Deconstructed Cabbage Roll Soup: A One-Pot Wonder for Cozy Nights

If you savor the comforting flavors of classic cabbage rolls but find yourself short on time or patience for the intricate rolling and baking process, then this incredible Cabbage Roll Soup is your perfect culinary companion. It’s a true one-pot wonder that masterfully captures every hearty, wholesome essence of the traditional dish—featuring tender, simmering cabbage, richly seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and a robust, savory tomato broth. The best part? It delivers all this incredible taste with significantly less effort, making it an ideal meal for any busy weeknight or a cozy weekend gathering.

This soup isn’t just a meal; it’s a bowl of pure comfort. It’s wonderfully thick, deeply satisfying, and absolutely bursting with flavor, transforming a nostalgic favorite into an accessible, everyday delight. Whether you’re longing for a taste of tradition, seeking a satisfying and low-maintenance dinner option, or simply craving something warm and hearty to chase away the chill, this easy cabbage roll soup recipe is guaranteed to hit all the right spots. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the beloved taste of stuffed cabbage without the fuss, making it a staple in any home cook’s repertoire.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Easy Cabbage Roll Soup

What truly elevates this deconstructed cabbage roll soup is its remarkable simplicity and speed. In less than an hour, with just a handful of readily available ingredients and a single pot, you can have a steaming, flavorful bowl of goodness ready to be enjoyed. This recipe is a dream for meal preppers; the flavors meld and deepen overnight, meaning leftovers are often even more delicious than the initial serving. Imagine coming home to a meal that’s already improved itself!

The beauty of this dish lies in its balance. The tangy sweetness of tomatoes perfectly complements the subtle earthiness of the cabbage and the rich savory notes of the beef. It’s a complete meal in itself, offering protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates all in one comforting spoonful. Serve it alongside a generous slice of crusty bread to soak up every last drop of the broth, or add a dollop of sour cream for an authentic, creamy finish that mimics traditional cabbage rolls. Whether you’re feeding a large family, entertaining guests, or simply preparing a big batch to savor throughout the week, this One-Pot Cabbage Roll Soup is a recipe that consistently delivers on flavor and satisfaction, proving that sometimes, the simplest meals are the most rewarding.

Essential Ingredients for the Best Cabbage Roll Soup

Crafting this flavorful cabbage roll soup starts with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the depth and character of this hearty dish. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why:

• Lean Ground Beef: I typically opt for 80/20 ground beef. This ratio provides an excellent balance of flavor from the fat content without making the soup overly greasy. Leaner options like 90/10 can be used if you prefer, but you might want to add a touch of olive oil when browning to prevent sticking.
• Yellow Onion: Diced yellow onion forms the aromatic base of our soup. Its sweet and pungent notes mellow beautifully as it cooks, adding essential flavor. Sweet onions or even red onions can also be used for a slightly different, but equally delicious, profile.
• Garlic: Please, for the love of flavor, use fresh garlic! Minced fresh garlic offers an unparalleled depth and aromatic quality that jarred garlic simply cannot match. It’s a small effort that makes a huge difference in the overall taste of your soup.
• Tomato Paste: A concentrated burst of tomato flavor, tomato paste adds richness and umami to the broth. A little goes a long way here. Don’t waste leftovers—freeze them in tablespoon portions for future recipes!
• Paprika: This vibrant spice brings a mild, sweet peppery note and a beautiful color to the soup. Remember that spices lose their potency over time, so ensure your paprika is fresh (ideally less than 4-6 months old) for the best flavor.
• Dried Thyme: Earthy and slightly floral, dried thyme is a classic herb that pairs wonderfully with beef and tomato. It contributes to the comforting, home-style essence of the soup.
• Bay Leaf: Adding a single bay leaf infuses the broth with a subtle, aromatic background note that enhances the overall complexity. Remember to remove it before serving.
• Cabbage: The star of our soup! For ideal texture, cut your cabbage into roughly 1/2-inch squares. This size ensures it becomes tender without completely disintegrating into the soup, maintaining that satisfying bite.
• Canned Diced Tomatoes: A 28-ounce can of undrained diced tomatoes provides a chunky texture and a bright, tangy tomato base for the soup. The juices add crucial liquid and flavor.
• Cider Vinegar: This might seem like an unusual addition, but a touch of cider vinegar is key. It brightens the flavors, cuts through the richness of the beef and tomato, and adds a subtle tang that balances the soup beautifully. Don’t skip it!
• Maggi Sauce (Optional): My secret weapon for an extra layer of umami! Maggi Sauce is a seasoning sauce similar to soy sauce but with a unique, savory depth. If you don’t have it, a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce is a good substitute.
• Beef Broth: The foundation of our broth. Use low or no-sodium added beef broth to control the overall saltiness of your soup, allowing you to adjust seasoning to taste.
• Long Grain Rice: Uncooked long grain rice absorbs the flavorful broth as it cooks, becoming wonderfully tender and adding a hearty, starchy component to the soup. Any variety of long grain rice will work.
• Sea Salt and Ground Pepper: Essential for seasoning. Start with the recommended amounts and adjust to your personal preference at the end.
• Fresh Parsley (Optional Garnish): A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds a touch of color and a fresh, herbaceous finish to each bowl.

