Cozy Stuffed Cabbage Roll Soup – All the comforting flavors of classic cabbage rolls in one hearty, spoonable bowl

Cozy Stuffed Cabbage Roll Soup – All the comforting flavors of classic cabbage rolls in one hearty, spoonable bowl

Cozy Stuffed Cabbage Roll Soup delivers everything you love about traditional cabbage rolls — tender cabbage, savory meat, tomato-rich broth, and warming spices — without the time-consuming rolling. This one-pot soup is hearty, nourishing, and deeply comforting, making it perfect for cold nights, meal prep, or feeding a hungry family. It’s rich but not heavy, packed with vegetables and protein, and tastes even better the next day. If you love old-fashioned comfort food with a practical, modern twist, this soup is about to become a favorite.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Servings: 6 Servings

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

Meat & Aromatics

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
1 medium onion diced
3 cloves garlic minced

Vegetables

1 small green cabbage chopped into bite-sized pieces
2 carrots diced
1 green bell pepper diced

Soup Base

2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 can 28 oz crushed tomatoes
6 cups beef broth or chicken broth

Seasonings

1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf

Grains & Finish

¾ cup uncooked white rice
1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey balances acidity
Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)

Equipment

Large soup pot or Dutch oven
Cutting board
Sharp knife
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups & spoons
Ladle

Method

Step 1: Brown the meat

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 2: Sauté aromatics

Add onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened.
Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Build the base

Stir in tomato paste and cook 1 minute to deepen flavor.
Add crushed tomatoes, broth, salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, thyme, and bay leaf.

Step 4: Add vegetables & rice

Stir in cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, rice, and brown sugar.
Bring to a gentle boil.

Step 5: Simmer

Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 30–35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until rice is tender and cabbage is soft.

Step 6: Final adjustments

Remove bay leaf.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. ❄️

Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Add a splash of broth if the soup thickens (rice absorbs liquid).

Freeze for up to 2 months (texture remains excellent).

🥄 Variations

Low-Carb Version
Replace rice with cauliflower rice (add during last 10 minutes).

Spicy Cabbage Roll Soup
Add red pepper flakes or smoked paprika.

Extra Veggie Loaded
Add zucchini or mushrooms.

Tomato-Rich Version
Add an extra cup of tomato sauce for deeper flavor.

Slow Cooker Method
Brown meat first, then cook everything on LOW for 6–7 hours.

❓ 10 FAQs

Does this taste like cabbage rolls?
Yes — all the classic flavors, just easier.

Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but increase simmer time by 10–15 minutes.

Can I make it ahead?
Absolutely — it tastes even better the next day.

Is this soup thick or brothy?
Hearty and thick, similar to stew.

Can I use ground chicken?
Yes — just season generously.

Does cabbage get mushy?
No — it becomes tender and sweet.

Can I skip sugar?
Yes, but it balances tomato acidity nicely.

Is this kid-friendly?
Very — mild and comforting.

Can I add beans?
Yes — white beans or kidney beans work well.

What pairs well with this soup?
Crusty bread, rolls, or a simple side salad.

🏁 Conclusion

Cozy Stuffed Cabbage Roll Soup is everything comforting, hearty, and satisfying — with all the nostalgic flavor of traditional cabbage rolls and none of the extra work. It’s warm, filling, and perfect for leftovers, making it a reliable go-to recipe for busy nights and cozy weekends alike. One pot, big flavor, and total comfort in every bite.