Comforting Cabbage Roll Soup is a delicious and heartwarming dish that brings to mind cozy family dinners and the warmth of home. Growing up, my grandmother often made stuffed cabbage rolls on chilly evenings. The delightful combination of tender cabbage, savory beef, and rich tomato sauce filled our kitchen with a wonderful aroma that made everyone feel happy. This soup captures that same comfort and love in a simple, easy-to-make recipe. For anyone looking to warm their hearts and bellies, this Comforting Cabbage Roll Soup is definitely worth a try!
Why Make This Recipe
When you’re in need of a warm meal that feels like a hug, Comforting Cabbage Roll Soup is just the ticket. This recipe is not only easy to make, but it’s also packed with wholesome ingredients that deliver great flavor. It’s a one-pot meal that can satisfy a big family or provide tasty leftovers for lunch the next day.
What makes this recipe truly special is how it transforms the classic cabbage rolls into a simpler soup form. Instead of rolling the cabbage leaves, you can chop them up and toss everything into a pot. This means less time spent in the kitchen and more time enjoying good food with your loved ones.
Also, if you have anyone in your family who isn’t a huge fan of cabbage, they might just be surprised by how the flavor melds into the broth and becomes something they love. On a cold winter night, this soup creates a cozy atmosphere around the dinner table—everyone will want seconds!
How to Make Comforting Cabbage Roll Soup
Making Comforting Cabbage Roll Soup is an enjoyable experience. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. As you cook, you will notice the wonderful smell of onions and garlic sizzling away in olive oil. Using fresh ingredients makes all the difference in flavor, and soon your kitchen will be filled with mouthwatering scents that warm you from the inside out.
To begin, you’ll simply sauté onions and ground beef in a large pot. Once these ingredients are browned, you’ll add garlic, diced carrots, and chopped cabbage, which creates a colorful array of veggies in your pot. When you pour in the beef broth and tomatoes, you’ll start to feel the excitement build as the soup comes to life.
After some time simmering on the stove, you will end up with a pot of warm, comforting soup that feels like an embrace on a chilly day. When it’s time to serve, you can feel proud knowing you made this dish with love and care.
Ingredients
The ingredients for Comforting Cabbage Roll Soup are simple and easy to find. Here is the list along with what each one does to help the recipe shine:
- 1 lb ground beef: This adds richness and heartiness to the soup. If you prefer, you can use ground turkey for a leaner option.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: This helps to cook the ingredients and adds a nice flavor. Canola or vegetable oil works as a substitute.
- 1 onion, chopped: Onions add sweetness and depth. You can use yellow, white, or even red onions for a different taste.
- 1 medium cabbage, chopped: Cabbage is the star of this dish. It gives texture and absorbs the delicious broth.
- 2 carrots, diced: Carrots provide a subtle sweetness and bright color. You can replace them with parsnips for a different flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic adds a savory note that elevates the soup. Fresh garlic is best, but garlic powder can work in a pinch.
- 6 cups beef broth: This creates the base of the soup. If you need a vegetarian option, vegetable broth can be used instead.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes: They add tanginess and acidity. If you prefer fresh tomatoes, you can chop up about four medium ones.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: This spice blend adds an herby flavor. You can use fresh herbs or other spices based on your taste.
- Salt and pepper to taste: These are essential to bring out the flavors in the soup.
Directions
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s walk through the steps to make Comforting Cabbage Roll Soup:
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Heat the oil: Start by taking a large pot and placing it on the stove over medium heat. Pour in the olive oil. Let it heat for a minute. You want it hot enough that the onions sizzle when added.
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Cook the onion: Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion to the pot. Stir it every now and then until it turns soft and translucent. This should take about 5 minutes.
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Brown the beef: Next, add the ground beef to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Stir until the meat is no longer pink. This will take about 5-7 minutes.
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Add garlic and vegetables: Now it’s time to add the minced garlic, diced carrots, and chopped cabbage. Stir everything together and let it cook for about 3-4 minutes. You’ll start to see the cabbage become a little tender.
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Pour in the broth and tomatoes: Carefully add the beef broth and canned diced tomatoes to the pot. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
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Simmer the soup: Bring the mixture to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer. Cover the pot with a lid and let it cook for about 30-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cabbage is tender and the flavors are rich.
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Serve hot: Finally, ladle the hot soup into bowls. You might want to enjoy it with a slice of crusty bread for dipping!
How to Serve Comforting Cabbage Roll Soup
There are many delightful ways to enjoy Comforting Cabbage Roll Soup. It makes a perfect dinner option on a cold night. This soup pairs wonderfully with freshly baked bread or warm rolls. If you want a little crunch, a simple side salad with vinaigrette can brighten up the meal.
Additionally, you can serve this soup during family gatherings or cozy nights in. It’s also a fantastic choice for meal prep—cook up a batch on the weekend and have lunch ready for the week!
If you’re looking for a drink to pair with it, a nice glass of iced tea or a light, fizzy soda would complement the flavors of the soup splendidly.
How to Store Comforting Cabbage Roll Soup
After enjoying your warm bowl of soup, you might find that you have leftovers. That’s a great thing! To store Comforting Cabbage Roll Soup, follow these easy steps:
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In the Fridge: Let the soup cool to room temperature. Transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. Just be sure to reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving again.
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In the Freezer: If you want to store it longer, you can freeze the soup. Make sure to portion it into smaller airtight containers, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. It should last for about 3 months in the freezer. It’s best to thaw it overnight in the fridge when ready to reheat.
Tips to Make Comforting Cabbage Roll Soup
To ensure you have the best experience making and enjoying your soup, here are some handy tips:
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Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables will bring out the best flavors, so opt for them whenever you can.
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Don’t rush the browning: Take your time to brown the ground beef and onions; this step builds a deeper flavor in the soup.
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Adjust seasoning to taste: Everyone’s taste buds are different! Feel free to add more or less salt and pepper as you prefer.
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Spice it up: If you like heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when you add the Italian seasoning.
Variations
Comforting Cabbage Roll Soup is versatile, and you can make it your own! Here are a few ideas to switch things up:
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Add grains: Toss in some cooked rice or quinoa for added texture and to make it even heartier.
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Swap the protein: You can use turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for a different twist.
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Make it vegetarian: Exclude ground beef and use lentils or chickpeas instead. Swap the beef broth for vegetable broth and you have a delicious veggie version!
FAQs
Q: Can I make Comforting Cabbage Roll Soup ahead of time?
Yes! This soup gets better as it sits, so you can absolutely make it a day or two in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat when you’re ready to eat.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat it?
The best way to reheat Comforting Cabbage Roll Soup is on the stove over low heat. Stir occasionally until it’s warmed through. However, if you’re in a hurry, you can also use the microwave.
Q: Can I use a different protein?
Definitely! You’re welcome to substitute ground beef with turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based option like lentils. Just remember to adjust the cooking times accordingly.
In conclusion, Comforting Cabbage Roll Soup is a delightful dish perfect for any occasion. With its lovely blend of flavors and simple preparation, it’s bound to become a family favorite!
Print
Comforting Cabbage Roll Soup
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A delicious and heartwarming soup that captures the comforting flavors of stuffed cabbage rolls in an easy-to-make one-pot meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 medium cabbage, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic, diced carrots, and chopped cabbage; cook for 3-4 minutes until the cabbage begins to soften.
- Add the beef broth, canned tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 30-40 minutes until the cabbage is tender.
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Serve with crusty bread if desired.
Notes
Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Adjust the seasoning and add grains or different proteins as desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: soup, cabbage roll, comfort food, family recipe