Cabbage Roll Soup: A Hearty Twist on a Classic Comfort Dish
If you love stuffed cabbage rolls but don’t have the time to make them, cabbage roll soup is the perfect solution. Combining the rich flavors of stuffed cabbage, ground beef, and savory tomato broth, this soup offers a comforting, hearty meal that’s easy to prepare. Whether you’re looking for a cabbage soup recipe that’s simple to make or a new twist on traditional stuffed cabbage, this article will guide you through everything you need to know to create a delicious bowl of cabbage roll soup. Read on to discover how to make this classic dish in less time, with all the flavor.
What Makes Cabbage Roll Soup So Delicious?
Cabbage roll soup is a deconstructed version of stuffed cabbage rolls, bringing together all the delicious flavors of the traditional dish in a comforting soup form. Instead of laboriously rolling each cabbage leaf with ground beef, rice, and tomato sauce, this soup recipe simplifies the process by cooking everything together in one pot. With green cabbage, lean ground beef, and a rich tomato broth, cabbage roll soup delivers a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any night of the week. The result is a rich and hearty soup that tastes just like traditional stuffed cabbage rolls but requires half the effort. This soup is a wonderful option for those who love cabbage rolls but prefer a quicker, more convenient method of preparation. Plus, it’s easy to customize with different types of ground meat or vegetables, making it a versatile recipe that can suit a variety of tastes.
How to Make Cabbage Roll Soup: Step-by-Step
Making cabbage roll soup is simple, and it all starts with browning the ground beef in a large soup pot. Once the beef is browned, add chopped onions and garlic, sautéing them until they become fragrant. Next, add the chopped cabbage to the pot, allowing it to cook down slightly before adding the rest of the ingredients. To create the base of the soup, combine tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. These ingredients give the soup its rich tomato flavor, which is essential to replicating the taste of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls. After bringing the soup to a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the cabbage to soften. If you prefer a thicker soup consistency, you can add more tomato paste or reduce the broth slightly. For a heartier option, consider adding brown rice or even potatoes. Once the soup has reached your desired consistency, season with salt and pepper to taste. This easy soup recipe is ready to serve and enjoy, providing a delicious, comforting meal that captures all the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls.
What is Golumpki Soup? A Polish Favorite
Golumpki soup, also known as Polish stuffed cabbage soup, is a variation of cabbage roll soup that incorporates the classic ingredients of Polish stuffed cabbage rolls, or “golumpki.” This soup features green cabbage, ground pork or ground beef, rice, and a savory tomato broth, creating a rich and hearty meal that’s perfect for colder weather. The beauty of golumpki soup lies in its simplicity and its ability to bring the comforting flavors of stuffed cabbage into a convenient, one-pot meal. Just like cabbage roll soup, golumpki soup is easy to make and can be customized to fit your preferences. For instance, you can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option or use ground beef for a more traditional taste. Adding beef broth or chicken broth helps create a deeper flavor, while tomato paste or tomato sauce adds the necessary richness. This soup is often enjoyed with a side of crusty bread, which is perfect for soaking up the delicious tomato broth.
Can You Freeze Cabbage Roll Soup?
Yes, you can freeze cabbage roll soup, making it a great option for meal prep or for storing leftovers. To freeze cabbage roll soup, first, let it cool completely to room temperature. Then, transfer the soup to airtight containers or freezer bags, leaving some space at the top to allow for expansion as it freezes. Properly stored, cabbage roll soup can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy the soup again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating it on the stove. Be sure to heat it slowly, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming. Freezing does not significantly change the texture of the cabbage or the ground beef, making this soup an ideal candidate for freezing. This is especially convenient if you make a large batch and want to enjoy cabbage roll soup without having to prepare it fresh each time. Remember, freezing soup can slightly intensify the flavors, so you may need to adjust the seasoning after reheating.
How to Make Unstuffed Cabbage Soup
Unstuffed cabbage soup is another variation that simplifies the process of making stuffed cabbage rolls. Unlike traditional stuffed cabbage, which requires rolling cabbage leaves around a filling of ground beef and rice, unstuffed cabbage soup is a one-pot dish where all ingredients are cooked together. Start by browning ground beef in a large soup pot, then add chopped onions and garlic. Once the onions are softened, add the chopped cabbage, allowing it to cook down. Next, add tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and beef broth to create a rich, savory base. Add in brown rice if desired, and let the soup simmer until the cabbage is tender and the flavors have melded together. This method is perfect for those who love the taste of stuffed cabbage but prefer a quicker, easier preparation. Unstuffed cabbage soup is a great way to enjoy the flavors of stuffed cabbage rolls without all the work, and it’s an excellent option for a weeknight dinner. The soup is hearty, filling, and packed with flavor, making it a wonderful addition to any meal rotation.
The Best Ingredients for a Hearty Soup
To make a delicious cabbage soup, start with the freshest ingredients you can find. Green cabbage is ideal for its mild flavor and ability to hold up well during cooking. Ground beef or ground turkey adds a rich, savory component, while onions and garlic provide a base of flavor. For the soup’s liquid, use a combination of beef broth and tomato products, such as tomato paste or diced tomatoes. These ingredients create the soup’s rich and hearty base. Adding rice or potatoes can help thicken the soup and make it more filling, while salt and pepper help bring out the flavors of all the ingredients. Fresh herbs, like parsley or dill, can be added at the end to enhance the flavor and add a burst of color. Don’t forget to taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. A splash of vinegar or a dollop of sour cream can also add a nice tanginess, balancing the richness of the tomato base.
