✨ Enjoy all the savory, tangy, and hearty flavors of traditional cabbage rolls, without the rolling! This easy-to-make, one-pot soup is perfect for cozy nights and meal prepping.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil – For sautéing the meat and vegetables, adding richness and flavor.
• 1 lb ground beef or turkey (or a mix) – Beef adds a hearty, savory flavor, but turkey is a leaner alternative. Feel free to use your preferred protein!
• 1 medium onion, diced – Adds depth of flavor and a slight sweetness when cooked.
• 2 garlic cloves, minced – Garlic provides aromatic richness.
• 1 small head of cabbage, chopped (about 6–8 cups) – The heart of the recipe, providing texture and sweetness. Chop finely to make it easy to eat in a soup.
• 2 medium carrots, diced – Adds sweetness and crunch.
• 4 cups beef or chicken broth – The base of your soup. Beef broth adds richness, while chicken broth is lighter.
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices) – Provides acidity and tang, making the soup flavorful and balanced.
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce – Deepens the tomato flavor and gives the soup a slight thickness.
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – Adds umami and a subtle tang.
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional) – Smoky depth and flavor, optional but recommended for complexity.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme – For an earthy herbal note that complements the cabbage.
• Salt and black pepper, to taste – Essential for balancing and enhancing the soup’s flavors.

For the Rice:

• 1/2 cup uncooked white or brown rice (or 1 cup cooked rice) – White rice is quicker to cook, but brown rice adds more chew and nutrients. If you have cooked rice on hand, add it near the end of cooking to avoid overcooking.

Optional Garnishes:

• Chopped fresh parsley or dill – Fresh herbs to brighten the soup and add color. Dill pairs especially well with cabbage.
• A dollop of sour cream – Adds a creamy, tangy contrast to the soup’s richness.
• Crusty bread for serving – Ideal for dipping and completing the meal.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Meat

• Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. You’ll want a large pot to accommodate all the ingredients comfortably.
• Add the ground meat and cook, breaking it up into crumbles with a wooden spoon or spatula.
  • Ground beef will release more fat, which adds flavor, while ground turkey is leaner but still tasty.
• Once the meat is browned and fully cooked, drain any excess grease from the pot to keep the soup from being greasy. Set the meat aside.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

• Add the diced onion to the pot. Cook for 3–5 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent. This brings out its natural sweetness.
• Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Garlic cooks quickly, so you only need to sauté it until fragrant, which should only take about a minute. Be careful not to burn it, as it can turn bitter.

Step 3: Build the Soup

• Add the chopped cabbage, diced carrots, tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir everything to combine, ensuring that the ingredients are evenly distributed.
  • Cabbage should cook down significantly, so don’t worry if it looks like a lot at first.
• Bring the soup to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low to simmer gently.
• Cover the pot and let it simmer for 20 minutes. This will allow the vegetables to soften and meld with the flavors of the broth. Stir occasionally to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom.

Step 4: Add the Rice

• Stir in the uncooked rice and continue simmering for another 20–25 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and tender.
  • The rice will absorb some of the broth, making the soup thicker and heartier.
• If using cooked rice, add it in the last 5 minutes of cooking to warm it through without overcooking it.

Step 5: Taste and Adjust

• After cooking, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. This is the time to make sure it’s perfectly balanced.
• If you’d like more depth of flavor, a splash of vinegar or a pinch of smoked paprika can take it to the next level.

Step 6: Serve

• Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill.
• Top each bowl with a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess, or serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping and a complete meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pot Wonder: All the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls, but no rolling or stuffing required!
• Hearty and Filling: Packed with meat, cabbage, carrots, rice, and tomatoes, this soup is a meal in itself.
• Customizable: Swap the ground meat for turkey or chicken, or opt for quinoa or cauliflower rice instead of regular rice for a lower-carb version.

Pro Tips for Success

1. Make It Ahead: The flavors meld and deepen as the soup sits, so it’s even better the next day!
2. Freeze It: If you’re making a large batch, leave out the rice and freeze the soup base. When you’re ready to serve, simply add fresh rice when reheating.
3. Add a Kick: For a spicy twist, toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. Adjust the heat to your liking.

This Hearty Cabbage Roll Soup is truly a one-pot meal that combines the best of comfort food and nutrition. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal prepping, or just craving something warm and filling, this recipe will not disappoint. 🍲❤️ Let me know if you want further customization or any other tips!