There is something about a big pot of cabbage roll soup simmering on the stove that makes the whole kitchen feel calmer. The smell alone takes me back to family dinners where nothing fancy was happening, just good food and a lot of talking. It is the kind of meal that fills both the bowl and the mood.

I grew up loving traditional cabbage rolls, but let me be honest, rolling them takes time and patience that I do not always have. This soup gives me those same comforting flavors without turning it into a full afternoon project. Everything goes into one pot, and somehow it still tastes like it took hours of effort.

The mix of cabbage, ground meat, rice, and tomato broth creates a hearty, almost stew-like texture that feels incredibly satisfying. It is simple food, the kind that does not try too hard, yet always delivers. Perfect for chilly evenings or days when you just want something warm and dependable.

What I love most is how practical it is. The ingredients are basic, the steps are easy, and it reheats beautifully, which means tomorrow’s lunch is already handled. That is my kind of cooking.

Why This Soup Works So Well

This recipe keeps all the classic cabbage roll flavors but removes the complicated part. Instead of stuffing and rolling leaves, everything cooks together, allowing the ingredients to blend naturally. The result tastes just as rich, maybe even better because every spoonful gets a little of everything.

The combination of beef and pork adds depth, while the cabbage softens into the broth and absorbs all that tomato goodness. Rice cooks right in the pot, thickening the soup and making it feel like a complete meal without needing anything extra.

Ingredients Needed for the Recipe

• Onion (diced) – builds the first layer of flavor and adds sweetness as it cooks.
• Garlic (minced) – brings warmth and depth that makes the broth taste homemade.
• Lean ground beef – provides hearty texture and classic cabbage roll flavor.
• Ground pork – adds richness and balances the beef with a slightly softer taste.
• Uncooked long grain rice – cooks in the soup and makes it filling and satisfying.
• Chopped cabbage – the star ingredient that becomes tender and flavorful as it simmers.
• Canned diced tomatoes with juices – create the tomato base and add acidity.
• Tomato paste – thickens the broth and intensifies the tomato flavor.
• Beef broth – forms the savory backbone of the soup.
• Vegetable juice – adds complexity and a subtle blend of vegetable flavors.
• Paprika – brings gentle warmth and a hint of smokiness.
• Dried thyme – adds an earthy note that ties everything together.
• Worcestershire sauce – deepens the savory taste with a touch of tang.
• Bay leaf – slowly infuses the soup with aromatic flavor as it cooks.
• Salt and black pepper – balance and enhance all the other ingredients.

How to make Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe?

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Step 1 – Brown the Meat and Aromatics

Start by heating a large pot over medium-high heat, then add the onion, garlic, ground beef, and pork. Let everything cook together until the meat is browned and the onions soften. This step builds the foundation of flavor, so do not rush it.

Once browned, drain any excess fat to keep the soup rich but not greasy. You should already smell that familiar cabbage roll aroma starting to form.

Step 2 – Add the Cabbage

Stir in the chopped cabbage and let it cook for a few minutes until it begins to soften. It will look like a lot at first, but cabbage shrinks quickly as it heats. This short cook helps it start absorbing flavor before the liquids go in.

Give it a few stirs so it mixes evenly with the meat and onions. The texture at this stage already feels hearty and promising.

Step 3 – Build the Broth

Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, and vegetable juice. Stir well so the tomato paste fully dissolves into the liquid. This creates that signature rich, slightly tangy base.

Once combined, sprinkle in the paprika, thyme, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Now it really starts to look like soup.

Step 4 – Add the Rice

Stir in the uncooked rice directly into the pot. This is one of my favorite shortcuts because the rice absorbs all the flavors as it cooks. It also naturally thickens the soup without needing anything extra.

Make sure the rice is fully submerged so it cooks evenly. Give everything one more gentle stir.

Step 5 – Simmer Until Tender

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until the rice is tender. This is when the magic really happens.

The soup thickens, the cabbage becomes perfectly soft, and all the flavors settle into each other. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 6 – Finish and Serve

Remove the bay leaf and give the soup a final taste for seasoning. Adjust salt and pepper if needed. The texture should be thick, hearty, and packed with ingredients.

