Name: Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 2 Tbsp. Olive Oil; 1 Pound Ground Beef; 1 Onion; 3 Garlic Cloves; 2 Carrots; 2 Cups Cabbage (Chopped); 4 Cups Low-Sodium Beef Broth; 3 8 oz Cans Tomato Sauce; 1/2 Cup White Rice (Raw); 1 Bay Leaf; 1 Tbsp. Brown Sugar; 2 Tbsp. Parsley (Chopped)

If you love cabbage rolls but don’t want all the fuss, this Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup is the answer! It’s hearty, packed with tender cabbage, ground beef and a tomato-rich broth that warms you up from the inside out. Perfect for busy nights when you crave comfort food without the extra work – just one pot, all the flavors, and ready to serve in no time!

Table of Contents

Why Make Unstuffed Cabbage Soup

We love Cabbage Roll Soup because it brings all the comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the hassle! It’s rich, hearty, and packed with tender cabbage, savory ground beef, and a perfectly seasoned tomato broth. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder – easy cleanup and enough to feed the whole family with leftovers to spare. Perfect for those chilly nights when you want something cozy and filling on the table fast!

Ingredients

Olive Oil: Perfect for sautéing, it brings out the flavors of the other ingredients.
Ground Beef: Adds hearty protein and richness to the soup.
Onion: Provides a foundational flavor, enhancing the overall taste.
Garlic: Infuses the soup with a warm, aromatic depth.
Carrots: Offer a natural sweetness and a touch of color.
Chopped Cabbage: Adds texture and volume to the soup.
Beef Broth: Delivers depth and savory notes.
Tomato Sauce: Contributes richness and a tangy base.
White Rice: Makes the soup hearty and satisfying.
Bay Leaf: Imparts a subtle, aromatic layer.
Brown Sugar: Balances acidity with a hint of sweetness.
Chopped Parsley: Brightens with fresh, herbal notes.

How To Make Cabbage Roll Soup

Chopped carrots, onion and garlic on a wooden board.

Step One: Peel the carrots and cut them into small pieces. Chop the garlic finely. Cut the onion into small pieces.

Step Two: In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced beef along with the chopped onion and garlic. Fry until the beef is browned.

Fried minced beef, chopped carrots, rice and cabbage in a pan.

Step Three: Stir in the chopped carrots, shredded cabbage, and rice into the saucepan.

Fried minced beef, chopped carrots, rice, cabbage, broth, and tomato sauce in a pan.

Step Four: Pour in the broth, then add tomato sauce, a bay leaf, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir well. Allow the mixture to cook for about 25 minutes over medium heat, ensuring the flavors meld together.

Step Five: Remove the bay leaf from the soup and sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for added freshness.

Cooked cabbage roll soup in a bowl ready to be served.

Step Six: Your Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup is now ready to be served. Enjoy!

Close up shot of cabbage roll soup in a bowl ready to be served.

How To Nail This Easy Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe

Sauté First: Start by browning the ground beef and onions for extra flavor. This step adds a delicious depth to the soup.
Use Fresh Cabbage: Fresh cabbage gives the soup a nice texture and adds a bit of sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory broth.
Let It Simmer: Give the soup some time to simmer so all the flavors meld together – it makes the soup extra rich and cozy!

Variations

Here are some easy twists to change up your Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup:

Turkey Swap: Go lighter by using ground turkey instead of beef! It’s still hearty, but with a leaner touch. Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a warm, smoky flavor.
Veggie-Loaded: Skip the meat and add diced mushrooms and lentils for a meaty texture without the meat! A splash of soy sauce gives it that rich flavor boost we love.
Spicy Turkey: Switch to ground turkey and toss in some red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for a bit of heat! Top it off with fresh cilantro for a pop of flavor.

How Can I Reduce Sugar In This Recipe?

Skip or Reduce Tomato Sauce: Tomato sauces can sometimes have added sugars. Opt for diced tomatoes or tomato puree instead, or look for no-sugar-added tomato sauce.
Choose Low-Sugar Broth: Some broths contain added sugars, so select a low-sugar or unsweetened variety for a cleaner flavor.
Balance with Spices: Add a bit more garlic, herbs, or a dash of paprika to enhance flavor without extra sugar. This will keep the soup flavorful and satisfying!

Storage And Reheating Instructions

Here’s how to store and reheat your Cabbage Roll Soup for easy meals later:

Refrigerate: Let the soup cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze: To freeze cabbage roll soup, pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some room for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw: When ready to enjoy, thaw the soup overnight in the fridge.
Reheat: Warm the soup in a pot on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through, or microwave individual servings, stirring halfway through for even heating.

FAQ’S

Can I Make Cabbage Roll Soup In A Crock Pot?

Yes, you can use crockpot! Brown the beef with onions and garlic, then add all ingredients to the crock pot. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Can I Use Brown Rice Instead Of White?

Yes, you can absolutely use brown rice instead of white! Brown rice adds a nutty flavor and extra texture to the soup, though it may need a bit more cooking time. Just add an extra 10–15 minutes of simmering, or cook the rice separately and stir it in at the end to keep the soup from thickening too much.

Can I Add Frozen Cauliflower Rice As An Alternative?

Yes, Frozen Cauliflower Rice is a great alternative! It keeps the soup low-carb and adds a nice texture without overpowering the other flavors. Just stir it in during the last 5–10 minutes of cooking—it’ll soften quickly and blend right in.

Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup

Savor the comforting warmth of Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup, a hearty blend of minced beef, fresh vegetables, and rice simmered in a rich tomato broth. This easy one-pot meal is packed with flavor and perfect for satisfying your hunger.

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 35

Total Time 40

Serving Size Servings

Ingredients

2 Tbsp. Olive Oil
1 Pound Ground Beef
1 Onion
3 Garlic Cloves
2 Carrots
2 Cups Cabbage Chopped
4 Cups Low-Sodium Beef Broth
3 8 oz Cans Tomato Sauce
1/2 Cup White Rice Raw
1 Bay Leaf
1 Tbsp. Brown Sugar
2 Tbsp. Parsley Chopped

Instructions

Peel the carrots and cut them into small pieces. Chop the garlic finely. Cut the onion into small pieces.
In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced beef along with the chopped onion and garlic. Fry until the beef is browned.
Stir in the chopped carrots, shredded cabbage, and rice into the saucepan.
Pour in the broth, then add tomato sauce, a bay leaf, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir well. Allow the mixture to cook for about 25 minutes over medium heat, ensuring the flavors meld together.
Remove the bay leaf from the soup and sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for added freshness.
Your Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup is now ready to be served. Enjoy!