What ingredients are typically used in classic American Cabbage Roll Soup?

Classic American cabbage roll soup typically includes: - Green cabbage , chopped - Ground beef (often 80/20) - Cooked white rice - Diced or crushed tomatoes - Onions and garlic - Beef broth - Seasonings like paprika, salt, black pepper, thyme, and a bay leaf This unstuffed version of cabbage rolls turns traditional ingredients into a one-pot wonder. Some variations add Worcestershire sauce or a splash of vinegar to enhance depth. Looking for inspiration? Try easy chicken caesar pasta salad as a tasty side option to complement this hearty soup.

Can I make Cabbage Roll Soup in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

Absolutely. Cabbage roll soup is incredibly versatile and perfect for slow cooking or pressure cooking. In a Slow Cooker: Brown the ground beef first, then add all ingredients. Cook on Low for 6–7 hours or High for 3–4 hours . In an Instant Pot: Use the Sauté function to brown the beef, then add the remaining ingredients. Pressure cook on High for 12 minutes , followed by a natural release. These methods allow for flavorful, tender cabbage and perfectly cooked rice —without needing to babysit the pot.

How do I store and reheat leftover Cabbage Roll Soup safely?

Cabbage roll soup stores and reheats well with a few simple steps: Storage: - Refrigerate: Up to 4–5 days in an airtight container. - Freeze: Cool completely, portion into freezer bags or containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheating: - On the stovetop : Simmer gently until heated through. - In the microwave : Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between. Pro Tip: If you plan to freeze the soup, add cooked rice when reheating to avoid mushy texture. Don’t miss our recipes collection for more freezer-friendly meals.

Is Cabbage Roll Soup suitable for a low-carb or keto diet?

Yes—with minor adjustments, cabbage roll soup can be made keto and low-carb friendly . Easy Swaps: Replace rice with cauliflower rice or omit it entirely. Use high-fat meats like ground beef or pork. Add healthy fats like olive oil or a dollop of sour cream. Cabbage itself is low in carbs and high in fiber, making this a natural choice for those cutting carbs. Plus, the bold tomato and beef flavors don’t require starches to shine. Check out cheesy penne with garlic butter ground beef if you're looking for another bold-flavored dinner idea—low-carb modifications are easy too.

Cabbage Roll Soup – The Ultimate Hearty Comfort Food Made Easy

Description

This hearty cabbage roll soup brings all the classic flavors of traditional cabbage rolls—ground beef, cabbage, tomato, and rice—into a cozy, one-pot recipe. Easy to prepare, freezer-friendly, and full of flavor, it’s the perfect weeknight comfort food.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef (80/20)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 head green cabbage, chopped
1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 cup cooked white rice
4 cups beef broth (low-sodium)
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1 bay leaf
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional: fresh parsley or sour cream for garnish

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Instructions

In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 3–5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook another minute.
Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
Stir in chopped cabbage, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Sauté 5 minutes.
Add crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 25–30 minutes.
Stir in cooked rice and simmer uncovered for 5–10 more minutes.
Remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve hot, topped with parsley or a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Notes

For a low-carb version, replace rice with cauliflower rice.
You can use ground pork, turkey, or sausage instead of beef.
For better texture after freezing, add the rice fresh when reheating.
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
Calories: 290
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 55mg