How To Master This One-Pot Cabbage Roll Soup

Creating this delicious Cabbage Roll Soup is straightforward, requiring just a few simple steps in a single pot. Follow these instructions for a perfect, comforting meal:

1. Brown the Beef and Aromatics: Begin by heating a large, heavy-bottomed soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add your lean ground beef, finely diced yellow onion, and minced fresh garlic. Cook the mixture, using a spoon to break up the beef, until it is thoroughly browned and the onion has softened to a translucent state. This step builds the foundational savory flavor of your soup. Once cooked, carefully drain any excess fat from the pot to keep the soup from becoming too greasy.
2. Build the Flavor Base: Stir in the tomato paste, paprika, dried thyme, and the bay leaf. Cook this aromatic mixture for about 1 minute, stirring constantly. This brief cooking time allows the spices to bloom and the tomato paste to deepen in flavor, enhancing the richness of your broth. Next, add the chopped cabbage to the pot. Continue to cook for another 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage begins to soften slightly. It doesn’t need to be fully tender yet, as it will continue to cook in the broth.
3. Combine and Simmer: Pour in the beef broth, then add the undrained diced tomatoes (including all their flavorful juices), uncooked long grain rice, cider vinegar, Maggi Sauce (if you’re using it for that extra umami kick), sea salt, and ground pepper. Give everything a good stir, ensuring all ingredients are well combined and the rice is evenly distributed.
4. Cook to Perfection: Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a rolling boil. Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer gently for 20-25 minutes. Continue stirring occasionally during this time, especially to ensure the rice cooks evenly and doesn’t clump or stick. The goal is for the rice to become fully cooked and the cabbage to reach a tender consistency.
5. Final Adjustments and Serve: Before serving, check that the rice is perfectly cooked and the cabbage is tender. Carefully remove and discard the bay leaf. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or a splash more vinegar to brighten the flavors. Ladle the hot soup into individual bowls. If desired, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy your hearty, homemade Cabbage Roll Soup!

Visual Step-By-Step Guide

Expert Tips for Success and Delicious Variations

Elevate your Cabbage Roll Soup with these chef-approved tips and explore exciting variations:

