There's nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of soup on a chilly day, and this Hearty Beef & Rice Cabbage Roll Soup is the epitome of comfort food! Imagine all the beloved flavors of traditional cabbage rolls – tender beef, rice, and cabbage simmered in a rich tomato broth – but without all the fuss of rolling. It's truly a one-pot wonder that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
This recipe transforms a classic dish into an approachable weeknight meal that the whole family will adore. It's packed with savory beef, wholesome rice, and plenty of nutrient-rich cabbage, all swimming in a deliciously seasoned tomato base. Get ready to cozy up with a bowl of this incredible soup – you won't regret it!
Why You'll Love This Hearty Cabbage Roll Soup
This soup isn't just a meal; it's a hug in a bowl! Here are a few reasons why it's destined to become a staple in your kitchen:
- Easy & Convenient: Forget the tedious rolling! This deconstructed version captures all the essence of cabbage rolls in a simple, stir-and-simmer format.
- Wholesome & Filling: Packed with lean ground beef, rice, and vegetables, it's a complete meal that will keep you satisfied.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with common, affordable ingredients, it's an economical way to feed a crowd.
- Incredible Flavor: The combination of seasoned beef, sweet cabbage, and a savory tomato broth creates a depth of flavor that's both nostalgic and incredibly delicious.
- Freezer-Friendly: It tastes even better the next day, and leftovers freeze beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep.
Key Ingredients for Flavorful Cabbage Roll Soup
The beauty of this soup lies in its straightforward ingredients that come together to create a complex taste:
Choosing Your Beef
We recommend using lean ground beef (90/10 or 85/15) for this recipe. It provides rich flavor without making the soup overly greasy. If you use a higher fat content, be sure to drain off any excess grease after browning the meat for a cleaner finish.
The Power of Cabbage
Green cabbage is the star here! When chopped and simmered, it softens beautifully, absorbing all the wonderful flavors of the broth. Don't be shy with the amount – it cooks down more than you might expect.
Aromatic Base
Onion and garlic form the foundational aromatics, building a deep, savory base for the soup. A quality chef's knife makes quick work of chopping these ingredients finely.
Tomatoes & Broth
Fire-roasted diced tomatoes add a smoky depth, while classic tomato sauce provides a rich, smooth body. Combined with robust beef broth, these liquids create the perfect tangy and savory base.
Rice for Heartiness
Uncooked white rice, such as jasmine, cooks directly in the soup, thickening it slightly and adding a satisfying heartiness. It's best to add the rice later in the cooking process to prevent it from becoming overly soft.
Tips for the Perfect Cabbage Roll Soup
- Don't Rush Browning the Beef: Ensure your ground beef is nicely browned before adding other ingredients. This creates a rich flavor foundation.
- Season Generously: Taste and adjust your salt and pepper as the soup simmers. The flavors will deepen, so an initial seasoning, followed by an adjustment at the end, is key.
- Chop Evenly: Aim for roughly uniform pieces of cabbage, onion, and garlic for even cooking.
- Let it Simmer: The longer the soup simmers (within reason), the more the flavors will meld and intensify.
- Rest Before Serving: A short rest after cooking allows the flavors to settle and the rice to fully absorb the broth.
Variations to Try
Feel free to customize this soup to your liking:
- Add Vegetables: Stir in some shredded carrots, bell peppers, or a handful of spinach during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Smoky Flavor: A teaspoon of liquid smoke or a pinch of smoked paprika can enhance the smoky notes.
- Creamy Touch: For a richer soup, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream right before serving.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with fresh dill or parsley as a garnish for a brighter flavor.
- Spice it Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a lovely warmth.
Whether you're looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a comforting meal to share, this Hearty Beef & Rice Cabbage Roll Soup is an absolute winner. It's simple, satisfying, and bursting with flavor. Enjoy!
FAQs
Can I freeze Hearty Beef & Rice Cabbage Roll Soup?
Yes, this soup freezes beautifully! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers or freezer-safe bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
What type of rice is best for cabbage roll soup?
Long-grain white rice, such as jasmine or basmati, works very well as it holds its shape and texture in the soup. You can also use medium-grain white rice. Avoid instant rice as it can become mushy, and brown rice may require a longer cooking time.
How can I make this cabbage roll soup spicier?
To add a kick, you can include a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic and onion, or stir in a dash of hot sauce right before serving. A small amount of diced jalapeu00f1o or a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies could also enhance the heat.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for lean ground beef to make a lighter version of the soup. Ensure you cook it thoroughly and drain any excess fat before proceeding with the recipe. The flavor profile will be slightly different but still delicious.
Hearty Beef & Rice Cabbage Roll Soup
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Diet: Comfort Food
Description
Enjoy all the comforting flavors of classic cabbage rolls in an easy, deconstructed, one-pot soup perfect for a cozy meal.
Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef
1/2 medium onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups chopped cabbage
1 (14 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (28 ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes with juices
4 cups beef broth
1 cup water
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2/3 cup uncooked white rice (such as jasmine)
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat.
Step 2: Add the chopped onion to the pot with the beef and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Stir in the chopped cabbage, tomato sauce, fire-roasted diced tomatoes (with their juices), beef broth, water, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 4: Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender.
Step 5: Stir in the uncooked white rice. Continue to simmer, covered, for another 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender. If the soup becomes too thick, you can add a little more water or beef broth.
Step 6: Season the soup generously with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle hot into bowls and serve immediately. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
For a bit of freshness, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving. This soup is even better the next day!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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