Cabbage Roll Soup

Love cabbage rolls but hate the hassle? This Cabbage Roll Soup packs all the comforting flavors of homemade rolls into an easy, no-fuss soup that hits the spot every time!

Cabbage Roll Soup in a bowl, topped with fresh parsley.

You are going to love this Russian recipe for cabbage roll soup.

Cabbage Roll Soup and a slice of rustic bread.

Reasons to Love This Cabbage Soup

  • This Cabbage Roll Soup recipe is a breeze to make, perfect for when you crave a quick, delicious meal without the hassle.
  • This soup tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for leftovers that pack even more flavor.
  • The Cabbage Roll Soup recipe wraps you in comfort, ideal for cozying up on chilly days.

Recipe Ingredients

Close-up of Cabbage Roll Soup.
  • Chopped Green Cabbage: With its mildly sweet, earthy flavor and soft, tender texture when cooked.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: This sauce offers a tangy, umami-rich flavor with a smooth, liquid texture that deepens the beefy taste.
  • Chicken Broth: This savory, slightly salty broth forms the flavorful base of the soup.

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

Variations

  • Meat Options: Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or ground pork for a slightly different flavor and texture.
  • Spice it Up: Add a pinch of dried oregano and black pepper for extra depth and warmth.
  • Cauliflower Rice Swap: Replace the white rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

How to Make Cabbage Roll Soup

Step #1: Heat the vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the ground beef and brown evenly for 2 minutes. Drain excess fat.

Step #2: Add the onion and carrot to the pot; sauté for 5 minutes to soften. Add the garlic and cabbage to the pot, along with the diced tomatoes and chicken broth.

Step #3: Stir the rice into the pot and add the paprika, bay leaf, and salt. Allow the soup to come to a boil, then turn the heat down to low and place a lid on the pot. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until the rice is cooked and the cabbage is softened.

Step #4: Stir in the sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and vinegar. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Serve garnished with fresh parsley.

Top view of Russian cabbage soup with chopped parsley garnish.

Expert Tips

  • Adjust Seasoning Gradually: When adding salt and pepper, do so in small increments and taste frequently. This helps you achieve the perfect seasoning without overshooting, especially with the addition of Worcestershire and vinegar at the end.
  • Browning for Depth: Ensure the ground beef is well-browned before adding other ingredients and beef broth. This step adds a rich, caramelized flavor to the soup.
Russian soup served in a bowl on a striped cloth, ready to enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use tomato sauce instead of diced tomatoes?

Yes, you can substitute tomato sauce for diced tomatoes. This will give the soup a smoother texture and slightly richer flavor.

How should I prepare the cabbage leaves for the soup?

Chop the cabbage leaves into bite-sized pieces or thin strips. This ensures they cook evenly and provide the perfect texture and flavor throughout the soup.

Storage Info

To store Cabbage Roll Soup, let it cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm on the stovetop over medium heat until hot, or microwave in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally for even heating.

Did you try this recipe? Leave a ⭐️ rating below and share it on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest!

Cabbage Roll Soup in a bowl, topped with fresh parsley.

Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe

Love cabbage rolls but hate the hassle? This Cabbage Roll Soup packs all the comforting flavors of homemade rolls into an easy, no-fuss soup that hits the spot every time!
4.4 from 35 votes
Pin Rate
Course: Soups & Stews
Cuisine: Asian
Diet: Gluten Free, Dairy Free
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 289kcal
Author: Linda
Print (email required)

RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 cup chopped yellow onion - about 1 medium onion
  • 1 cup diced carrots - about 2 medium carrots
  • 3 tablespoons minced garlic
  • 4 cups chopped green cabbage - about half of one head
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 14 ounce can no-salt-added diced tomatoes
  • 3/4 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tablespoon sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • Fresh parsley for garnish
Save this recipe!
Get this sent to your inbox, plus get new and favorite recipes from us!
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Instructions

  • Heat the vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the ground beef and brown evenly for 2 minutes. Drain excess fat.
  • Add the onion and carrot to the pot; sauté for 5 minutes to soften. Add the garlic and cabbage to the pot, along with the diced tomatoes and chicken broth.
  • Stir the rice into the pot and add the paprika, bay leaf, and salt. Allow the soup to come to a boil, then turn the heat down to low and place a lid on the pot. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until the rice is cooked and the cabbage is softened.
  • Stir in the sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and vinegar. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Serve garnished with fresh parsley.

NOTES

*When reheating leftover soup, you may want to add additional broth to thin out the consistency.
To store Cabbage Roll Soup, let it cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm on the stovetop over medium heat until hot, or microwave in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally for even heating.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 289kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 47mg | Sodium: 1347mg | Potassium: 724mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 3778IU | Vitamin C: 22mg | Calcium: 67mg | Iron: 3mg

Want more inspiration?

More Recipes You'll Love

About the Author

Linda

Hi, I'm Linda! Welcome to The Wanderlust Kitchen, where I share recipes and travel adventures from all around the world. Here you'll find a world of recipes you can have confidence in. These recipes celebrate authentic food heritage as well as modern techniques and ingredients. Be adventurous and try a new recipe and travel somewhere you have never been before.  Bon Appétit! Bon Voyage!  

4.38 from 35 votes (34 ratings without comment)

Join the Conversation

Rate and Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Please click on the Stars below to share your Rating of this Recipe




Comments:

  1. Can I add sourcroute to this instead of vinegar ? and add a can of instant rice at the end, and let it simmer on low for a bit?

  2. Wonderful soup! I went meatless in the slow cooker added rice and vinegar last. Also added 2 teaspoons of “better than bouillon”. Better the second day.

  3. Yum! Have you ever tried this in the slow cooker? Probably still wait until the end to add sugar, Worcestershire, and vinegar, right?

  4. I found this on Pinterest, and I made it for my family! THEY LOVED IT! I will be definitely making this again soon! thanks for the recipe!

  5. This sounds and looks delicious! I just printed the recipe off and look forward to making it. Thanks for the recipe!