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A steaming bowl of hearty cabbage roll soup garnished with fresh dill on a wooden table.

Best Cabbage Roll Soup: Your Go-To Unstuffed Recipe

Enjoy all the comforting flavors of classic cabbage rolls without the fuss in this easy unstuffed cabbage roll soup. Featuring a unique twist with caramelized tomato paste, smoked paprika, and a touch of apple cider vinegar, this hearty soup is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner and meal prep.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Dish, Soup
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef 90% lean
  • 1 onion finely diced
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 4 cups coarsely chopped green cabbage
  • 2 carrots peeled, quartered and sliced
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 3 (8-ounce) cans tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup uncooked long grain rice
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot (5-6 quart Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot)
  • Sturdy spatula
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting Board

Method
 

Step 1: Brown the Beef & Build the Flavor Base
  1. First, heat the 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a large pot, such as a Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed pot, over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the 1 pound of ground beef and season generously with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the ground beef, using a sturdy spatula to break up the meat, until it is well browned and no pink remains, which usually takes about 4-5 minutes.
  3. Once the beef is browned, add the finely diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook these aromatics for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are fragrant and the onion has softened.
  4. Stir in 1 tablespoon of tomato paste. Cook the tomato paste for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until you notice it deepen in color and caramelize.
Step 2: Add Vegetables, Liquids & Rice
  1. Next, add the 4 cups of coarsely chopped green cabbage and 2 sliced carrots to the pot. Stir everything well to combine with the browned beef and fragrant aromatics.
  2. Pour in the 4 cups of beef broth and the 3 (8-ounce) cans of tomato sauce.
  3. Add the 1/2 cup uncooked long grain rice, the 1 bay leaf, and the 3 tablespoons of brown sugar.
  4. Add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika along with the liquids. Season the entire pot again with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Simmer to Perfection
  1. Bring the cabbage roll soup to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
  2. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot partially, and let it cook for 25 minutes, or until the rice is tender. Check the rice for doneness around the 20-minute mark.
  3. Once the rice is tender and the vegetables are soft, carefully remove the bay leaf from the pot and discard it.
Step 4: Finish & Serve
  1. Stir in 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar just before serving.
  2. Sprinkle generously with fresh parsley for a vibrant garnish and a burst of fresh flavor. Ladle your hearty soup into bowls and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 750mgPotassium: 650mgFiber: 6gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 75mgIron: 4mg

Notes

This hearty unstuffed cabbage roll soup offers rich, savory flavors with remarkable ease. It's excellent for meal prep and leftovers, tasting even better the next day.
Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.

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