Tips for Perfectly Flavorful Stuffed Cabbage Soup
Stuffed cabbage soup is a delicious, hearty dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner. To make the best-stuffed cabbage soup, use a combination of ground beef and ground pork for a more complex flavor profile. Start by browning the ground meats in a large soup pot, breaking them up as they cook. Once the meat is browned, add onions, garlic, and chopped cabbage, sautéing until softened. Next, add tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and beef broth to create the soup’s base. Adding a touch of brown sugar can help balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Let the soup simmer for about 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Add more tomato paste or reduce the broth slightly if you prefer a thicker soup. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Consider adding a bay leaf or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for an extra flavor. Serve the soup with crusty bread or over a bed of cooked rice for a complete meal that’s both satisfying and delicious.
How to Make Cabbage Soup in a Slow Cooker
Making cabbage soup in a slow cooker is incredibly convenient and allows the flavors to develop slowly over time. Begin by browning the ground beef in a skillet, then transfer it to the slow cooker. Add the chopped cabbage, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and beef broth. Set the slow cooker to low and let the soup cook for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This slow-cooking method makes the cabbage tender while all the ingredients meld together, creating a delicious, rich broth. If you’re using rice, add it halfway through the cooking time to prevent it from becoming too soft. Cooking the soup in a slow cooker is perfect for busy days when you want to come home to a ready-made meal. Just before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. This method is especially great for meal prep, as the soup can be refrigerated and reheated throughout the week.
Can You Use Ground Turkey in Cabbage Roll Soup?
Using ground turkey in cabbage roll soup is a great way to make the dish leaner while still maintaining its hearty flavor. Ground turkey is a healthier alternative to ground beef, and it absorbs the rich flavors of the tomato broth beautifully. To make cabbage roll soup with ground turkey, simply substitute it for ground beef in your recipe. Brown the turkey in a large soup pot, then add onions, garlic, chopped cabbage, and the rest of your ingredients, such as tomatoes and beef broth. The result is a lighter version of the classic dish that’s still delicious and satisfying. Ground turkey works particularly well if you’re looking for a lower-fat option or if you prefer a milder flavor profile. This version of cabbage roll soup is perfect for those who are watching their calorie intake but still want to enjoy a comforting, hearty soup.
What to Serve with Cabbage Roll Soup?
Cabbage roll soup is a hearty, satisfying dish that can be a meal on its own, but there are plenty of delicious sides that pair well with it. Crusty bread or garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the rich tomato broth. A light side salad with a tangy vinaigrette can help balance the richness of the soup. Roasted vegetables, such as carrots, Brussels sprouts, or potatoes, can also make a great accompaniment. If you’re looking for something more substantial, consider serving the soup with a side of mashed potatoes or over a bed of rice. For a Polish twist, try serving the soup with pierogies or a dollop of sour cream. No matter how you serve it, cabbage roll soup is sure to be a hit with family and friends, providing a delicious, comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Key Takeaways:
Cabbage roll soup is a simplified, one-pot version of stuffed cabbage rolls.
Golumpki soup is a Polish variation that also uses ground meat, rice, and tomato broth.
You can freeze cabbage roll soup for up to three months, making it ideal for meal prep.
Unstuffed cabbage soup offers all the flavors of stuffed cabbage without the need to roll individual leaves.
Cabbage roll soup can be made with ground beef, ground pork, or ground turkey for different flavor profiles.
Slow cooker preparation allows for easy, hands-off cooking, developing deeper flavors over time.
Serve cabbage roll soup with crusty bread, salads, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Easy Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe: Hearty Comfort Food
- Total Time: 8 hrs 25 mins
Description
Discover how to make delicious cabbage roll soup, a simple and hearty twist on stuffed cabbage rolls with ground beef and tomato broth.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 large sweet onion, diced
- 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
- 4 cups water
- 1 head cabbage, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 (28-ounce) can tomato puree
- 2 (10.5 ounce) cans condensed tomato soup
- 1 cup long-grain brown rice
- 2 cubes beef bouillon
- salt and ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
-
Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion; cook and stir until translucent, 5 to 10 minutes. Add ground beef; cook and stir until browned and crumbly, 5 to 10 minutes.
-
Transfer the beef mixture to a slow cooker. Stir in water, cabbage, tomato purée, condensed soup, rice, bouillon, salt, and pepper. Cover and cook on High for 8 hours.
Notes
Adjust the amount of ground beef or cabbage to your liking. This can be simmered in a pot on the stove for 1 to 1 1/2 hours if desired.
You can substitute tomato sauce for tomato purée and white rice for brown rice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hrs 10 mins
- Category: soup
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 276kcal
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 766mg
- Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Protein: 15g
Keywords: Stuffed Cabbage Soup, Golumpki Soup, Unstuffed Cabbage Soup, Cabbage Soup Recipe, Easy Cabbage Roll Soup