• Choose the Right Pot: Always use a heavy-bottomed pot, such as a Dutch oven. This ensures even heat distribution, which is crucial for preventing the soup from scorching at the bottom, especially with the rice.
• Umami Boost Beyond Maggi: If Maggi Sauce isn’t available, don’t fret! A tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce is an excellent substitute, providing a similar savory depth and umami flavor that beautifully complements the beef and tomato.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: This soup is incredibly versatile. For a delicious vegetarian version, simply swap the ground beef for your favorite plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The rich tomato and cabbage base will still shine through.
• The Power of Vinegar: Do not omit the cider vinegar! It’s a small addition that makes a significant impact. The acidity brightens all the flavors, balancing the richness of the meat and tomato and preventing the soup from tasting heavy or one-dimensional.
• Seasoning is Key: Always taste and adjust the seasoning before serving. Salt, pepper, and even a little extra vinegar can be added to fine-tune the flavors to your preference. Remember that flavors deepen as the soup simmers, so a final check is essential.
• Spice It Up: For those who love a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes with the paprika, or a dash of hot sauce when serving.
• Add More Veggies: Feel free to toss in other vegetables like diced carrots or bell peppers during the initial cooking stage for added nutrients and color.
• Herb Alternatives: If you don’t have fresh parsley for garnish, dried parsley or even a sprinkle of dill can offer a pleasant herbal note.

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Make It A Meal: Perfect Pairings for Cabbage Roll Soup

While this Cabbage Roll Soup is incredibly hearty and stands alone as a complete meal, pairing it with certain accompaniments can elevate your dining experience even further. Consider serving it with a thick slice of warm, crusty bread or garlic bread to mop up every last drop of the delicious broth. A fresh, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup. For an added layer of richness and a more authentic cabbage roll feel, dollop a spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top of each serving, or sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese just before serving. A side of cornbread or even a simple side of roasted vegetables would also complement this comforting soup beautifully.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

This Cabbage Roll Soup is an excellent candidate for meal prepping and makes fantastic leftovers. Store any cooled soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. As mentioned, the flavors tend to meld and improve over time, making it even more enjoyable the next day.

For longer storage, this soup freezes wonderfully. Allow the soup to cool completely before portioning it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator or reheat directly from frozen over low heat on the stovetop. If the soup has thickened considerably upon reheating, you can add a splash of water or extra beef broth to achieve your desired consistency. This makes it a perfect grab-and-go meal for busy days.

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Cabbage Roll Soup

Cabbage Roll Soup is a hearty, comforting dish that captures all the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls in a simple, one-pot recipe. Packed with tender cabbage, savory beef, and a rich tomato broth, it’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or a weeknight meal.

Course Soup

Cuisine American

Keyword Cabbage roll soup

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 50 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes

Servings 8 servings

Calories 167kcal

Author Chef Jenn

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 cup yellow onion finely diced
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• ½ tablespoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 4 cups cabbage chopped into 1/2-inch squares
• 14.5 ounces can diced tomatoes undrained
• 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Maggi sauce optional, or Worcestershire sauce
• 6 cups beef broth use low or no-sodium added
• ½ cup long grain rice uncooked
• ½ tablespoon sea salt
• ½ teaspoon ground pepper
• parsley optional garnish, fresh chopped

Instructions

1. Heat a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until browned and the onion is softened. Drain any excess fat.
2. Stir in the tomato paste, paprika, thyme, and bay leaf. Cook for about 1 minute. Add the chopped cabbage and cook for another 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to soften.
3. Pour in the beef broth and stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), rice, cider vinegar, Maggi Sauce (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix everything well.
4. Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil. Stir occasionally, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking.
5. Check that the rice is fully cooked and the cabbage is tender. Remove the bay leaf, adjust seasoning if needed, and ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with parsley if desired and serve hot.

Notes

Chef Jenn’s Tips

• Use a heavy-bottomed pot to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
• If you don’t have Maggi Sauce, substitute with 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce for similar umami flavor.
• For a vegetarian option, use plant-based crumbles and vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Don’t skip the vinegar—it brightens the flavors and balances the richness of the soup.
• Taste and adjust seasoning before serving for the best flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 1.5 cups | Calories: 167kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 35mg | Sodium: 1272mg | Potassium: 568mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 236IU | Vitamin C: 23mg | Calcium: 65mg | Iron: 3mg

A Note on Nutritional Information

Nutritional information for this recipe is provided as a courtesy and is calculated based on available online ingredient information. It is only an approximate value. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site cannot be guaranteed.