Ladle into bowls and serve hot. It is the kind of meal that does not need much else, though a slice of bread never hurts.

Serving Ideas

This soup is incredibly filling on its own, but pairing it with warm bread makes it feel even more comforting. A crusty loaf or soft dinner roll works perfectly for dipping into the tomato broth. That little extra makes the meal feel complete.

If you want to brighten things up, a small sprinkle of fresh herbs on top adds color and freshness. Even a light dollop of sour cream can give it a creamy contrast without changing the character of the soup.

Tips

• Use a mix of beef and pork for the best flavor, but you can substitute one if needed.
• Chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces so it cooks evenly and is easier to eat.
• If you like a thinner soup, add an extra splash of broth toward the end of cooking.
• For a subtle smoky note, cook a few pieces of bacon with the meat.
• Stir occasionally while simmering to keep the rice from sticking to the bottom.
• Taste before serving and adjust seasoning, as the rice will absorb some salt.
• Let the soup sit for a few minutes before serving so it thickens slightly.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

This soup stores beautifully, which makes it ideal for meal prep or next-day lunches. Keep leftovers in the refrigerator for three to four days in a sealed container. The flavors actually deepen over time, making it even better.

The rice will continue to absorb liquid as it sits, so when reheating, add a little broth or water to loosen it up. Warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through.

You can also freeze individual portions for longer storage. Place cooled soup in airtight containers or freezer bags, then freeze flat to save space. It is a lifesaver on busy days when cooking is the last thing you want to do.

To reheat from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge if possible, then warm slowly while adding a bit of extra liquid. The texture comes right back, and it tastes just as comforting as the day you made it.

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Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe

Author: Elly Cooking Method: Simmering Cuisine: American Courses: Soup

Difficulty: easy Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 30 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 50 mins

Cooking Temp: 100  C Servings: 8 Estimated Cost: $ 12 Calories: 360

Best Season: Fall, Winter

Description

Satisfy your craving for something cozy, comforting, and delicious with this Cabbage Roll Soup. Cabbage, beef, pork, and rice are simmered in a flavorful tomato broth for the ultimate bowl of comfort food. This easy recipe captures all the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the rolling—perfect for chilly days or cozy nights.

ingredients

Servings

• 1 large onion (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• ½ pound lean ground pork (or additional ground beef)
• ¾ cup uncooked long grain rice
• 1 medium head cabbage (chopped, core removed, about 8 cups)
• 28 ounces canned diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 ½ cups vegetable juice (such as V8)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 bay leaf
• salt and black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

1. In a large pot, brown the onion, garlic, ground pork, and ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat.
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2. Stir in the chopped cabbage and cook until slightly softened, about 3 minutes.
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3. Add the diced tomatoes with juices, tomato paste, beef broth, vegetable juice, uncooked rice, paprika, thyme, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine.
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4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer until the rice is fully cooked, approximately 25-30 minutes.
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5. Remove the bay leaf and serve hot.
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Nutrition Facts

Servings 8

Serving Size 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 360kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 16gg25%

Saturated Fat 6gg30%

Trans Fat 0gg

Cholesterol 65mgmg22%

Sodium 680mgmg29%

Potassium 720mgmg21%

Total Carbohydrate 32gg11%

Dietary Fiber 5gg20%

Sugars 8gg

Protein 24gg48%

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Calcium 6% DV mg

Iron 20% DV mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

• Make it lighter: Use all ground turkey or chicken instead of beef/pork for a lower-fat version.
• Extra smoky flavor: Add 2-3 slices of chopped bacon when browning the meat.
• Thicker or thinner? This soup is naturally thick and stew-like. Add extra broth or water if you prefer a more soupy consistency.
• Meal prep friendly: Leftovers keep 3-4 days in the fridge and freeze beautifully. Rice may absorb broth over time—just add a splash of liquid when reheating.

Keywords: cabbage roll soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe, tomato broth soup, beef and pork soup, one-pot meal, winter soup