Cabbage Roll Soup That Feels Like Home
This cabbage roll soup takes everything people love about traditional stuffed cabbage rolls and turns it into a rich, comforting bowl of soup. You still get tender meat, flavorful rice, soft cabbage, and a deeply savory tomato base, but without the time-consuming rolling and baking.
It is hearty, warming, and incredibly satisfying. The flavors develop slowly as the soup simmers, creating a balanced dish that feels rustic, nourishing, and familiar. It is ideal for cold evenings, family meals, or anytime you want comfort food that does not require extra effort.
Unlike classic cabbage rolls, this version is straightforward. Chop, simmer, stir, and enjoy.
Why This Soup Works So Well
- One-pot meal with no wrapping or stuffing
- Deep, savory flavor from beef, tomato, and herbs
- Filling enough to serve on its own
- Gets even better the next day
- Easy to customize based on what you have on hand
This is the kind of recipe that feels generous and forgiving, perfect for both busy weeknights and slow weekends.
Full Recipe
Ingredients
- 450 g ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium carrot, grated
- 1/2 head Chinese cabbage, shredded
- 1/2 cup rice, uncooked and rinsed
- 2 liters beef broth
Tomato and seasoning base
- 400 g tomato paste
- 2 tbsp tomato paste, additional for depth
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp sugar
- Juice of 1 lime
Finishing
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- Himalayan pink salt, to taste
- Pepper mix, to taste
Cooking Directions
1. Prepare the ingredients
Chop the onion, mince the garlic, grate the carrot, and shred the cabbage. Rinse the rice until the water runs clear to prevent excess starch in the soup.
2. Brown the beef
Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Add aromatics
Add the onion and garlic to the beef. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in the grated carrot and cook for another minute.
4. Build the flavor base
Add both portions of tomato paste, smoked paprika, thyme, and bay leaf. Stir well and cook for 1 to 2 minutes so the tomato paste lightly caramelizes.
5. Add liquids
Pour in the beef broth, oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and lime juice. Stir and bring to a gentle boil.
6. Add rice and cabbage
Stir in the rinsed rice and shredded cabbage. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender.
7. Season and finish
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the fresh dill just before serving.
8. Serve
Ladle into bowls and serve hot. Optional toppings include extra dill or a spoon of sour cream.
Nutritional Overview (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 22 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Vitamin C: 40% daily value
- Iron: 20% daily value
Ingredient Spotlight
Ground beef
Provides richness and structure. Lean beef keeps the soup lighter, while a beef and pork mix adds depth.
Chinese cabbage
Softer and milder than regular cabbage, it becomes tender quickly and blends smoothly into the soup.
Tomato paste
Creates body and depth. Cooking it briefly enhances its natural sweetness.
Oyster sauce and soy sauce
Add umami and complexity without overpowering the traditional flavors.
Lime juice
Brightens the soup and balances the richness of the tomato and meat.
Fresh dill
Adds a clean, fresh finish that lifts the entire dish.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Reheat gently on the stove over low heat
- Add a splash of broth or water if the soup thickens
- Freeze for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating
This soup often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
Variations to Try
- Vegetarian: Use lentils or mushrooms and vegetable broth
- Spicy: Add chili flakes or hot sauce
- Pork and beef: Half pork, half beef for a richer flavor
- Creamy: Stir in a small splash of cream at the end
- Barley: Swap rice for pearl barley for a heartier texture
Serving and Pairing Ideas
Serve with crusty bread, garlic toast, or cornbread to soak up the broth. A simple cucumber salad with vinegar dressing balances the richness nicely. For drinks, a light red wine or lemon iced tea pairs well.
A Comfort Classic Made Simple
This cabbage roll soup delivers everything comforting about traditional cabbage rolls without the work. It is warming, filling, and deeply satisfying, the kind of recipe that earns a permanent spot in your rotation.
One pot, simple steps, and a bowl that tastes like home.
