Name: Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Comfort/American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef or turkey; 1 medium onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups green cabbage, chopped; 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes; 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce; 4 cups beef or vegetable broth; 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown); 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp paprika; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 tbsp olive oil

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Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup takes everything I love about classic cabbage rolls—savory meat, tender cabbage, rich tomato flavor—and turns it into a hearty one-pot soup. It’s cozy, comforting, and way easier to make than rolling each leaf individually.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I make this soup when I’m craving all the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls but don’t have the time or patience to assemble them. It’s a perfect mix of protein, veggies, and grains, simmered in a flavorful tomato broth. I love how filling it is, and it makes plenty for meal prep or leftovers. Plus, it’s easily customizable to suit my preferences or what I have in the kitchen.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef or turkey
Onion, chopped
Garlic, minced
Green cabbage, chopped
Diced tomatoes
Tomato sauce
Beef or vegetable broth
Cooked rice (white or brown)
Worcestershire sauce
Paprika
Salt and pepper
Olive oil

Directions

I start by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. I add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté until soft.
I add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
Once the meat is browned, I stir in the chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper.
I bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 25–30 minutes, until the cabbage is tender.
Finally, I stir in the cooked rice and let it heat through for 5 more minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 6 servings.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

When I want a lower-carb version, I skip the rice or use cauliflower rice instead. Sometimes, I swap ground beef for ground turkey or even a plant-based alternative to keep things lighter. I’ve added carrots or bell peppers when I wanted more vegetables, and if I’m out of Worcestershire, a splash of soy sauce adds that same umami punch.

Storage/Reheating

Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 4 days. I let it cool, transfer it to airtight containers, and reheat individual portions on the stove or in the microwave. It also freezes great for up to 3 months—perfect for stocking up on a cozy meal ahead of time.

FAQs

Can I use uncooked rice in the soup?

I prefer using cooked rice because it helps control the texture and keeps the soup from getting too starchy. But I’ve also added uncooked rice and simmered the soup longer—just be sure to add more broth.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! I skip the meat and use lentils or a plant-based ground alternative. I also switch to vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

What kind of cabbage works best?

I usually use green cabbage, but Napa or Savoy cabbage works fine too. Red cabbage gives a different color but still tastes great.

Can I make it in a slow cooker?

Definitely. I brown the meat and sauté the aromatics first, then add everything except the rice to the slow cooker. I cook it on low for 6–8 hours, stir in cooked rice at the end, and it’s ready to serve.

Is this soup freezer-friendly?

Very much so. I freeze it in individual portions after it cools, and it reheats beautifully. Just keep in mind the rice might soften more after freezing.

Conclusion

Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup is a dish I keep coming back to when I want something wholesome, satisfying, and low-effort. It delivers all the nostalgic flavors of stuffed cabbage without the fuss, and I love how easy it is to tweak to fit whatever I’m craving. For a weeknight dinner or freezer-friendly meal prep, this soup is always a win.