Cabbage Roll Soup

Cabbage Roll Soup

Looking for a hearty, flavorful soup to keep you cozy? This Cabbage Roll Soup combines the classic taste of cabbage rolls into an easy-to-make, one-pot meal. Perfect for family dinners or meal prepping!

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 green cabbage, chopped
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Brown the Beef:
    In a large pot, heat over medium heat and brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat, if needed.
  2. Sauté Onion and Garlic:
    Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
  3. Add the Cabbage:
    Stir in the chopped cabbage and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until it starts to wilt down.
  4. Combine Broth and Tomatoes:
    Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, paprika, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine.
  5. Simmer the Soup:
    Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the cabbage to soften.
  6. Add the Rice:
    Stir in the cooked rice and let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes to warm through.
  7. Serve and Enjoy:
    Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, for a pop of color.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 280
  • Total Fat: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 18g

Pro Tips:

  • Make it low-carb: Replace the rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
  • Boost the flavor: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a sprinkle of Italian seasoning.
  • Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

Give this comforting Cabbage Roll Soup a try—you won’t regret it! Let me know how it turns out for you. 😊 🍲

Here are 30 tips to elevate your Cabbage Roll Soup and make it even more decadent and flavorful. Whether you want to add richness, depth, or extra indulgence, these tips have you covered! 🥓🧀✨

Enhance the Flavor

  1. Use Smoked Paprika: Swap regular paprika with smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky flavor.
  2. Add Worcestershire Sauce: A splash adds a savory umami boost.
  3. Include Fresh Herbs: Toss in bay leaves, fresh thyme, or dill while simmering.
  4. Boost with Beef Bouillon: Add a cube of beef bouillon for extra depth.
  5. Splash of Red Wine: Deglaze the pot with a little red wine before adding broth.
  6. Add Tomato Paste: Mix in a tablespoon of tomato paste for a richer tomato flavor.
  7. Sprinkle Parmesan Rind: Toss in a Parmesan rind while simmering for a nutty depth.

Make it Creamy

  1. Add Heavy Cream: Stir in heavy cream or half-and-half at the end for a creamy finish.
  2. Mix in Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds tang and creaminess.
  3. Use Cream Cheese: Stir in softened cream cheese for an ultra-rich texture.

Upgrade the Protein

  1. Use Ground Pork or Sausage: Substitute or mix ground pork, Italian sausage, or spicy sausage for extra flavor.
  2. Add Bacon: Sauté chopped bacon with the onion for smoky richness.
  3. Incorporate Meatballs: Use small beef or pork meatballs instead of ground beef.
  4. Shredded Rotisserie Chicken: For a lighter twist, use shredded chicken instead of ground beef.

Layer the Texture

  1. Add Beans: Stir in white beans or kidney beans for a heartier bite.
  2. Mix in Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms add an earthy, meaty flavor.
  3. Top with Crunchy Croutons: Add buttery croutons on top for texture.
  4. Include Lentils: Lentils add protein and richness to the soup.
  5. Finish with Crispy Onions: Use store-bought or homemade crispy onions as a topping.

Boost the Veggies

  1. Add Roasted Veggies: Roast the cabbage, onions, and garlic before adding for a caramelized flavor.
  2. Include Bell Peppers: Dice and sauté bell peppers for a sweet and smoky flavor.
  3. Use Fire-Roasted Tomatoes: Replace regular diced tomatoes with fire-roasted ones.
  4. Mix in Carrots or Celery: For added sweetness and depth, sauté finely chopped carrots or celery.
  5. Zucchini or Squash: Add diced zucchini or yellow squash for extra veggies.

Indulgent Toppings

  1. Cheese Galore: Top with shredded sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or Gouda.
  2. Dollop of Ricotta: A spoonful of ricotta adds a creamy, luxurious topping.
  3. Drizzle of Truffle Oil: A few drops of truffle oil for a gourmet twist.
  4. Herb Butter Swirl: Add a swirl of garlic-herb butter to enhance richness.
  5. Garnish with Fresh Parsley or Chives: Brighten it up with fresh herbs.
  6. Top with a Poached Egg: The creamy yolk makes the soup irresistibly decadent.

