Cabbage Roll Soup

Hey there, soup lovers! I’m super excited to share one of my go-to recipes for those chilly evenings when I’m craving something comforting but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. This Cabbage Roll Soup has all the deliciousness of traditional cabbage rolls, but without the tedious rolling! Seriously, it’s a game-changer.

Quick Facts

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 30 minutes

• Servings: 6-8

Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Soup

Let’s be real, cabbage rolls are amazing, but who has time for all that rolling? This soup gives you:

• Incredible Flavor: All the savory, slightly sweet, and tangy flavors you expect.

• Ease of Preparation: Seriously, it’s dump-and-go easy.

• Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients.

• Healthy and Hearty: Packed with veggies and lean protein.

• Perfect for Meal Prep: It tastes even better the next day!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 pound ground beef (or turkey or sausage)

• 1 large onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 large head of cabbage, cored and shredded

• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes

• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce

• 4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth)

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/2 cup cooked rice (optional, but adds great texture)

• Salt to taste

• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step

1. Brown the Meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground meat over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.

2. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

3. Add the Cabbage: Stir in the shredded cabbage and cook for another 5 minutes, until it starts to wilt slightly.

4. Pour in the Goodness: Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, smoked paprika, oregano, and pepper. Stir well to combine.

5. Simmer Away: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 20 minutes, or up to 45 minutes for even more flavor.

6. Rice Time (Optional): If using, stir in the cooked rice during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

7. Taste and Adjust: Season with salt to taste.

8. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Serving Suggestions

This soup is fantastic on its own, but here are some ways to make it even better:

• Toppings: A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a creamy tang.

• Bread: Serve with a crusty loaf of bread for dipping.

• Side Salad: A simple green salad complements the richness of the soup.

Tips for Customization

• Meat: Use any ground meat you like – beef, turkey, sausage, or even a plant-based alternative.

• Spice: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.

• Vegetables: Feel free to add other veggies like carrots, bell peppers, or celery.

• Sweetness: Some people like a touch of sweetness. Add a teaspoon of brown sugar or honey if you like.

• Make it Vegetarian: Skip the meat and use vegetable broth. Add lentils or beans for extra protein.

Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)

• Calories: 250-300

• Protein: 20-25g

• Carbohydrates: 20-25g

• Fat: 10-15g

Note: Nutritional information can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.

FAQs About Cabbage Roll Soup

• Can I freeze this soup? Absolutely! It freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.

• How long does it last in the fridge? It will keep for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

• Can I make it in a slow cooker? Yes! Brown the meat and sauté the onions and garlic, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

• Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned? Yes, you can! You’ll need about 4 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes.