This soul-soothing Cabbage Roll Soup is a tribute to the classic stuffed cabbage rolls—but in a simplified, spoonable form. Made with lean ground beef, tender cabbage, sweet carrots, and aromatic garlic and onion, this soup delivers all the nostalgic flavors of a home-cooked meal without the fuss of rolling. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, perfect for chilly evenings, family dinners, or just a moment of comfort. And the best part? It was made by your husband with love, which makes it even more special. Let’s celebrate his culinary win with this full recipe breakdown.
🧂 INGREDIENTS:
- 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
- 1 lb. lean ground beef
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups green cabbage, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, quartered and sliced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter version)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional for depth)
- ½ cup uncooked white rice (optional for a heartier soup)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
🔪 INSTRUCTIONS:
- Sauté the Aromatics In a large soup pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Brown the Beef Add the ground beef to the pot. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if needed.
- Add the Vegetables Stir in the chopped cabbage and sliced carrots. Cook for 5–7 minutes, allowing the cabbage to soften slightly and the carrots to begin tenderizing.
- Build the Broth Add the diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir in the thyme, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce. If using rice, add it now. Bring the soup to a boil.
- Simmer to Perfection Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer for 25–30 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the vegetables are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Taste and Adjust Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or a dash of vinegar if you like a tangy finish.
- Serve and Garnish Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with crusty bread or a side of garlic toast for a complete meal.
💬 Compliments Corner:
- “This looks like a warm hug in a bowl—your husband nailed it!”
- “The colors, the texture, the love behind it… this soup is everything!”
- “Cabbage Roll Soup royalty! Tell him he’s officially invited to every potluck I host.”
- “You can taste the care just by looking at it. Bravo, chef hubby!”