Bonus Tips for Serving

  • Serve with warm garlic bread or buttery biscuits to scoop up the soup.
  • Pair with a glass of red wine or a sparkling water infused with lime for a cozy meal.

Popular questions about Cabbage Roll Soup along with their answers to help you master this dish and impress anyone you serve it to! 🥣✨

General Questions

  1. What is Cabbage Roll Soup?
    It’s a hearty soup inspired by traditional cabbage rolls, combining cabbage, beef, tomatoes, and rice in a flavorful broth.
  2. How does it taste?
    It’s savory, tangy from the tomatoes, and slightly sweet from the cabbage, with a comforting balance of meatiness and warmth.
  3. Where did Cabbage Roll Soup originate?
    It’s inspired by Eastern European stuffed cabbage rolls, which are popular in cuisines like Polish, Russian, and Hungarian.

Ingredients

  1. What kind of cabbage should I use?
    Green cabbage is the classic choice, but you can also use Napa or Savoy cabbage for a milder flavor.
  2. Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef?
    Yes, ground chicken or turkey works well for a lighter version.
  3. What type of tomatoes should I use?
    Canned diced tomatoes or fire-roasted tomatoes are ideal for a robust flavor.
  4. Can I use brown rice instead of white?
    Yes, but you may need to adjust cooking time as brown rice takes longer to cook.
  5. Can I add potatoes?
    Absolutely! Dice potatoes into small cubes and add them for a heartier soup.
  6. What spices should I use?
    Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and bay leaves are common choices.
  7. Can I use vegetable broth instead of beef broth?
    Yes, but beef broth provides a richer flavor.

Cooking Questions

  1. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
    Yes! Brown the meat and onion first, then add everything except the rice to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, then add cooked rice before serving.
  2. Can I make it in an Instant Pot?
    Yes! Use the sauté function for the meat and onion, then pressure cook on high for 10 minutes.
  3. Should I cook the rice separately?
    Cooking rice separately prevents it from getting mushy, but you can cook it directly in the soup if you don’t mind softer rice.
  4. How long does it take to make?
    On the stovetop, it takes about 30-45 minutes, depending on how quickly you prep and cook the ingredients.
  5. Should the cabbage be sautéed first?
    Sautéing the cabbage enhances its sweetness, but it’s optional.

Customization Questions

  1. Can I make it spicy?
    Yes, add chili flakes, cayenne, or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
  2. Can I make it vegetarian?
    Yes, use vegetable broth and replace meat with lentils or beans for protein.
  3. Can I add other vegetables?
    Definitely! Carrots, celery, bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms are great additions.
  4. How can I make it creamy?
    Stir in heavy cream, sour cream, or cream cheese at the end.
  5. What can I use instead of rice?
    Try quinoa, barley, or cauliflower rice for different textures or dietary preferences.

Serving & Storage Questions

  1. What’s the best way to serve it?
    Serve it with crusty bread, garlic bread, or over mashed potatoes for extra comfort.
  2. Can I freeze Cabbage Roll Soup?
    Yes, but freeze it without the rice to prevent it from becoming mushy. Add cooked rice after reheating.
  3. How long does it last in the fridge?
    It stays fresh for 3-4 days in an airtight container.
  4. How do I reheat it?
    Reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
  5. Can I serve it as a main dish?
    Yes, it’s hearty enough to be a main course.

Troubleshooting

  1. Why is my soup too thin?
    Simmer longer to reduce the liquid or stir in a cornstarch slurry for thickening.
  2. Why is my cabbage undercooked?
    Cut it into smaller pieces and simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes.
  3. Why is my rice mushy?
    Cook the rice separately and stir it in just before serving to prevent overcooking.
  4. How do I fix bland soup?
    Add more salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, or beef bouillon for flavor.
  5. Can I make it less acidic?
    Add a teaspoon of sugar or a splash of cream to balance the acidity from the tomatoes.

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