As the weather turns cooler and the days get shorter, there’s nothing quite like the comforting embrace of a hearty bowl of soup. Cabbage Roll Soup is a delightful variation on the classic stuffed cabbage rolls, offering all the delicious flavors of the original dish in a simplified, soupier form. This recipe brings together tender ground beef, savory tomato sauce, and a medley of vegetables, simmered to perfection in a rich broth.
I first encountered this recipe during a family gathering, where my aunt prepared it as a warm and satisfying meal for everyone. The soup was an instant hit, with its robust flavors and comforting texture. Watching my family enjoy bowl after bowl of the soup made me appreciate how food can bring people together, create memories, and warm the soul. Since then, Cabbage Roll Soup has become a staple in my kitchen, a go-to recipe for when I want something easy yet delicious, perfect for feeding a crowd or simply enjoying on a quiet evening at home.
Ingredients
2 teaspoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 pound ground beef (I use 90% lean)
1 onion, finely diced
2 teaspoons minced garlic
4 cups coarsely chopped green cabbage
2 carrots, peeled, quartered, and sliced
4 cups beef broth
3 (8-ounce) cans tomato sauce
1/2 cup uncooked long-grain rice
1 bay leaf
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by gathering all your ingredients and preparing them for cooking. Finely dice the onion, peel and slice the carrots, and coarsely chop the green cabbage. This preparation ensures that you have everything at your fingertips and helps the cooking process go smoothly.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Olive oil not only adds flavor but also helps in browning the meat evenly. Once the oil is hot, add 1 pound of ground beef to the pot. Season the beef with salt and pepper to taste.
Cook the beef, breaking it up with a spatula or wooden spoon as it cooks. Continue cooking until the meat is browned and no longer pink, approximately 4-5 minutes. Browning the meat thoroughly adds depth of flavor to the soup.
Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Add the finely diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the browned beef. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. The goal here is to soften the onion and garlic and let their flavors meld with the beef. The aroma of sautéing onions and garlic will fill your kitchen, creating an inviting atmosphere.
Step 4: Add the Vegetables and Liquids
Next, add the coarsely chopped cabbage and sliced carrots to the pot. The cabbage adds a wonderful texture and flavor to the soup, while the carrots contribute a hint of sweetness. Stir well to combine the vegetables with the beef mixture.
Pour in 4 cups of beef broth and 3 (8-ounce) cans of tomato sauce. The beef broth provides a rich, savory base for the soup, while the tomato sauce adds acidity and depth. Stir in 1/2 cup of uncooked long-grain rice, which will cook and absorb the flavors as the soup simmers.
Add 1 bay leaf, which will infuse the soup with a subtle, aromatic flavor. Sprinkle in 3 tablespoons of brown sugar. The brown sugar helps to balance the acidity of the tomato sauce and adds a touch of sweetness to the soup. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Simmer the Soup
Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat. Once it starts to bubble gently, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer for about 25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
Stir occasionally to ensure that the rice cooks evenly and the flavors meld together. If you find the soup too thick, you can add a bit more beef broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
After the soup has simmered and the rice and vegetables are tender, remove the bay leaf and discard it. Stir in 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley for a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens up the soup.
Taste the soup one last time and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately. This soup pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty bread or a simple side salad.
Variations and Substitutions
Ground Meat: Feel free to use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef if you prefer a leaner option. For a richer flavor, you can also use a combination of ground pork and beef.
Vegetables: Add other vegetables like bell peppers, potatoes, or corn to the soup for extra flavor and nutrition. Adjust the cooking time as needed for different vegetables.
Rice: Substitute the long-grain rice with brown rice or quinoa for a different texture and flavor. Note that cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly.
Tomato Sauce: For a deeper tomato flavor, consider using crushed tomatoes or tomato paste in place of some or all of the tomato sauce.
Herbs and Spices: Experiment with different herbs and spices such as thyme, rosemary, or smoked paprika to give the soup a unique twist.
Summary
Cabbage Roll Soup is a delightful and comforting dish that brings the classic flavors of cabbage rolls into a convenient and easy-to-make soup. With its rich beef broth, tender cabbage, and a hint of sweetness from brown sugar, this soup is a true crowd-pleaser. The combination of savory ground beef, vegetables, and rice creates a hearty meal that is both satisfying and nourishing.
This recipe is not only appealing for its flavor and heartiness but also for its versatility. Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting a cozy dinner, or just craving a comforting bowl of soup, Cabbage Roll Soup fits the bill. Its ease of preparation and ability to be customized make it a go-to recipe for any occasion. Enjoy the process of making it and savor the warm, satisfying result with every spoonful.
