Cabbage Roll Soup (Easy Hearty Soup, 30 Minutes)

This cabbage roll soup is comforting, hearty, and ready in about 30 minutes. It captures all the cozy flavors of traditional cabbage rolls - beef, cabbage, tomato - in a simple, one-pot soup. 👇👇

Cabbage roll soup in a white pot with a soup ladle

Recipe Overview

This cabbage roll soup brings together ground beef, cabbage, carrots, rice, and tomato in a savory broth you can make in one pot.

Quick comfort: Ready in 30 minutes for busy nights.
One-pot meal: Only one dish to clean.
Family favorite: Hearty flavors with no rolling required.
Make-ahead friendly: Tastes great as leftovers.
Versatile: Serve over rice or enjoy it soup-style.

Next up - Recipe Ingredients 👇👇

Ingredients including bowls of chopped cabbage, carrots, ground beef, onion, rice, oil, brown sugar, minced garlic, bay leaves, and cans of diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes and beef broth.

Recipe Ingredients

1 lb lean ground beef
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 cup chopped yellow onion
3 minced garlic cloves
3 cups chopped green cabbage - sliced into thin strips
32 oz carton beef broth
2 medium carrots - chopped small
15 oz tomato sauce
15 oz canned diced tomatoes
½ cup long grain white rice
1 ½ Tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp dried thyme leaves
1 bay leaf

Watch How To Make Cabbage Roll Soup 👇👇

Learn how to build this hearty one-pot cabbage roll soup step by step - no rolling, just comfort in a bowl.

Four images of a white pot, first with raw ground beef, second with cooked ground beef and a folded paper towel, third with chopped onion dumped into grond beef. Fourth with onion and ground beef mixed together.

Step-By-Step Instructions 👇👇

STEP 1: Brown the Beef

Heat a large pot over medium-high and add 1 Tbsp olive oil. Add 1 lb ground beef and cook until no longer pink, breaking it up with a spatula. Drain excess fat (or blot with paper towel).

STEP 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Add 1 cup chopped onion to the pot with the beef. Cook ~2 minutes until it softens. Then stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, cooking another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Three images, first is chopped carrots, rice, bay leaves and liquids dumped into soup pot. Second is the raw ingredients all mixed. Third is cooked cabbage soup.

STEP 3: Add Veggies & Base Ingredients

Add 3 cups sliced cabbage, 2 chopped carrots, 32 oz beef broth, 15 oz tomato sauce, 15 oz diced tomatoes, ½ cup rice, 1 ½ Tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp thyme, bay leaf. Stir to combine everything.

STEP 4: Simmer Until Tender

Bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Lower heat to medium-low. Cook 15-20 minutes or until rice, cabbage, and carrots are tender-but not mushy. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

STEP 5: Taste & Serve

Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust salt & pepper as needed. Ladle into bowls. Serve as is, or spoon over extra cooked rice if you like it heartier.

Variations You'll Love

Ground turkey or pork: Swap the beef for lighter proteins.
Use brown rice: Adds texture, but increase simmer time about 10 minutes.
Add acidity: A splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice brightens it.
Vegetarian version: Omit meat and use vegetable broth + beans for protein.
Spicy twist: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce.

Recipe Tips

Slice thin: Thin cabbage cooks faster and blends well.
Don't overcook rice: It can absorb too much liquid and soak up flavor.
Stir occasionally: Helps prevent rice sticking at the bottom.
Cleanup ease: Use a pot with tall sides so it doesn't spill during simmering.

Fun Serving Ideas

Offer extra hot sauce or crushed red pepper at the table.
Serve with crusty bread or dinner rolls.
Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley or dill for freshness.

How To Store Leftovers

Refrigerate: In an airtight container for 3-4 days.
Reheat: Warm gently on stovetop, adding broth if it thickened too much.
Freeze: You can freeze portions (minus rice) for up to 2 months. Add fresh rice when reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, it's ideal for making ahead. Flavors deepen overnight. Just reheat gently and add more broth if thickened.

Can I omit the rice and add it later?

Absolutely. You can cook rice separately and add just before serving so it doesn't absorb too much or get mushy.

Do I need both tomato sauce and diced tomatoes?

You can use only one if needed. Using both gives a balance of smoothness and texture.

Can I slow cook this?

Yes. Brown meat & onion first, then transfer to slow cooker. Add all remaining ingredients except rice. Cook on low for 6-7 hours and stir in cooked rice at the end.