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!
Jump to:
Why This Recipe Works
- 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.
- Unstuffed Cabbage Soup is 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.
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
📖 Substitutions & Variations
Here are some easy twists to change up your Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup:
- 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.
- 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.
📖 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!
🔪 How To Make Cabbage Roll Soup
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.
Step Three: Stir in the chopped carrots, shredded cabbage, and rice into the saucepan.
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.
Step Six: Your Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup is now ready to be served. Enjoy!
👩🍳 Expert Tips
- 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!
💭 FAQs
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.
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.
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.
Let the soup cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
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.
When ready to enjoy, thaw the soup overnight in the fridge.
🧂Serving Suggestions
- Pair with Crusty Bread: Serve the soup with a side of warm, crusty bread to soak up the savory broth, adding texture and making the meal more filling.
- Top with Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream on top can add a creamy, tangy contrast that enhances the flavors of the soup.
- Serve with Pickled Beets: The sweet and tangy taste of pickled beets provides a vibrant contrast to the hearty, savory soup.
- Add a Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette will balance the rich flavors of the soup, adding freshness to the meal.
🍽 Related Recipes
Did you make this recipe? Leave a review and a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating below, or tag us in our Facebook Group! Alternatively, bookmark it in your browser or save to Pinterest.
Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup
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
- ½ 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!
Notes
- 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!
