Cabbage Roll Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that brings all the delicious elements of traditional cabbage rolls into a comforting bowl of soup. This soup features tender cabbage, ground beef, and rice, simmered in a savory tomato broth. It’s an easy and convenient way to enjoy the classic flavors of cabbage rolls without the hassle of rolling and baking.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
- 3 large carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup uncooked white rice
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Brown the Ground Beef:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
2. Sauté Onions and Garlic:
Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add Vegetables:
Stir in the chopped cabbage, sliced carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
4. Add Tomatoes and Broth:
Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and tomato sauce. Add the beef broth and stir to combine.
5. Add Rice and Seasonings:
Stir in the uncooked rice, dried thyme, dried oregano, paprika, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
6. Simmer the Soup:
Cover the pot and let the soup cook for about 25-30 minutes, or until the rice and vegetables are tender.
7. Serve:
Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.
Tips for Success
- Cabbage: Use a medium head of cabbage for this recipe. If you have a larger head, you may not need to use the entire thing.
- Rice: Use white rice for quicker cooking. Brown rice can be used but will require a longer cooking time.
- Flavor Enhancement: For added depth of flavor, you can deglaze the pot with a splash of white wine after browning the beef and before adding the vegetables.
Variations
- Turkey Version: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter version.
- Vegetarian Option: Use vegetable broth and substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or additional vegetables.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for a spicy kick.
Conclusion
Cabbage Roll Soup is a delicious and comforting dish that brings the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls into a convenient and easy-to-make soup. With its tender cabbage, hearty ground beef, and savory tomato broth, this soup is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the rich and satisfying flavors of this classic dish in a warm, comforting bowl of soup.
