Cabbage rolls are a comfort food classic-tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory filling of rice and meat, simmered in a tomato-rich sauce. But let’s be honest: as delicious as they are, traditional cabbage rolls can be time-consuming and a bit finicky to assemble. Enter the hero of our story: Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup.
This dish takes all the cozy flavors of cabbage rolls and transforms them into a hearty, soul-warming soup. No more rolling, tucking, or fussing with leaves-just a big pot of wholesome goodness you can ladle into bowls and enjoy with ease.
It’s the perfect recipe for:
- Busy weeknights when you crave comfort food without the hassle.
- Cold weather days when you want something rich and warming.
- Feeding a family (this recipe makes a generous pot!).
- Meal prep fans-this soup tastes even better the next day.
Let’s dive in.
Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup With Rice Recipe
This soup is essentially a deconstructed version of the beloved stuffed cabbage. Ground beef (or turkey/pork if you prefer) mingles with tender rice, soft bites of cabbage, and a tangy-sweet tomato base. It’s hearty, filling, and the perfect marriage of savory and slightly sweet flavors.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s everything you’ll want to gather before you start cooking:
- Ground beef (or ground turkey/pork) – gives the soup a rich, meaty base.
- Olive oil – for sautéing and adding a touch of depth.
- Yellow onion – finely chopped, builds the aromatic foundation.
- Garlic cloves – minced for that punch of flavor.
- Green cabbage – chopped into bite-sized pieces; the star of the dish.
- Carrots – sliced or diced, for sweetness and color.
- Cooked rice – traditionally white rice, but brown rice works too.
- Canned diced tomatoes – juicy and bright, forming the backbone of the broth.
- Tomato sauce – thickens and deepens the flavor.
- Beef broth (or chicken/vegetable) – creates the soup base.
- Brown sugar – just a touch to balance acidity.
- Red wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar) – brings tanginess.
- Bay leaves – earthy depth.
- Dried thyme – herbal, slightly minty notes.
- Paprika – smokiness and warmth.
- Salt and black pepper – to taste.
- Fresh parsley (optional) – for garnish and freshness.
Cooking Instructions
Here’s the step-by-step process to bring this soup to life:
-
Brown The Meat
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Drain excess grease if needed.
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Sauté Aromatics
- Add onions and garlic to the pot.
- Cook until the onion turns translucent and fragrant.
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Add Vegetables
- Stir in chopped cabbage and carrots.
- Let them soften slightly, about 5 minutes.
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Build The Broth
- Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth.
- Stir in brown sugar, vinegar, thyme, paprika, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
-
Simmer
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce to a simmer and cook uncovered for about 30-40 minutes, until cabbage is tender.
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Add Rice
- Stir in cooked rice just before serving to keep it from turning mushy.
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Taste And Adjust
- Add more salt, pepper, or vinegar as needed.
- Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.
Ingredient Insights
A few notes on why these ingredients matter:
- Cabbage: Green cabbage holds up beautifully when simmered-it stays tender but not mushy. Savoy cabbage works too, but it’s more delicate.
- Rice: Using pre-cooked rice keeps the soup from becoming gluey. Leftover rice from yesterday’s dinner is perfect here.
- Tomato base: The combination of diced tomatoes and tomato sauce strikes a balance between chunkiness and smoothness.
- Vinegar + sugar: This is the secret to getting that ’cabbage roll’ taste. The sweetness mellows the tomatoes, while the vinegar brightens everything up.
- Spices: Bay leaf and thyme add depth without overpowering the dish. Paprika lends just a hint of smokiness.
Expert Tips
Want to really nail this recipe? Keep these tricks in mind:
- Cook rice separately. This avoids over-absorbing liquid and keeps the texture perfect.
- Make ahead friendly. The soup tastes better the next day once the flavors meld. Just add rice fresh when reheating.
- Use a mix of meats. A 50/50 mix of beef and pork makes the soup extra rich and flavorful.
- Don’t skip the vinegar. It’s subtle but crucial-it cuts through the richness and makes the soup taste bright.
- Freeze without rice. If freezing leftovers, leave the rice out. Add freshly cooked rice when reheating.
- Adjust consistency. Want it more stew-like? Use less broth. Prefer it soupier? Add more stock.
Recipe Variations
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Here are some ways you can switch it up:
- Low-carb/Keto: Skip the rice and use cauliflower rice instead. Add it toward the end so it doesn’t get mushy.
- Vegetarian: Swap the ground beef for lentils or plant-based crumbles, and use vegetable broth.
- Spicy twist: Add crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne, or a splash of hot sauce.
- Different grains: Try barley, quinoa, or farro for a nuttier texture.
- Creamy version: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end for a velvety finish.
- Hungarian style: Use smoked paprika and a touch of sour cream for a nod to Eastern European flavors.
Final Words
This unstuffed cabbage roll soup is everything you want in a comfort food recipe: hearty, wholesome, and deeply satisfying, with just enough tang to keep things interesting. It’s the kind of dish that feels like it came from your grandmother’s kitchen-only it’s simpler and faster to prepare.
Plus, it’s one of those magical recipes that works as well for a quiet night in as it does for feeding a crowd. Double the recipe if you’ve got company coming-you’ll be glad you did.
FAQs
What Is Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup With Rice?
Unstuffed cabbage roll soup with rice is a simplified version of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls. Instead of rolling cabbage leaves around a filling, the ingredients are cooked together in a flavorful broth, making it a quicker and easier dish that retains the classic taste of cabbage rolls.
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead Of White Rice In This Soup?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but it will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. It is best to partially cook the brown rice separately before adding it to the soup to ensure it cooks evenly without becoming too soft.
Is This Soup Suitable For Freezing?
Yes, unstuffed cabbage roll soup freezes well. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When reheating, do so gently on the stove to maintain the texture of the cabbage and rice.
Can I Make This Soup In A Slow Cooker Or Instant Pot?
Absolutely. For a slow cooker, cook the soup on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. For an Instant Pot, use the sauté function for vegetables and then pressure cook for 10 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release.
What Are Some Common Variations Of This Recipe?
Variations include adding ground beef, turkey, or sausage for a meatier version, using different grains like quinoa instead of rice, or adding other vegetables such as carrots, celery, or bell peppers. Seasoning can also vary with herbs like thyme, bay leaves, or dill.
How Can I Make This Soup Lower In Calories?
To reduce calories, use lean ground meat or omit meat entirely, use low-sodium broth, and increase the proportion of vegetables relative to rice. You can also reduce or eliminate added oils and serve smaller portions.
How Long Does This Soup Take To Prepare And Cook?
Preparation usually takes 15-20 minutes, which includes chopping vegetables and browning meat if used. Cooking time is generally 30-40 minutes on the stovetop, depending on whether you add pre-cooked or raw rice.
What Type Of Cabbage Is Best For This Soup?
Green cabbage is most commonly used, but savoy or Napa cabbage can also be used. Green cabbage provides a firm texture that holds up well in soup, while savoy or Napa gives a slightly softer, sweeter flavor.
Can This Recipe Be Made Vegetarian Or Vegan?
Yes, it can easily be made vegetarian or vegan by omitting meat and using vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth. You can also add plant-based protein options such as lentils or beans to make the soup more filling.
What Spices And Seasonings Enhance The Flavor Of Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup?
Typical seasonings include garlic, onion, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Fresh or dried herbs such as thyme, parsley, dill, or bay leaves enhance the flavor. Some recipes also add a splash of tomato paste or crushed tomatoes to mimic the classic tangy taste of traditional cabbage rolls.