Craving the comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls but short on time? Our incredible Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup delivers all the hearty goodness you love in a fraction of the effort! This flavorful one-pot wonder is packed with tender cabbage, savory ground beef, and a rich tomato broth, making it the perfect warming meal for any night of the week.
Why This Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe is a Weeknight Win
This isn’t just any soup; it’s a culinary shortcut to a beloved classic. Here’s why this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen:
- Effortless Comfort: Say goodbye to the tedious rolling process! This Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup captures all the iconic flavors of traditional cabbage rolls in a simple, one-pot soup, saving you precious time and effort.
- Hearty & Wholesome: Packed with lean ground beef (or turkey!), fiber-rich cabbage, and a robust tomato base, this soup is incredibly satisfying, nutritious, and keeps you full without feeling heavy.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Like many great soups, this Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup tastes even better the next day, making it an ideal candidate for batch cooking and healthy lunches throughout the week.
Essential Ingredients for Your Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup
While the full recipe card lists precise measurements, understanding the role of each ingredient can help you customize this delicious soup to your liking. Here’s a closer look at what makes this recipe so special:
The Meat Base: Ground Beef or Turkey
We recommend 1.5 lbs of lean ground beef for that classic, rich flavor. However, if you’re looking for a lighter option, ground turkey or even a plant-based ground meat substitute works beautifully. Ensure you brown it well to develop deep flavors before draining any excess fat.
Aromatic Foundation: Onion and Garlic
A large chopped onion and 2-3 cloves of minced garlic form the aromatic backbone of this soup. Don’t rush this step; cooking the onion until softened and the garlic until fragrant builds a crucial layer of flavor.
Tomato Power: Crushed Tomatoes and Tomato Sauce
The combination of a 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes and a 15-ounce can of tomato sauce creates a rich, tangy, and slightly sweet broth. Crushed tomatoes provide texture, while tomato sauce adds depth and body. You can adjust the ratio slightly based on your preference for chunkiness.
Hearty Liquid: Beef Broth
Six cups of beef broth are essential for the soup’s liquid base. For an even richer flavor, opt for a good quality low-sodium beef broth. If you’re going the vegetarian route, vegetable broth is an excellent substitute.
The Star: Green Cabbage
A medium head of green cabbage, cored and chopped, is what truly makes this an Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup. Don’t be shy with the cabbage; it cooks down significantly and adds a wonderful sweetness and texture. Ensure it’s chopped into manageable, bite-sized pieces.
Optional Addition: Cooked Rice
While optional, adding 1 cup of cooked rice (brown or white) during the last 5-10 minutes of simmering transforms this soup into an even more substantial meal. It thickens the soup slightly and adds another layer of comfort. If you’re looking for other hearty beef and cabbage recipes, you might enjoy our Ultimate Slow Cooker Cabbage and Beef Soup: A Hearty & Easy Comfort Food Recipe.
Signature Spices: Dill and Paprika
Dried dill and paprika are key spices that give this Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup its distinctive flavor profile, reminiscent of traditional cabbage rolls. Don’t skip them! Adjust salt and black pepper to taste, always remembering you can add more but can’t take away.
Fresh Finish: Chopped Parsley
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley at the end adds a burst of color and freshness, elevating the overall presentation and taste.
Easy Step-by-Step Guide to Making Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup
Making this hearty soup is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a delicious, comforting meal:
Step 1: Brown the Ground Meat
Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef (or turkey) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s nicely browned. This step is crucial for flavor development. Once cooked, drain any excess fat to keep the soup from becoming greasy.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
To the same pot, add the chopped onion. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it softens and becomes translucent. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for just one more minute until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 3: Combine and Simmer
Now, it’s time to bring all the main flavors together. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, chopped cabbage, dried dill, paprika, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
Step 4: Cook Until Tender
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let your Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup simmer gently for 20-25 minutes. This simmering time allows the cabbage to become wonderfully tender and all the flavors to meld beautifully. You’ll notice the cabbage softening and the broth deepening in flavor.
Step 5: Add Rice (If Using)
If you’re opting to include rice, stir in 1 cup of cooked rice during the last 5-10 minutes of simmering. This ensures the rice heats through without becoming mushy. If you’re in the mood for other flavorful dishes, you might also enjoy our Hot Honey Wings That Hit the Sweet Spot.
Step 6: Final Touches and Serve
Before serving, taste the soup and adjust any seasonings as needed. You might want a little more salt, pepper, or even a pinch of dill. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley, if desired. Enjoy your hearty, homemade meal!
Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, chopped cabbage, dried dill, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender.
- If using, stir in the cooked rice during the last 5-10 minutes of simmering to heat through.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired.
Notes
Tips for the Best Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup & Variations
Elevate your soup with these helpful tips and creative variations:
Make Ahead & Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: This soup freezes beautifully! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. If you added rice, it might become a bit softer upon reheating, but it will still be delicious.
Customizing Your Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup
- Vegetarian Version: Easily make this soup vegetarian by substituting ground beef with plant-based ground meat and using vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- Spice Level: For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the other spices.
- Extra Veggies: Feel free to toss in other vegetables like diced carrots or celery along with the onion for added nutrition and flavor. Add them at the same time as the onion.
- Sweetness Balance: If your tomatoes are very acidic, a pinch of sugar (about half a teaspoon) can help balance the flavors.
- Different Grains: Instead of rice, consider adding cooked barley or small pasta shapes like ditalini during the last 10-15 minutes of simmering.
- Creamy Touch: For a richer, creamier soup, stir in a dollop of sour cream or a splash of heavy cream just before serving.
Serving Suggestions for Your Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup
This hearty soup is a meal in itself, but a few simple additions can make it even more satisfying:
- Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty loaf of bread or a fresh baguette is perfect for soaking up every last drop of the flavorful broth.
- Dollop of Dairy: A spoonful of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt on top adds a lovely creamy tang that complements the tomato base beautifully.
- Fresh Herbs: Beyond parsley, a sprinkle of fresh dill or chives can brighten the flavors even further.
- Side Salad: A light green salad with a simple vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the rich soup.
Embrace the Comfort of Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup
There’s something truly special about a bowl of warm, comforting soup, and this recipe is no exception. It delivers all the beloved flavors of a classic dish without the fuss, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Whether you’re seeking a hearty meal prep option or a simple, satisfying dinner, this Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup is sure to become a family favorite. So grab your pot, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of pure comfort. Happy cooking!
What is unstuffed cabbage roll soup?
Unstuffed cabbage roll soup is a deconstructed version of the classic cabbage rolls, featuring ground meat, cabbage, tomatoes, and rice (optional) simmered together in a savory broth. It offers the same comforting flavors without the time-consuming rolling process.
Can I make unstuffed cabbage roll soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Brown the ground beef and sautu00e9 the onions and garlic first. Then combine all ingredients (except cooked rice, if using) in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until cabbage is tender. Stir in cooked rice during the last 30 minutes if desired.
How do I store and reheat leftover cabbage roll soup?
Store leftover unstuffed cabbage roll soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Can I freeze unstuffed cabbage roll soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. If you plan to freeze, you might want to add rice separately when serving, as cooked rice can sometimes change texture after freezing and thawing.