If you love the comforting flavors of classic cabbage rolls but don’t have the time or energy to stuff, roll, and bake them, Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup is your new go-to recipe. This hearty soup captures all the savory goodness of traditional cabbage rolls—ground beef, tomatoes, rice, and cabbage—without the hassle of individually wrapping the cabbage around the filling. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s as satisfying as the classic dish but far simpler to make, making it the perfect choice for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend meal.
The beauty of this soup is that it brings together all the beloved flavors of stuffed cabbage rolls in a fraction of the time. Instead of laboriously preparing each roll, the ingredients are simmered together in a delicious broth, allowing the cabbage to soften and absorb all the rich flavors. The result is a warm, comforting bowl of soup that’s just as flavorful as the traditional version but with much less work and effort. It’s hearty enough to stand alone as a meal, and it’s sure to satisfy your cravings for that classic cabbage roll taste.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1/2 cup long-grain white rice (or brown rice for a healthier version)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional for extra depth of flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil, for sautéing
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Sour cream (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
- Brown the Ground Beef:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. If using turkey or chicken, ensure it’s fully cooked and browned as well.
- Once the meat is browned, drain off any excess fat (if necessary) and set the beef aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, until it softens and becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the Cabbage and Broth:
- Add the chopped cabbage to the pot, stirring it with the onions and garlic. Let it cook down for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cabbage will soften as it cooks and release some of its moisture.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato paste, and beef broth. Bring the soup to a simmer, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any flavorful bits that may have stuck to it.
- Simmer the Soup:
- Add the rice, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, basil, and smoked paprika (if using). Stir to combine, then cover the pot and simmer the soup on low heat for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the cabbage is tender. Stir occasionally to make sure the rice doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot.
- Season and Serve:
- Once the soup is done, taste it and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking. If you prefer a little more tang, you can add an extra splash of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of vinegar.
- Ladle the soup into bowls, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. For an extra touch of creaminess, you can add a dollop of sour cream on top.
Why You’ll Love Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup:
All the Flavor with Less Work: The best part about this soup is that it delivers all the classic flavors of stuffed cabbage rolls without the labor-intensive process of rolling and baking. The combination of ground beef, tomatoes, cabbage, and rice provides a rich, savory flavor that’s comforting and satisfying.
Hearty and Filling: This soup is incredibly hearty and filling, thanks to the combination of ground beef, rice, and cabbage. It’s the kind of meal that sticks with you, making it a great option for a satisfying dinner that will keep you full for hours.
One-Pot Meal: The entire dish is made in one pot, which not only cuts down on the time spent cleaning up afterward but also helps the flavors meld together beautifully. It’s a quick, no-fuss meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
Customizable: You can easily customize this soup to fit your preferences. If you want to add more vegetables, feel free to toss in some carrots, celery, or zucchini for added texture and nutrients. You can also swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Great for Meal Prep: This soup stores well in the fridge for several days and even tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. It also freezes well, making it a fantastic option for meal prepping in advance.
Tips for Success:
- Use Low-Sodium Broth: To keep the soup from becoming too salty, opt for low-sodium beef or chicken broth. You can always adjust the salt level to taste at the end of cooking.
- Add More Veggies: While cabbage is the star of this dish, you can easily add extra vegetables like carrots, green beans, or corn for more variety. Just chop them small so they cook at the same rate as the cabbage.
- Use Brown Rice for Extra Fiber: If you prefer a healthier version, use brown rice instead of white rice. It will add extra fiber and a nuttier flavor to the soup. Keep in mind that brown rice will take a bit longer to cook, so you may need to extend the simmering time.
- Top with Sour Cream or Cheese: For an extra creamy touch, serve your soup with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese. Parmesan or cheddar work particularly well, adding richness and depth to the soup.
- Adjust the Seasoning: If you love the flavor of Old Bay seasoning (common in Maryland-style cabbage rolls), feel free to add a teaspoon to the soup for a bit of extra spice and flavor. A splash of apple cider vinegar can also enhance the tanginess of the broth.
Nutrition Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: 300-350 kcal
- Protein: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
- Fiber: 4-5g
- Net Carbs: 20-25g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Saturated Fat: 5-7g
- Cholesterol: 60-80mg
- Sodium: 600-800mg (depending on broth and seasoning)
- Calcium: 50-70mg
- Iron: 2-3mg
Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup is the perfect dish for anyone who loves the flavors of cabbage rolls but wants an easier, quicker way to enjoy them. With its rich broth, tender cabbage, and hearty ground beef, this soup is comforting, filling, and packed with flavor. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or whenever you’re craving a warm and satisfying meal. Enjoy a bowl of this cozy soup today, and let it become a new favorite in your recipe rotation!
