Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup is a comforting, hearty dish that captures all the delicious flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the hassle of stuffing and rolling. It’s packed with tender cabbage, savory ground meat, tomatoes, and rice, all simmered in a rich broth. This soup is perfect for cozy nights or a filling meal any time.
Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium head of cabbage, shredded (about 6 cups)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter option)
- 1/2 cup uncooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 tbsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky flavor)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Brown the Ground Meat:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef (or turkey) over medium heat. Use a wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks until browned and fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat if needed.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
- Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pot with the cooked meat. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant.
3. Add the Cabbage and Tomatoes:
- Stir in the shredded cabbage and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the cabbage begins to soften.
- Add the diced tomatoes (with juices) and tomato sauce to the pot. Stir everything together.
4. Add the Broth and Seasonings:
- Pour in the beef broth and stir in the Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, basil, smoked paprika (if using), and sugar (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the soup to a boil.
5. Simmer the Soup:
- Once the soup reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Add the uncooked rice to the pot and continue to simmer for another 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the cabbage is fully cooked.
6. Taste and Adjust:
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you like a little more acidity, add a splash of vinegar, or if it’s too tart, a bit more sugar to balance it out.
7. Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. You can also serve it with a slice of crusty bread or a dollop of sour cream on top for added richness.
Tips for Success:
- Make it in a Slow Cooker: Brown the meat and sauté the onions and garlic, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Add the cabbage, tomatoes, broth, and seasonings, and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. Add rice in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Substitute with Ground Pork: If you prefer, ground pork can be used instead of beef for a slightly different flavor.
- Add Vegetables: You can also add other vegetables like carrots, celery, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Leftovers: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Enjoy!
Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup is a delicious and cozy meal that brings the comforting flavors of cabbage rolls to your bowl without the work. It’s perfect for chilly evenings and will become a family favorite!