Cabbage Roll Soup is the ultimate way to enjoy all the cozy flavors of classic stuffed cabbage rolls with none of the fuss. Imagine a hearty, aromatic broth brimming with savory beef, tender cabbage, sweet carrots, and just the right amount of rice—all simmered together for an effortlessly delicious meal you’ll crave all winter long. This recipe takes the nostalgia of grandma’s cabbage rolls and reinvents it in a comforting bowl, perfect for family dinners or easy meal prep. Once you ladle out that first steamy serving, you’ll understand why this Cabbage Roll Soup is such a treasured favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe is chosen for maximum flavor and comfort. From the rich tomato base to the fresh pops of parsley, each element brings a little magic to your pot. Here’s what you’ll need to make Cabbage Roll Soup unforgettable:

Vegetable oil: Just a couple teaspoons helps brown the beef and sweeten the onions for deeper flavor.
Lean ground beef: The hearty protein that makes this soup filling, with just enough fat for juiciness without being greasy.
Salt and pepper: A simple duo to let the other flavors shine! Season your beef well for best results.
Yellow onion (diced finely): Melts into the soup and brings a subtle sweetness as it cooks.
Garlic (minced): A little fresh garlic takes the aromatic profile up a notch—don’t skip it!
Green cabbage (chopped): The star of the show! It turns soft and tender, soaking up all that savory broth.
Carrots (sliced and quartered): These add gorgeous color and a touch of nourishing sweetness.
Low-sodium beef broth: Creates a rich, savory base without overpowering the other flavors.
Tomato sauce (3 cans, 8 oz. each): Gives the soup its lovely tang and that vibrant red color.
White rice (uncooked): Rice thickens the soup and adds that signature cabbage roll heartiness.
Bay leaf: Lends a subtle herbal note in the background—just remember to remove before serving.
Light brown sugar: A spoonful balances the acidity of the tomatoes and deepens the flavor beautifully.
Fresh parsley (chopped): The finishing touch for fresh, herby brightness just before serving.

How to Make Cabbage Roll Soup

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it browns. Season generously with salt and pepper. This is your chance to build the savory foundation for the Cabbage Roll Soup, so let the beef go until it’s no longer pink and just starting to get a bit of color.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Toss in your finely diced onion and minced garlic, stirring everything together. Let it cook for about 2–3 minutes, until the onions turn soft and translucent and the garlic fills your kitchen with that irresistible aroma. This step deepens the flavor and gets those aromatics working their magic.

Step 3: Add Veggies, Sauce, and Broth

Now, it’s time for the main act—stir in the chopped cabbage, sliced carrots, all three cans of tomato sauce, beef broth, and uncooked white rice. Give everything a good stir to make sure the rice and veggies are submerged in the liquid. Toss in the bay leaf and sprinkle over the brown sugar, which will gently mellow the tomato tang.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Bring your pot to a simmer—you’ll see tiny bubbles around the edges. Turn the heat down to maintain a gentle simmer, cover, and let everything cook for about 25 minutes. The rice will plump and the cabbage will be meltingly tender, transforming your pot into a hearty, fragrant soup.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Once the rice is perfectly cooked and the flavors have melded, remove the bay leaf (no one likes a surprise leaf!). Give the soup a taste, adjust salt and pepper if needed, then shower with fresh chopped parsley. That burst of green is gorgeous and brightens every bite. Your Cabbage Roll Soup is now ready to serve!

How to Serve Cabbage Roll Soup

Garnishes

The simplest way to bring Cabbage Roll Soup to life is with a sprinkle of fresh parsley right before serving. If you love a touch of richness, a dollop of tangy sour cream or a grating of sharp Parmesan can make each bowl extra special. Don’t forget a crack of black pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes for just a hint of heat.

Side Dishes

This soup shines beside a slice of crusty bread or a flaky biscuit to mop up every drop. For a lighter meal, a crisp green salad with a vinegar-based dressing is the perfect fresh counterpoint, or try pairing with roasted potatoes if you want to lean into comfort food territory.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the soup in rustic bowls and top with a swirl of sour cream for a beautiful contrast. For a family-style feast, ladle it into a big soup tureen and let everyone help themselves. If you’re feeling adventurous, try baking up tiny bread bowls and fill them to the brim with Cabbage Roll Soup for an unforgettable presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Cabbage Roll Soup will keep beautifully in the fridge. Simply let the soup cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. It should stay fresh for up to 4 days—if the rice absorbs some broth, just add a splash of water or extra broth before reheating.

Freezing

This soup freezes well, making it perfect for meal planning! Cool completely, then ladle into freezer-safe containers (leave a little room at the top for expansion). It keeps for up to 3 months. The rice will break down a bit after freezing, but the flavor remains delicious and comforting.

Reheating

Reheat chilled or thawed Cabbage Roll Soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s thickened up in the fridge, add a bit more broth or water to loosen it. You can also microwave individual servings in bowls, covered loosely with a damp paper towel to prevent splatters.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a fantastic lean alternative and mixes well with the classic flavors. Just be sure to season generously, and you might even want to add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth.

Can I substitute brown rice for white rice?

You can, but brown rice takes longer to cook, so expect to simmer your soup for an additional 15–20 minutes or until the rice is fully tender. Alternatively, cook the brown rice separately and stir it in at the end to avoid overcooking the veggies.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, as written, this Cabbage Roll Soup recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure your beef broth and tomato sauce are certified gluten-free if that’s important for you or your guests.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap the ground beef for a plant-based ground meat or even cooked lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. All the other ingredients stay the same, and you’ll still get that classic cabbage roll flavor.

Why add brown sugar to the soup?

A bit of brown sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes and brings a subtle depth to the broth. It doesn’t make the soup sweet, but just rounds out the flavors for a well-loved, homey taste.

Final Thoughts

Warm, easy, and endlessly satisfying, Cabbage Roll Soup is comfort in a bowl. Whether you’re a longtime fan of traditional cabbage rolls or discovering these flavors for the first time, this hearty soup is sure to earn a spot on your family’s favorites list. Give it a try—you might find yourself making it on repeat all season long!

Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe