Here’s a hearty and flavorful Cabbage Roll Soup recipe that takes all the great flavors of traditional cabbage rolls and turns them into a comforting, easy-to-make soup. Perfect for a cozy meal!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or instant)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for a little tang)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Ground Meat:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes).
- Once browned, drain any excess fat and set the meat aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
3. Add the Cabbage:
- Add the chopped cabbage to the pot and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage begins to soften.
4. Add the Tomatoes and Broth:
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and beef broth.
- Add the thyme, basil, paprika, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, until the cabbage is tender.
5. Add the Rice:
- Stir in the cooked rice and simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to heat through.
6. Final Touches:
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightness.
7. Serve:
- Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve hot with some crusty bread on the side!
Tips:
- Make it ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld together. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Rice options: You can use leftover rice or even switch it up by using quinoa or barley for a different texture.
- Vegetarian version: For a meatless version, skip the ground beef and use plant-based crumbles or add more beans, like kidney or cannellini beans, for protein.
This Cabbage Roll Soup is the perfect comforting meal, packed with savory flavors and all the ingredients you love from classic cabbage rolls but in an easy-to-make soup form!