Can I use brown rice or a different grain?

Yes! Brown rice, barley, or even farro work nicely. Just keep in mind, you may need to pre-cook these grains and adjust their cooking time according to their package instructions.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Nearly! As long as your pasta sauce and tomato soup are gluten-free, you’re set. Always double-check labels to be safe if you’re serving someone with an allergy.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Absolutely. Brown the beef first, then add all ingredients (including uncooked rice) to your slow cooker and cook on low for about 5-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours until cabbage and rice are tender.

What’s the best type of cabbage to use?

You can use classic green cabbage—the variety found in most stores—or even savoy or Napa cabbage for a slightly different texture and flavor. All are delicious in this soup!

Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe

Name: Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups converted long grain rice; 3 cups water; 1 pound ground beef; 2 cups water; 1 (20 oz) jar pasta sauce; 1 (10 oz) can tomato soup; 3 pounds cabbage, chopped; 1 onion, finely chopped; Himalayan pink salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 dash hot sauce

If the thought of cozying up with a bowl of hearty, homemade comfort food makes you smile, this Cabbage Roll Soup will absolutely be your new go-to favorite. Imagine everything you adore about old-fashioned stuffed cabbage rolls, but in an easy, one-pot soup that comes together with a fraction of the effort. It’s loaded with tender beef, sweet cabbage, and rich tomato flavor, simmered to savory perfection—and best of all, it’s super simple to throw together even on the busiest of weeknights. This soup is pure, soul-warming goodness, and you won’t believe how effortless it is!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ridiculously Easy: No wrestling with cabbage leaves or fussy rolling—just chop, simmer, and serve!
All the Classic Flavors: Savory beef, sweet cabbage, tangy tomatoes, and just a hint of spice meld together into something special.
Feeds a Crowd: Generously serves six and is perfect for leftovers.
Adaptable: A fantastic “clean out the fridge” kind of recipe. Throw in what you like, skip what you don’t!
Weeknight Friendly: Less than 30 minutes of hands-on work and no complicated steps, but all the classic comfort you crave.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll want for Cabbage Roll Soup, along with why each one matters:

Converted Long Grain Rice: Offers subtle chew and heartiness. Holds up nicely in soup without getting mushy.
Water: Used to cook rice and thin the soup just enough for spoonable perfection.
Ground Beef: Provides a rich, savory protein base. Ground turkey or plant-based “beef” work too.
Pasta Sauce: Delivers big tomato flavor, adds just the right balance of acidity and body.
Tomato Soup: Lends richness and a touch of unexpected sweetness. Any favorite canned tomato soup will do.
Cabbage: The star! Three pounds might sound like a lot, but it wilts down beautifully, giving sweetness and bulk to every bowl.
Onion: Adds gentle sweetness and aromatic depth. If you love garlic, toss some in as well.
Himalayan Pink Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for brightening and seasoning every spoonful.
Hot Sauce: For just a hint of heat and a welcome layer of flavor. Go as mild or as bold as you like.

Tip: If you have a few carrots or celery sticks lying around, chop them up and toss them in! This recipe is wonderfully forgiving.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Meatless: Swap ground beef for lentils or plant-based ground “meat.”
Extra Veggies: Sneak in bell peppers, carrots, or spinach for more color and vitamins.
Low-Carb: Replace rice with riced cauliflower for a lighter take.
Tomato Lovers: Add diced tomatoes or fire-roasted tomatoes for texture.
Different Protein: Ground turkey, pork, or even shredded rotisserie chicken work marvelously.
More Spice: Boost the hot sauce or add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes.

How to Make Cabbage Roll Soup

Step 1: Cook the Rice

In a large saucepan, bring water and rice to a boil. Once bubbling, lower heat, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes—all the water will be absorbed, and the rice will be fluffy and tender.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

While the rice is cooking, set a large soup pot on medium-high heat. Crumble in the ground beef and sauté until it’s browned all over. Drain off the grease to keep the soup light and set aside the cooked beef.

Step 3: Combine and Simmer

Return the pot to the stove and add the cooked rice, browned beef, pasta sauce, tomato soup, extra water, chopped onion, lots of chopped cabbage, salt, pepper, and a dash of hot sauce. Give it all a good stir.

Step 4: Simmer Until Perfect

Bring the soup mixture to a gentle boil, then crank down the heat. Cover and simmer for another 20-25 minutes, just until the cabbage wilts down and turns meltingly tender.

Step 5: Taste and Serve

Taste the soup and adjust your seasoning—maybe a dash more salt or a few extra shakes of hot sauce. Serve it up piping hot with your favorite crusty bread or a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Chop cabbage into bite-sized pieces for easy eating and uniform cooking.
Drain the beef well before adding other ingredients—this keeps the soup from feeling greasy.
Let the soup rest for 10 minutes off heat before serving—the flavors will meld deliciously.
Don’t forget to taste and adjust! Every batch of tomato sauce or soup is different, so make it yours.
Make it ahead of time. Cabbage Roll Soup is extra delicious the next day!

How to Serve

This comforting soup is a meal on its own but shines even brighter with a few easy pairings:

Crusty Bread: Perfect for dunking and soaking up all that flavorful broth.
Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of parsley or dill adds brightness.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop on top is delightfully creamy, just like classic cabbage rolls.
Side Salad: Something crisp and tangy (think cucumber or vinegary slaw) brings balance.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cabbage Roll Soup keeps beautifully! Transfer cooled soup into airtight containers and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors mellow and deepen over time.

Freezing

Portion soup into freezer-friendly containers (leave a little space at the top for expansion), and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Simply reheat soup in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until hot. Or microwave individual bowls for a quick lunch. Add a splash of water if it thickened in the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice or a different grain?

Yes! Brown rice, barley, or even farro work nicely. Just keep in mind, you may need to pre-cook these grains and adjust their cooking time according to their package instructions.
Is this recipe gluten-free?

Nearly! As long as your pasta sauce and tomato soup are gluten-free, you’re set. Always double-check labels to be safe if you’re serving someone with an allergy.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Absolutely. Brown the beef first, then add all ingredients (including uncooked rice) to your slow cooker and cook on low for about 5-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours until cabbage and rice are tender.
What’s the best type of cabbage to use?

You can use classic green cabbage—the variety found in most stores—or even savoy or Napa cabbage for a slightly different texture and flavor. All are delicious in this soup!

Final Thoughts

This Cabbage Roll Soup brings pure comfort and big flavor to the dinner table—without the fuss of rolling and baking individual rolls! It’s simple, nourishing, and primed for customization, inviting you to make it your own. Don’t be surprised if it becomes one of your most-requested meals, especially on chilly evenings. Give it a try; your bowl (and your family) will thank you!