Cabbage Roll Soup

Cabbage Roll Soup is one of those recipes that delivers every classic comfort flavor you love, all from a single pot. I started making this on cold weeknights when I wanted the coziness of stuffed cabbage rolls without spending an hour at the counter rolling each one. It has everything – rich tomato broth, seasoned beef, tender cabbage – and it comes together faster than you would expect.

I still remember making traditional stuffed cabbage rolls with my grandmother on Sunday afternoons. They tasted wonderful, but the process took most of the day. One busy Tuesday I tossed all the same ingredients into a big pot, let everything simmer together, and this hearty cabbage roll soup was born. The rice soaks up that savory tomato broth, the beef adds real substance, and the cabbage turns perfectly soft. This easy one-pot meal has been on repeat in my house ever since.

Everything You Need in Your Bowl

I always keep these pantry staples stocked because this cabbage roll soup comes together with simple, budget-friendly ingredients. Pro tip: look for a firm, heavy head of green cabbage for the best texture and the most even cook.

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef (I prefer 85/15 for great flavor without too much grease)
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 4 cups beef broth (low-sodium works great if you are watching salt)
• 1 head of cabbage, cored and chopped (or one bag of pre-shredded coleslaw mix for a faster shortcut)
• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt

For serving (optional):

• Sour cream
• Fresh dill
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Pro tip: A mix of ground beef and ground pork adds a deeper, richer flavor that takes this cabbage roll soup to the next level.

How to Make This Hearty Cabbage Roll Soup Step by Step

I recommend reading through all the steps before you start. This one-pot cabbage roll soup is forgiving, but a little prep up front makes everything go smoothly.

Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook, breaking up the meat as you go, until the beef is fully browned and the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain off any excess fat before moving on.

Step 2: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about one minute until fragrant. Do not rush this step. Cooking the garlic directly in the pot builds a deeper flavor base for the whole soup.

Step 3: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir everything together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Those browned bits add real flavor.

Step 4: Add the chopped cabbage, uncooked rice, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, dried dill, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine. The pot will look very full but the cabbage wilts down quickly as it heats.

Step 5: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a low simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the cabbage is tender and the rice is fully cooked through with no hard center.

Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning. Add more salt, pepper, or a small splash of vinegar if the soup tastes flat.

Step 7: Ladle into bowls using a large ladle or serving spoon and top with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh dill, or shredded cheddar. Serve hot.

What to Serve Alongside Your Cabbage Roll Soup

This soup pairs well with simple, hearty sides that soak up the rich tomato broth. Here are the best sides for cabbage roll soup to round out the meal.

Crusty French Bread: Perfect for soaking up every last drop of that rich tomato broth. The crispy crust adds a satisfying crunch with each bite.

Rye Bread or Pumpernickel: These earthy, slightly tangy breads echo the Eastern European roots of traditional cabbage rolls and feel right at home next to this soup.

Simple Green Salad: A light salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup and brings a fresh, bright contrast to the table.

Roasted Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery, and garlicky. This is the ultimate comfort food pairing when served alongside a steaming bowl of cabbage roll soup.

More Cozy Soups and One-Pot Meals to Try Next

If this cabbage roll soup hit the spot, there are plenty more hearty one-pot recipes worth adding to the dinner rotation. The Crack Chicken Noodle Soup is just as comforting and comes together just as easily on a weeknight, while the Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup brings bold, rich flavor that soup lovers will not stop thinking about. For something with a little smoky kick, the Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup is a crowd-pleaser.

Serve this cabbage roll soup alongside something from the bread basket for a complete meal. The Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread is a perfect match, and so is the soft and pillowy Texas Roadhouse Dinner Rolls for dipping straight into the bowl.

Keeping Your Soup Fresh All Week Long

This cabbage roll soup stores beautifully, making it one of the best meals to prep ahead for a busy week. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

To reheat, warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat. Add a splash of beef broth or water if the soup has thickened too much. The rice continues absorbing liquid as it sits, so expect a thicker texture by day two. This is completely normal.

Pro tip: If you plan to freeze this soup, I recommend leaving the rice out entirely and cooking it fresh at serving time. Store the soup base in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. This keeps the texture perfect and prevents the rice from turning mushy after thawing.

Your Top Questions About Cabbage Roll Soup Answered

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