Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe – Cozy Comfort Food in a Bowl

Warm Up With the Ultimate Comfort Food Soup

There’s something magical about a steaming bowl of soup on a chilly day, especially when it captures all the flavors of a beloved classic. Cabbage roll soup brings together everything we love about traditional stuffed cabbage rolls but in a much simpler, soupier format. Imagine tender ground beef and pork mingling with hearty rice and cabbage in a rich tomato broth that’s been seasoned to perfection. This is the kind of meal that doesn’t just fill your belly—it comforts your soul.

Why This Cabbage Roll Soup Is Special

What makes this cabbage roll soup stand out is how it manages to be both incredibly satisfying and surprisingly easy to prepare. While traditional cabbage rolls require meticulous rolling and careful cooking, this soup version delivers all the same comforting flavors with minimal effort. The combination of ground meats creates a richer flavor profile than using just one type, while the rice cooks right in the broth, absorbing all those delicious tomato and spice notes.

One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or preparing a cozy weekend meal, this soup adapts beautifully. It’s the perfect solution when you’re craving something hearty but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. The aroma alone as it simmers will have your family gathering in the kitchen, eagerly awaiting dinner.

Gathering Your Ingredients

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s make sure we have everything we need. The beauty of this cabbage roll soup lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients. You’ll need one large onion, diced fine to melt into the broth, and three cloves of garlic minced to release their aromatic qualities. For the protein, we use a pound of lean ground beef and half a pound of lean ground pork—this combination creates a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible.

The star vegetable is, of course, a medium head of cabbage. Look for one that feels heavy for its size with crisp, vibrant leaves. You’ll need to remove the core and chop it into bite-sized pieces—about eight cups worth. For the liquid components, we use canned diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato paste for concentrated flavor, four cups of beef broth, and about a cup and a half of vegetable juice like V8 for extra vegetable goodness.

The seasoning blend is what really makes this soup sing. Paprika adds warmth, dried thyme brings earthy notes, Worcestershire sauce contributes that umami depth, and a bay leaf infuses the entire pot with its distinctive aroma. Don’t forget salt and black pepper to taste—these basic seasonings are crucial for balancing all the flavors.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Building the Flavor Base

Start by heating a large pot over medium-high heat. Add your diced onion and minced garlic along with the ground beef and pork. As the meats brown, they’ll release their fats, which will cook the onions and garlic to perfection. The sizzle and aroma at this stage are absolutely heavenly. Once everything is nicely browned, take a moment to drain any excess fat—this keeps the soup from being too greasy while still preserving all that wonderful flavor.

Step 2: Adding the Cabbage

Now it’s time to introduce the cabbage to the party. Stir in your chopped cabbage and let it cook for about three minutes until it begins to soften slightly. You’ll notice the volume reducing as the cabbage wilts, making room for all the other ingredients. This quick cooking step helps the cabbage release some of its natural sweetness while still maintaining a pleasant texture in the finished soup.

Step 3: Bringing It All Together

This is where the magic really happens. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, vegetable juice, uncooked rice, paprika, thyme, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine—you want to make sure the tomato paste is fully incorporated and the spices are evenly distributed. The transformation as all these ingredients come together is remarkable. The colors deepen, the aroma intensifies, and you can practically taste the comfort that’s about to be served.

Step 4: The Simmering Process

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently. This is the patient part—about twenty-five to thirty minutes of waiting while the rice cooks and all the flavors meld together beautifully. Resist the temptation to lift the lid too often—you want to maintain that steady, gentle simmer that works its magic on every ingredient.

Step 5: The Final Touch

After your soup has simmered to perfection, there’s just one important step left. Remove the bay leaf—it’s done its job infusing flavor and should be discarded. Give the soup a final taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Sometimes the rice absorbs more salt than expected, so a little extra seasoning at this stage can make all the difference.

Tips for Soup Success

Cooking this cabbage roll soup is straightforward, but a few expert tips can take it from good to extraordinary. First, don’t rush the browning stage—getting a good sear on the meats builds foundational flavor. Second, when adding the rice, make sure it’s uncooked and use long grain varieties for the best texture. They hold their shape beautifully in soup without becoming mushy.

If you find your soup thickening too much as it sits, you can always add a bit more broth or water to reach your preferred consistency. Conversely, if it seems too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce. Remember that soups often taste even better the next day after the flavors have had more time to develop.

Customizing Your Cabbage Roll Soup

One of the joys of soup is how adaptable it can be. If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can substitute the ground meats with plant-based alternatives or additional vegetables like mushrooms. For a different grain, try using barley instead of rice—it adds a wonderful chewiness and nutty flavor. If you like a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can add just the right amount of kick.

Feel free to play with the vegetable combinations too. Some finely chopped carrots added with the onions add sweetness and color. A bit of celery brings its distinctive fresh flavor. The beauty of this recipe is that it welcomes personal touches while still delivering that classic cabbage roll experience.

Serving Suggestions

This cabbage roll soup is a complete meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with simple sides. A crusty piece of bread for dipping is practically mandatory—there’s nothing better than sopping up that delicious broth. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a fresh contrast to the rich soup. For a truly cozy meal, serve it alongside grilled cheese sandwiches—the combination is pure comfort.

When serving, ladle the soup into deep bowls that will hold the heat. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream if you’re feeling indulgent. The creamy tang of sour cream cuts through the richness of the soup beautifully. Whatever you choose, serve it hot and watch as everyone gathers around the table for this comforting bowl of goodness.

The Joy of Homemade Soup

There’s something truly special about making soup from scratch. The process of building flavors layer by layer, the aroma that fills your home, the satisfaction of creating something nourishing and delicious—it’s one of life’s simple pleasures. This cabbage roll soup embodies everything wonderful about home cooking. It’s practical enough for busy weeknights yet special enough for weekend gatherings.

As you sit down to enjoy your creation, take a moment to appreciate the comfort you’ve cooked up. Each spoonful brings warmth not just to your body but to your spirit. This is more than just food—it’s a hug in a bowl, a reminder of simpler times, and a testament to the power of good, honest cooking. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, this cabbage roll soup is sure to become a cherished addition to your recipe collection.