Cabbage Roll Soup: A Comforting Twist on a Classic

Cabbage rolls are the kind of classic comfort food that just feels like a cozy, heartwarming embrace from grandma’s kitchen. But let’s be real, rolling cabbage leaves, stuffing them, and baking them can be a bit of a project. That’s why I’ve been loving cabbage roll soup as an easier alternative.

This genius recipe for Cabbage Roll Soup is perfect. It has all the comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls, but it’s much easier to make. Basically, this is a deconstructed version that you can make in one pot, and trust me, it’s a game changer.

If you love cabbage rolls but don’t want to spend hours cooking, this Cabbage Roll Soup recipe is perfect for you. A viral sensation exists for a reason—because it delivers all the flavors you love in way less time and effort. Whether you are preparing meals for the week or seeking an easy dinner, this soup will satisfy you every time.

What Makes Cabbage Roll Soup So Special?

This soup checks off all the boxes for comfort food: It’s hearty, rich, and packed with flavor. You’ve got tender chunks of cabbage, lean ground beef, perfectly cooked rice, and a tomato-based broth that’s seasoned to perfection.

The ingredient list is remarkably simple. It uses common items like beef broth, head of cabbage, tomato sauce, and rice. It also includes a few tasty seasonings.

The real magic happens when everything simmers together. As the cabbage softens and the rice absorbs all the flavors, you create a bowl of pure comfort. This soup feels like it has cooked all day, but you can have it about 30 minutes.

I also like to add a dollop of sour cream to the top of each bowl to give an extra tang and creaminess.

Why You’ll Love This Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe

First off, this is the easy cabbage roll soup recipe you didn’t know you needed. You get all the flavors you love from a stuffed cabbage rolls. Savory beef, tender cabbage, and a hint of spice are present.

Best of all, it takes much less effort to make. Instead of working hard on each roll, you simply throw everything into a pot and let it cook. That is as simple as that.

This recipe also scales well. Feeding a crowd?

No problem! Just double the ingredients, and you’ll have a large pot of hearty soup. Everyone at the table will be satisfied.

And bonus: it makes for incredible leftovers. The flavors actually deepen and get even better after a night in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep.

What You Need for Cabbage Roll Soup

This soup doesn’t require any fancy ingredients, just the basics that pack a punch of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

• Lean Ground Beef: The base of the soup that brings in a hearty richness.
• Cabbage: Can’t have cabbage roll soup without it! The cabbage softens beautifully and adds a nice texture to the soup.
• Long Grain Rice: Helps thicken the soup and makes it extra filling.
• Tomato Sauce & Beef Broth: These form the rich, tangy broth that ties everything together.
• Onion & Garlic: Classic aromatics to build flavor from the start.
• Seasonings: Salt, oregano, chili flakes, cinnamon, and soy sauce bring depth, while brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness if you like.

The cinnamon is the wildcard here. A small amount adds this lovely warmth and earthiness that balances out the tangy tomato sauce. Trust me, don’t skip it!

A Few Tips for Making Cabbage Roll Soup

• Rice Choice Matters: For this recipe, long grain rice works perfectly because it holds up well during cooking and doesn’t turn mushy. If you like brown rice or want more fiber, you can use it instead. Just remember to adjust the cooking time a little.
• Cabbage: Any cabbage will work here, but green cabbage is ideal for that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Chop it into bite-sized pieces, so you get a bit of cabbage in every spoonful.
• Make It Your Own: This cabbage roll soup recipe is super adaptable. Want to add some extra veggies? Go ahead!
• Bell peppers or carrots would be great additions. If you like things spicy, you can dial up the chili flakes or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce. If you’re not a fan of beef, ground turkey or pork works well too.

Why This Soup is Perfect for Fall (Or Any Time!)

This cabbage roll soup is the definition of a cozy meal. Perfect for chilly fall evenings when you just want something warm and hearty to fill you up. The mix of cabbage, beef, and tomatoes feels nostalgic and comforting. Like a dish passed down through generations.

But don’t think you can only enjoy this soup in fall! Also fantastic as a light dinner during the spring or winter, or even as part of your meal prep routine. The flavors only get better as the soup sits, which means it’s a great option for lunches throughout the week.

The Viral Soup You’ll Want to Make Again and Again

With its viral status, cabbage roll soup has been blowing up on the internet for good reason. Making it is easy, full of flavor, and provides the comforting taste of traditional cabbage rolls quickly. Whether you love cabbage rolls or want a new cozy soup recipe, this one is a must-try.

Give it a try, and I promise it will be one of your favorite recipes. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a generous bowl of comfort. Happy cooking!

Other recipes you will love!

Lasagna soup

White bean tortilla soup

Homemade wonton soup