There’s something magical about a bowl of cabbage roll soup. It’s warm, hearty, and bursting with flavors that dance on your palate like a well-rehearsed ballet troupe. Just imagine the comforting smell of simmering tomatoes, tender cabbage leaves, and savory meat filling your kitchen, enticing everyone within a three-block radius to come running for a taste.
This delightful dish is not just for chilly winter evenings; it’s perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or whenever you need a cozy hug in a bowl. Each spoonful tells a story of home-cooked love, and trust me, you won’t want to miss this flavor-packed experience.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Cabbage roll soup is incredibly easy to prepare and can be made in under an hour
- The rich flavors blend beautifully, making it the ultimate comfort food
- It looks vibrant and inviting in any bowl, appealing to both kids and adults
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt based on what you have in your pantry!
I still remember the first time I made cabbage roll soup; my friends couldn’t get enough of it. They practically licked their bowls clean!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Ground Beef or Turkey: Choose lean meat for a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.
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Onion: A medium onion adds rich sweetness; sauté until translucent for best results.
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Garlic: Fresh minced garlic enhances the soup’s aroma and flavor profile significantly.
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Cabbage: Use green cabbage for its tenderness; shredded or chopped works perfectly.
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Tomato Sauce: Opt for quality tomato sauce for depth and richness in each spoonful.
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Chicken Broth: Homemade or store-bought broth adds umami; low-sodium versions help control saltiness.
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Rice: Uncooked white rice absorbs flavors beautifully while adding heartiness to the soup.
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Dried Herbs (Oregano, Basil): These herbs uplift the entire dish with fragrant notes and warmth.
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Salt & Pepper: Essential seasoning that brings all the flavors together harmoniously.
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Optional Toppings (Sour Cream): A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and balances the acidity wonderfully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Sauté Your Base Ingredients: In a large pot over medium heat, add ground meat along with chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook until the meat browns and onions become translucent.
Add Cabbage and Tomatoes: Stir in chopped cabbage and tomato sauce. Let it cook down until the cabbage wilts slightly; this should take about 5 minutes.
Pour in Broth and Rice: Add chicken broth along with uncooked rice. Bring everything to a gentle boil; this helps release all those amazing flavors into the soup.
Season Generously: Toss in dried oregano, basil, salt, and pepper according to your taste preferences. Stir well to ensure even seasoning throughout.
Simmer Until Ready!: Lower the heat and let your soup simmer for about 30 minutes. This gives time for the rice to cook through and absorb all those fantastic flavors.
Serve Hot!: Ladle your cabbage roll soup into bowls while it’s hot. Top with sour cream if desired, then enjoy every last bite!
With this recipe under your belt, you’ll be ready to impress family and friends alike! They won’t believe how easy it was to create such a flavorful dish that warms both body and soul. So grab your apron (or just your favorite old t-shirt), turn up some music, and let’s get cooking!
You Must Know
- Cabbage roll soup is a comforting classic that combines flavors beautifully
- The aroma alone can make your kitchen feel like a cozy restaurant
- Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover cabbage
- Your taste buds will thank you for this hearty meal!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the meat and onions together for depth of flavor, then add tomatoes and cabbage, letting them simmer for tenderness.
Add Your Touch
Consider using ground turkey or adding rice for extra heartiness. You can also sprinkle fresh herbs before serving for a lovely finish.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For a richer flavor, let the soup sit overnight before serving; the flavors deepen beautifully
- Always taste before serving; you may want to adjust seasoning
- Don’t skip browning the meat; it’s where all the deliciousness begins!
The first time I made cabbage roll soup, my friends declared it “the best winter warmer.” They even asked for seconds, which felt like winning a Michelin star in my small kitchen!
FAQ
Can I make cabbage roll soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! It tastes even better after sitting overnight in the fridge.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
Ground turkey or chicken works well and keeps it lighter while still delicious.
How do I thicken my cabbage roll soup?
Add a bit of cornstarch slurry or additional rice to achieve your desired consistency.
Cabbage Roll Soup
Cabbage roll soup is a cozy, flavor-packed dish that combines the heartiness of ground meat, tender cabbage, and savory tomato broth. Perfect for family gatherings or a comforting weeknight dinner, this recipe comes together quickly, making it an ideal choice for any occasion. Each spoonful is a warm hug that will have everyone asking for seconds!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups green cabbage, chopped
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium)
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Sour cream for serving
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, sauté ground meat with chopped onions and minced garlic until browned.
- Stir in chopped cabbage and tomato sauce; cook for about 5 minutes until cabbage wilts.
- Add chicken broth and uncooked rice; bring to a gentle boil.
- Season with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper; stir well.
- Lower heat and simmer for 30 minutes until rice is cooked and flavors meld.
- Serve hot in bowls topped with sour cream if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
