If you love all the cozy flavors of a traditional cabbage roll but want something quicker and easier to make, then you are going to adore this Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe. It captures all the richness of the classic dish—the tender cabbage, savory ground meat, tangy tomato broth, and comforting rice—but in a warm, hearty soup form that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Every spoonful delivers that nostalgic taste you crave without the fuss of rolling individual cabbage leaves. This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that’s simple, nourishing, and luscious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this soup is delightfully straightforward. Each component works together to bring out the familiar flavors and satisfying texture that make the Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe so comforting and delicious.
- Olive oil: Provides a light, fruity foundation for sautéing the meat and veggies without overpowering their natural flavors.
- Ground beef or turkey: Adds hearty, savory protein that gives this soup its classic meaty richness.
- Onion (diced): Brings a subtle sweetness and depth to the broth once softened.
- Garlic (minced): Offers warm, aromatic notes that enhance every spoonful.
- Green cabbage (chopped): This star ingredient adds wonderful texture and that unmistakable cabbage roll essence.
- Carrots (peeled and diced): Introduce a natural sweetness and vibrant color to brighten the dish.
- Diced tomatoes (canned): Contribute juicy, tangy bursts of flavor while thickening the broth slightly.
- Tomato sauce (canned): Creates a smooth, rich tomato base that ties all the ingredients together.
- Beef or chicken broth: Forms the savory, herb-infused liquid that carries all the flavors.
- Uncooked white rice: Gives the soup a comforting, chewy bite and enhances its filling nature.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds a subtle umami kick and depth that elevates the overall taste.
- Dried oregano: Delivers a fragrant, slightly peppery herbal note to the broth.
- Paprika: Contributes a mild smokiness and warm color to the soup.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors to your liking.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A bright, fresh garnish that adds a pop of color and subtle freshness when served.
How to Make Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add your ground beef or turkey, breaking it apart with your spoon or spatula while cooking it evenly until nicely browned, about 5 to 6 minutes. This step creates the savory foundation of the soup and builds great flavor through caramelization. If there’s excess fat, draining it ensures your soup won’t be greasy.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Next, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic releases its wonderful aroma. This softening process unlocks sweeter, more mellow flavors and rounds out the complexity of the broth.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables
Now it’s time to add chopped green cabbage and diced carrots. Stir them into the pot and let everything cook together for about 5 minutes. The cabbage will start to wilt just enough to become tender yet still retain a bit of texture, while the carrots add a slight crunch and sweetness that balance the savoriness of the meat.
Step 4: Build the Soup Base
You’ll then pour in the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, creating that signature rich and tangy flavor base. Immediately follow with the broth, uncooked rice, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Give everything a good stir to combine all those layers of flavor before bringing the soup to a boil.
Step 5: Simmer Until Perfect
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer gently for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the cabbage is fully cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and check seasoning, adjusting salt and pepper to suit your palate. This simmering melds all the ingredients into a harmonious and warming meal.
How to Serve Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your bowl, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a bright, herbaceous finish that cuts through the richness and adds a fresh visual appeal. If you want to add a creamy element, a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese also pairs delightfully well.
Side Dishes
This soup shines on its own but is wonderful alongside crusty bread or warm dinner rolls for dipping up every last flavorful drop. A simple green salad or roasted vegetables can also round out your meal for extra textures and colors at the table.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in rustic bowls or even hollowed-out bread bowls for a fun twist that doubles as an edible serving dish. You can also offer toppings like extra cheese, red pepper flakes, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to customize each bowl for your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain its fresh flavor and prevent any absorption of other fridge odors.
Freezing
If you’d like to enjoy this soup later, it freezes exceptionally well. Cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags. Label and freeze for up to 3 months. Keep in mind that rice can sometimes change texture slightly after freezing, but the soup will still taste delicious.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat until steaming hot, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of broth or water can help loosen the soup if it thickened in the fridge. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
FAQs
Can I substitute ground turkey for ground beef in this soup?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works wonderfully and makes the soup a bit leaner while maintaining the rich flavor and satisfying texture.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, this Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe is naturally gluten-free as it contains no wheat-based ingredients. Just double-check your broth and Worcestershire sauce labels to ensure they’re gluten-free.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but keep in mind brown rice takes longer to cook. You may need to simmer the soup a bit longer or pre-cook the rice before adding it to ensure it becomes tender.
How spicy is this soup?
This recipe is mild and comforting by default, but you can easily add red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or cayenne pepper if you prefer some heat.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Definitely! Brown the meat and sauté the vegetables first, then combine everything in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the rice and cabbage are tender.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the cozy, satisfying taste of a home-cooked soup, and this Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe delivers all those warm, comforting flavors with ease and simplicity. Whether you’re craving a nostalgic classic or a wholesome meal that’s easy to make, this soup is sure to become a new family favorite. So grab your pot, gather those fresh ingredients, and dive in—comfort food perfection is just a simmer away!
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Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Eastern European-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup is a comforting and hearty one-pot meal inspired by traditional Eastern European cabbage rolls. This easy-to-make soup features ground beef or turkey, tender cabbage, carrots, tomatoes, and rice simmered in a flavorful broth with aromatic herbs and spices. Perfect for a nutritious and warming dinner, this gluten-free soup offers all the delicious flavors of cabbage rolls without the hassle of rolling.
Ingredients
Soup Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chopped green cabbage
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef or chicken broth
- ½ cup uncooked white rice
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil and brown the meat: In a large pot over medium heat, add the olive oil. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5 to 6 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté onions and garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the onions are softened and fragrant.
- Add cabbage and carrots: Stir in the chopped cabbage and diced carrots. Cook for about 5 minutes until the cabbage begins to wilt.
- Add liquids and seasonings: Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth. Add the uncooked rice, Worcestershire sauce, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the soup: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the cabbage is fully cooked. Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- For a lower-carb version, substitute cauliflower rice instead of white rice.
- This soup freezes well—allow it to cool completely, then store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- Use either ground beef or ground turkey based on preference or dietary needs.
- Leftover soup tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen.
