Stuffed Cabbage Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that reimagines the classic stuffed cabbage rolls into a flavorful soup. This dish boasts a rich, tomato-based broth that envelops tender cabbage, savory ground beef, and aromatic spices. Each spoonful offers a delightful combination of textures—from the soft and tender cabbage leaves to the juicy and well-seasoned beef. You’re going to enjoy preparing this easy, one-pot meal that is perfect for family dinners and busy weeknights. You may also find One Pan Unstuffed Ground Beef Cabbage Roll Casserole useful.
Quick Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 6
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are many reasons to love this Stuffed Cabbage Soup: You may also find Beef And Macaroni Soup Recipe useful.
- Comforting Flavor: The robust flavors of tomatoes, beef, and spices make this soup incredibly satisfying.
- Family-Friendly Appeal: With its familiar tastes, this dish is sure to please even picky eaters.
- Easy Preparation: Everything cooks in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze.
- Leftover Potential: This soup tastes even better the next day, making it an excellent choice for meal prep.
- Budget-Friendly Ingredients: Most ingredients are economical and pantry staples, perfect for frugal family meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can of diced tomatoes
- 1 (8-ounce) can of tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 small head of cabbage, chopped
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Ingredient Notes
When selecting your ground beef, choose a lean variety with around 80% meat and 20% fat for a good balance of flavor and moisture. If you’re looking for healthier options, ground turkey or chicken can also work well as substitutes. Use fresh herbs if available, as they can enhance the soup’s aroma and flavor. Additionally, you can adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences. You may also find Beef And Rice Stuffed Peppers useful.
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
How to Make Stuffed Cabbage Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 7-10 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Step 3: Add the Liquids and Seasonings
Pour in the vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Sprinkle in thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together, ensuring the meat is fully incorporated.
Step 4: Incorporate the Cabbage and Rice
Add the chopped cabbage and cooked rice to the pot. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat and allow the soup to simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender.
Step 5: Adjust Seasoning
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. You may want to add more salt or spices according to your preference.
Tips for the Best Results
- Browning Beef: Ensure the beef is browned well, as this adds depth to the flavor of your soup.
- Cabbage Texture: Cut the cabbage into uniform pieces for even cooking and tenderness.
- Flavor Boost: For an extra kick, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
- Rice Variations: You can use different types of rice, like brown or jasmine, to mix up the flavor.
- Serving: Serve with a sprinkle of parsley or grated cheese on top for an added touch.
Variations and Substitutions
Feel free to customize your Stuffed Cabbage Soup based on available ingredients. For proteins, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or a mix of beef and pork. If you want a vegetarian version, replace the meat with lentils or mushrooms for heartiness. Other vegetable additions, such as carrots or bell peppers, can also provide additional flavor and nutrients.
What to Serve With Stuffed Cabbage Soup
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a side salad for a well-rounded meal. For a greater depth of flavor, serve alongside Cheeseburger Soup for something unexpected.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Freezer
Stuffed Cabbage Soup freezes well. To freeze, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe bags or containers. It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating
To reheat, you can simply warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through. If you find the soup is thickened, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use frozen cabbage? Yes, frozen cabbage can be used, but it may change the texture slightly.
-
How do I store leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
-
Can I add beans for extra protein? Absolutely! White beans make a great addition for added fiber and protein.
-
Is it possible to make this soup in a slow cooker? Yes, you can brown the beef and vegetables first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
-
What if I don’t have rice? You can substitute rice with quinoa, or even omit it for a lighter soup.
This Stuffed Cabbage Soup is a delightful and easy meal to whip up on a weeknight. For even more comfort food options, explore more of our family-friendly recipes at Supper Grove!
Stuffed Cabbage Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef Choose a lean variety for better flavor.
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes
- 1 8-ounce can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt Adjust to taste.
- 1 small head cabbage, chopped
- 1 cup cooked rice Use any variety of rice.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For sautéing vegetables.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 7-10 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Pour in the vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Sprinkle in thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together, ensuring the meat is fully incorporated.
- Add the chopped cabbage and cooked rice to the pot. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat and allow the soup to simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. You may want to add more salt or spices according to your preference.
