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Classic comforting cabbage soup

Category: Everyday Mains Made Simple

This dish features tender ground beef browned with garlic and onion, then combined with chopped cabbage, diced carrots, and long grain rice. Simmered in a flavorful beef broth enriched with crushed tomatoes, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme, it develops a deep, comforting taste. Cooked gently until the rice softens and the vegetables meld together, it’s finished with fresh parsley for a vibrant touch. Perfect for cool days, it warms with every spoonful.

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Created By Breanna
Last updated on Sun, 01 Mar 2026 21:06:31 GMT
A bowl of cabbage roll soup. Save
A bowl of cabbage roll soup. | foodiffy.com

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ What type of cabbage works best?

Green cabbage is ideal as it softens well and blends nicely with the savory broth.

→ Can I use a different grain instead of rice?

Yes, barley or small pasta like orzo can be used but adjust cooking times accordingly.

→ How do I keep the beef tender and flavorful?

Brown the ground beef thoroughly, breaking it up evenly, and drain excess fat before adding other ingredients.

→ Is it possible to prepare this soup ahead?

Absolutely, flavors deepen after resting. Store chilled and gently reheat before serving.

→ What garnishes complement this dish?

Chopped parsley adds a fresh, herbal note but a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated cheese also works well.

Hearty cabbage roll soup

A comforting blend of cabbage, beef, rice, and tomatoes simmered with herbs in a rich broth.

Preparation Time
10 mins
Time to Cook
30 mins
Overall Time
40 mins
Created By: Breanna

Type of Recipe: Lunch & Dinner

Cooking Difficulty: Suitable for Beginners

Cultural Origin: American

Portion Size: 6 Number of Servings

Dietary Options: Dairy-Free

Ingredients Required

→ Meat and oil

01 15 ml olive oil
02 450 g lean ground beef

→ Vegetables and aromatics

03 1 small onion, finely diced
04 4 cloves garlic, minced
05 400 g coarsely chopped green cabbage
06 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced

→ Liquids and sauces

07 1.06 liters beef broth
08 800 g crushed tomatoes (canned)
09 30 ml ketchup
10 15 ml Worcestershire sauce

→ Seasonings and grains

11 Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
12 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
13 90 g uncooked long grain rice
14 1 bay leaf

→ Garnish

15 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Guide to Cooking

Step 01

Warm olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook, breaking meat apart, until fully browned, approximately 4 to 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 02

Stir in diced onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 03

Add chopped cabbage, diced carrots, beef broth, crushed tomatoes, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, uncooked rice, and bay leaf. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 04

Cover the pot and let simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until rice is cooked and vegetables are tender. Remove and discard the bay leaf.

Step 05

Ladle soup into bowls and optionally garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Extra Suggestions

  1. Simmer gently to allow flavors to meld and prevent rice from sticking to the pot.

Necessary Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon

Allergen Info

Always check ingredient labels for allergens, and talk to a health expert if you’re unsure.
  • Contains beef; may contain traces of gluten from Worcestershire sauce

Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

Nutrition facts are for general information and shouldn’t replace professional health advice.
  • Energy (Calories): 280
  • Fats: 12 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Protein: 22 g