rice or even brown rice—just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Step 9: Check and Adjust Seasoning
Once the rice is fully cooked, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. This is your chance to customize the flavor to your liking—add more salt, pepper, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately. Consider garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or basil, a drizzle of olive oil, or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor and texture.
“A warm bowl of Cabbage Roll Soup is the perfect comfort food. Pair it with crusty bread for a complete meal that’s both satisfying and nourishing.”
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I make Cabbage Roll Soup ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and the flavors actually improve as it sits. Just reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave when ready to serve.
Q: Can I freeze Cabbage Roll Soup?
A: Yes, this soup freezes well. Store it in airtight containers for up to 3 months. When reheating, you may need to add a little extra broth to maintain the soup’s consistency.
Q: Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?
A: Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative can be used in place of the ground beef for a lighter or vegetarian option.
Serving Suggestions for Cabbage Roll Soup:
This Cabbage Roll Soup is hearty enough to be served as a standalone meal, but here are a few ideas to round out the meal:
- Crusty Bread: Serve with a warm, crusty loaf of bread or garlic toast for dipping into the flavorful broth.
- Side Salad: Pair the soup with a fresh green salad for a lighter option.
- Grated Cheese: Add a sprinkle of Parmesan or cheddar cheese on top for an extra layer of richness.
“This soup is perfect for meal prep! Make a big batch, and you’ll have a nourishing, filling meal ready to go all week long.”
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Cabbage Roll Soup
This Cabbage Roll Soup is a delicious, easy-to-make meal that you’ll love serving on cold days or whenever you’re in the mood for something comforting. Enjoy!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cups cabbage, chopped
- 2 medium Carrots peeled and diced
- 1 cup green beans, cut in half
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1/2 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can (796ml) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (156ml) tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 3/4 cup (900ml) broth (vegetable, beef, or chicken)
- 1 cup minute rice, uncooked
- Salt and pepper to taste