There’s something about cabbage rolls that feels like a warm hug. But let’s be honest—rolling cabbage leaves and layering them with filling can be a little time-consuming, especially on a busy night. That’s where this Easy Cabbage Roll Soup comes in. It takes everything you love about traditional cabbage rolls—ground beef, tender cabbage, savory tomato sauce, and rice—and simmers it all together in one big comforting pot. This soup is hearty enough to be a full meal, loaded with protein, veggies, and grains. It’s a budget-friendly option, and most of the ingredients are pantry staples. Plus, you only need one pot, so cleanup is a breeze. Whether you’re feeding a family, prepping meals for the week, or just craving something warm and filling, this recipe checks all the boxes. Let’s get started by sautéing the basics: onion, garlic, and ground beef. These classic ingredients set the stage for a soup that’s rich, flavorful, and perfect for cold-weather comfort.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 cups green cabbage, chopped
• 2 medium carrots, sliced
• ½ cup uncooked white rice
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Optional: chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

These ingredients come together in a simple way, but the flavor is anything but basic. STEP 1: SAUTÉ ONION AND GARLIC In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant.

  STEP 2: BROWN THE GROUND BEEF Add the ground beef to the pot. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula as it cooks. If there’s excess fat, you can drain it off before continuing. The beef adds heartiness and flavor to the soup’s base.

  STEP 3: ADD CABBAGE AND CARROTS Next, stir in the chopped cabbage and sliced carrots. Cook for about 5 minutes so the vegetables begin to soften. This step helps develop flavor and ensures the cabbage won’t be too crunchy in the final soup.

  ADD THE BROTH, TOMATOES, AND LET IT SIMMER TO PERFECTION Now that your onions, garlic, beef, and veggies are cooked and smelling amazing, it’s time to transform this into the flavorful, hearty soup you came here for. The next steps bring in the broth, tomato base, and rice—everything that gives this Easy Cabbage Roll Soup its cozy, slow-simmered taste without the extra work. STEP 4: STIR IN THE RICE, BROTH, AND TOMATOES Pour in the uncooked white rice, then add the beef broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juice), and tomato paste. Stir everything together so the flavors start to blend. This combination creates a rich, tangy base that mimics the classic cabbage roll flavor you know and love, but it’s all simmered in one comforting pot.

  STEP 5: ADD THE SEASONINGS Now it’s time to layer in the flavor. Add the dried oregano, paprika, and a good pinch of salt and black pepper. You can always adjust to taste later, but this gives you a strong foundation of flavor while it simmers. Optional tip: If you want a little warmth, you can also add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. STEP 6: SIMMER UNTIL RICE AND VEGGIES ARE TENDER Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is fully cooked and the vegetables are soft. As the rice cooks, it absorbs the tomato and broth flavors, helping to thicken the soup slightly and making each bite taste like a deconstructed cabbage roll. STEP 7: FINAL TASTE AND SEASONING Once the rice is tender, give your soup a final taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more salt or pepper if desired, or a touch more oregano if you like a stronger herb flavor. This is also a great time to check the consistency. If the soup is too thick for your liking, you can stir in a bit more broth or water to thin it out slightly. STEP 8: READY TO SERVE Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley if you like. The fresh herbs add color and a light, fresh note that balances the richness of the soup. Serve hot with crusty bread, dinner rolls, or even a dollop of sour cream for extra comfort.

 

FAQS & FINAL THOUGHTS ON EASY CABBAGE ROLL SOUP RECIPE FOR A COZY MEAL

This Easy Cabbage Roll Soup has everything you love about classic cabbage rolls—savory beef, tender cabbage, rich tomato flavor, and hearty rice—all simmered together in one big, cozy pot. Now that you’ve got a batch ready to serve, let’s answer a few common questions and wrap up with why this soup is a keeper for chilly nights, quick weeknight dinners, and beyond. 1. CAN I USE BROWN RICE INSTEAD OF WHITE RICE? Yes, but keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook. You’ll want to add it earlier and possibly simmer the soup 10–15 minutes longer to make sure the rice is fully tender. 2. HOW CAN I MAKE THIS SOUP VEGETARIAN? Simply swap the ground beef for a plant-based ground alternative or cooked lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and you’ll have a delicious meat-free version. 3. CAN I FREEZE THIS SOUP? Absolutely. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. 4. WHAT CAN I SERVE WITH THIS SOUP? Crusty bread, garlic toast, or a side salad pairs beautifully. You can also top it with a little shredded cheese or a spoonful of sour cream for added creaminess. 5. CAN I MAKE IT AHEAD OF TIME? Yes! This soup gets even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. It’s a great make-ahead meal for busy weeks or meal prep. 6. HOW DO I THICKEN OR THIN THE SOUP? If your soup turns out too thick, just add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. If you’d like it thicker, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce.

FINAL THOUGHTS: WHY THIS CABBAGE ROLL SOUP IS A RECIPE WORTH SAVING

This Cabbage Roll Soup brings all the comfort of a traditional family recipe, without the rolling, layering, or waiting. It’s hearty, filling, and packed with wholesome ingredients—perfect for feeding a crowd or freezing for another day. What’s not to love? It’s one of those meals that feels like it took hours, but really came together in one pot with pantry staples and simple prep. Whether you serve it with a sprinkle of parsley or a crusty slice of bread, it’s a bowl full of comfort and satisfaction. If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear what you think! Did you add your own twist? Maybe some extra herbs or spice? Let me know in the comments—I always enjoy seeing how others make these recipes their own. And if you’re craving more warm and easy soups, be sure to check out the collection—there’s a cozy recipe waiting for every kind of night. Print