Name: The Ultimate Hearty Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: • 1 medium head of green cabbage, cored and chopped• 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey• 1 onion, diced• 3 cloves garlic, minced• 2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice• 4 cups beef or vegetable broth• 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes• 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste• 2 tsp dried oregano• 1 tsp dried basil• 1 tsp paprika• 1 tsp salt• 1/2 tsp black pepper

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Get ready to indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with this Hearty Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe! This soul-satisfying dish is a delightful fusion of tender cabbage, savory ground meat, and a rich, tomato-based broth. Whether you’re craving a cozy night in or need to feed a crowd, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite.

Imagine sinking your spoon into a steaming bowl of this aromatic soup, the fragrant blend of herbs and spices enveloping your senses. The tender cabbage leaves melt in your mouth, while the savory ground meat adds a satisfying heartiness. Each spoonful is a symphony of flavors, transporting you to a cozy kitchen on a chilly day.

What sets this Cabbage Roll Soup apart is the meticulous attention to detail in every step of the process. From the careful selection of ingredients to the precise cooking techniques, every element has been thoughtfully crafted to deliver an unforgettable dining experience. Prepare to be amazed as you dive into this culinary masterpiece!

🌟 Reasons This Recipe Will Become a Favorite

This Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe is destined to become a household staple for several reasons. First and foremost, the flavor profile is nothing short of extraordinary. The perfect balance of sweetness, acidity, and umami creates a depth of flavor that will keep you coming back for more. The combination of tender cabbage, savory ground meat, and a rich, tomato-based broth is a match made in culinary heaven.

Beyond the incredible taste, this recipe is also exceptionally easy to prepare. With straightforward instructions and accessible ingredients, even novice cooks can whip up a batch of this comforting soup with confidence. The hands-off nature of the cooking process allows you to multitask or simply relax while the flavors meld together to create a truly remarkable dish.

🌿 Gathering Your High-Quality Components

• 1 medium head of green cabbage, cored and chopped
• 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice
• 4 cups beef or vegetable broth
• 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

The key to this Cabbage Roll Soup’s incredible flavor lies in the combination of savory ground meat and aromatic herbs and spices. The ground beef (or turkey) provides a rich, satisfying base, while the oregano, basil, and paprika lend a depth of flavor that truly sets this dish apart. Additionally, the tomato paste and diced tomatoes add a vibrant, tangy element that balances the sweetness of the cabbage perfectly.

📖 Follow These Steps for Flawless Results

Brown the Ground Meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef or turkey over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks, until it’s no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Sauté the Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
Add the Cabbage and Rice: Add the chopped cabbage and uncooked rice to the pot. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the cabbage to start to wilt.
Pour in the Liquids: Carefully pour in the beef or vegetable broth, the can of diced tomatoes (including the juices), and the tomato paste. Stir to combine, making sure to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
Season and Simmer: Add the dried oregano, basil, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir to incorporate the spices. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the cabbage is soft.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your preference.
Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the Cabbage Roll Soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream, if desired. Serve hot and savor every spoonful of this comforting masterpiece.

⏱️ Timing Overview

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 35 minutes
• Total time: 50 minutes

👩‍⚕️ A Quick Look at the Nutrition Facts

Nutritional information is an estimate per serving, based on 6 servings.

• Calories: 355 kcal
• Protein: 22 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fat: 10 g
• Fiber: 5 g

🌱 Recipe Adaptations for Every Diet

• For a Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the regular flour, and double-check that your broth and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• To Make it Vegan: Substitute the ground beef with crumbled firm tofu or cooked lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Omit the dairy-based sour cream garnish.
• To Add a Spicy Kick: Stir in a few teaspoons of your favorite hot sauce or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes along with the other seasonings. You can also dice and sauté a jalapeño or serrano pepper with the onions and garlic.

🍽️ Plating and Presentation Tips

• Main Course Pairing: Serve the Cabbage Roll Soup alongside a fresh, crisp salad or a crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
• Garnish Suggestions: Garnish the soup with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of shredded Parmesan cheese for a pop of color and flavor.
• Beverage Pairing: This hearty soup pairs wonderfully with a full-bodied red wine, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. For a non-alcoholic option, a crisp, refreshing lemonade or iced tea would also be a delightful accompaniment.

❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake 1 – Overcrowding the Pan: Resist the temptation to add all the ingredients to the pot at once. Browning the ground meat and sautéing the onions and garlic in batches ensures proper caramelization and prevents the ingredients from steaming instead of searing.
• Mistake 2 – Using Cold Ingredients: Make sure all the ingredients, especially the broth and canned tomatoes, are at room temperature before adding them to the pot. This helps maintain the appropriate cooking temperature and ensures the soup simmers properly.
• Mistake 3 – Not Adjusting the Seasoning: Taste the soup as it simmers and adjust the seasoning as needed. The amount of salt, pepper, and herbs required can vary depending on the specific ingredients used and personal preferences. Don’t be afraid to tweak the flavors to make it perfect for your taste buds.

🥡 Smart Storage for Maximum Flavor

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover Cabbage Roll Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: This soup freezes exceptionally well! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• Reheating: To reheat the soup, simply place it in a saucepan or microwave-safe bowl and heat it over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until it’s piping hot and steaming throughout. The rice may have absorbed some of the liquid during storage, so you may need to add a splash of broth or water to thin it out slightly.

❓ FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked rice in this recipe instead of uncooked rice?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked rice in this Cabbage Roll Soup recipe. If using cooked rice, reduce the amount to 1 cup and add it towards the end of the cooking process, just long enough to heat it through. The timing for the soup will be slightly shorter since the rice is already cooked.

Can I substitute ground pork or turkey for the ground beef?

Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile, and you can easily swap out the ground beef for ground pork or ground turkey. The flavor profile will be a bit different, but the overall dish will still be delicious. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly if using a leaner meat like ground turkey.

How can I make this soup thicker or creamier?

For a thicker, creamier soup, you can stir in a small amount of heavy cream or half-and-half towards the end of the cooking time. Start with 1/4 cup and adjust to your desired consistency. Alternatively, you can blend a portion of the soup in a blender or food processor and then stir it back into the pot to create a creamier texture.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

Yes, you can easily adapt this Cabbage Roll Soup recipe for a slow cooker or Instant Pot. For the slow cooker, simply add all the ingredients to the pot, stir to combine, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. For the Instant Pot, use the sauté function to brown the meat and sauté the onions and garlic, then add the remaining ingredients and cook on high pressure for 15-20 minutes, with a natural release.

How can I make this soup more kid-friendly?

To make this Cabbage Roll Soup more appealing to kids, you can puree the cooked soup in a blender or food processor until smooth. This creates a creamy, velvety texture that children often prefer. You can also serve the soup with fun, kid-friendly garnishes like shredded cheese, crushed crackers, or croutons.

⭐ Final Thoughts on This Amazing Recipe

This Hearty Cabbage Roll Soup is a true culinary masterpiece that will warm your soul and delight your taste buds. The harmonious blend of flavors, the tender texture of the cabbage and rice, and the comforting aroma that fills your kitchen make this dish an absolute must-try. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or a satisfying starter, this Cabbage Roll Soup is sure to become a new family favorite that you’ll crave again and again.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and prepare to be transported to a cozy, flavor-filled haven with every spoonful of this incredible soup. Savor the experience, share it with loved ones, and get ready to bask in the glory of this Hearty Cabbage Roll Soup masterpiece!