Cozy & Irresistible Cabbage Roll Soup With Ground Beef Recipe

If you’re craving something cozy, satisfying, and packed with classic flavors, this Cabbage Roll Soup With Ground Beef is the ultimate comfort food. Inspired by traditional stuffed cabbage rolls, this easy one-pot cabbage roll soup recipe captures all the deliciousness of the original but with a fraction of the effort. Tender cabbage, flavorful beef, and rice simmer together in a rich tomato broth that will warm you from the inside out. Whether you cook it on the stovetop, in a Dutch oven, or as a stuffed cabbage roll soup crock pot dish, this recipe is simple, flexible, and guaranteed to impress.

Below, you’ll find detailed instructions, tips, variations, and serving ideas to make this your go-to soup for cold nights. Whether you’re looking for crock pot recipes, a quick unstuffed cabbage dish, or even a cabbage and pork soup, this recipe has you covered!

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Why You’ll Love This Cabbage Roll Soup With Ground Beef

This hearty soup is everything you love about stuffed cabbage rolls — but so much easier. Instead of spending time rolling each leaf, you simply toss all the ingredients into a single pot. It’s loaded with vegetables, protein, and rice for a balanced and filling meal. Plus, it’s a fantastic make-ahead dish because the flavors deepen as it sits. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly, nutrient-rich dinner that’s also family-friendly, this cabbage roll soup checks every box.

Who Will Enjoy This One-Pot Cabbage Roll Soup With Ground Beef Recipe?

This recipe is perfect for busy home cooks, parents looking for healthy weeknight dinners, and anyone who loves hearty soups. Fans of cabbage and pork soup can easily swap the ground beef for pork, while vegetarians can try a plant-based version (see below). If you’re cooking for a crowd or want something warm waiting for you at the end of the day, the crock pot recipes variation is ideal. It’s also great for meal prep — make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week!

Ingredients for Cabbage Roll Soup With Ground Beef

Cabbage Roll Soup With Ground Beef serves 6–8 and uses simple, wholesome ingredients.

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small head green cabbage, chopped
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• ½ cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 1 can (15 oz/425 g) tomato sauce
• 1 can (15 oz/425 g) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups (1 liter) beef broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Optional Add-ins and Variations

• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes for heat
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Substitute ground turkey, chicken, or pork for beef
• Use brown rice for added fiber
• Add a splash of lemon juice for brightness

Kitchen Equipment for Cabbage Roll Soup Recipes

For this Cabbage Roll Soup With Ground Beef, you’ll need:

• Large stock pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon
• Cutting board and knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ladle
• Slow cooker (optional, for crock pot version)

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Cabbage Roll Soup

This unstuffed cabbage soup comes together in just a few easy steps.

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.

Step 2: Add Vegetables and Seasonings

Add the chopped cabbage, carrots, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. Pour in the beef broth, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes. Stir well, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 3: Simmer and Serve

Once boiling, reduce heat to low and stir in the uncooked rice. Cover and let simmer for about 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and the flavors have melded. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

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Slow Cooker and Dutch Oven Instructions

Crock Pot (Slow Cooker):
Brown the beef, onion, and garlic in a skillet as in Step 1, then transfer to a slow cooker. Add all remaining ingredients except the rice and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours. Stir in the rice during the last hour of cooking.

Dutch Oven:
Follow the same stovetop instructions above — the heavy Dutch oven retains heat well and cooks evenly, making it ideal for this dish.

Vegetarian and Unstuffed Cabbage Variations

To make a cabbage roll soup vegetarian, simply omit the beef and use vegetable broth. Add more carrots, beans, or even lentils for protein. This recipe is naturally an unstuffed cabbage dish — it has all the flavor of cabbage rolls but none of the rolling or fussing.

Tips for the Best Cabbage Roll Soup With Ground Beef Crock Pot Style

• Brown your meat first for maximum flavor.
• Rinse the rice before adding to prevent starchiness.
• Chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces for easier eating.
• If reheating, add a splash of broth to loosen the soup.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

Serve this cabbage roll soup hot with a slice of crusty bread or a side of mashed potatoes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or a dollop of plain yogurt for added richness. For a complete meal, pair it with a simple green salad on the side.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little water or broth if needed. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months — just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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Cabbage Roll Soup FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked rice?
Yes — add it in at the end and simmer just until heated through.

Can I make it spicier?
Absolutely — add crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.

What’s the best type of cabbage?
Green cabbage is traditional, but savoy or napa cabbage also work.

Final Thoughts: Cozy Comfort in a Bowl

This cabbage roll soup with ground beef is everything you want on a chilly evening: hearty, flavorful, and easy to make. Whether you cook it on the stovetop, in a Dutch oven, or as a stuffed cabbage roll soup crock pot meal, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Try it soon and see why this classic one-pot cabbage roll soup recipe is so beloved.

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