Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup

All the cozy flavors of classic stuffed cabbage rolls—tender cabbage, savory ground beef, tomatoes, herbs, and rice—but made into an easy, hearty soup! This Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup is perfect for busy days when you want a comforting homemade dinner waiting for you. ❤️🥣

🛒 Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small head green cabbage, chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp salt, or to taste
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp sugar, optional, to balance the tomatoes
• Fresh parsley for garnish

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Brown the beef
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and onion and cook until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Drain excess grease, then stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

2. Add everything to the slow cooker
Transfer the beef mixture to the slow cooker. Add the chopped cabbage, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, oregano, basil, thyme, salt, pepper, and bay leaf.

3. Slow cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the cabbage is tender and the flavors have come together.

4. Add the rice
Stir in the cooked rice during the final 20–30 minutes of cooking. This prevents the rice from becoming overly soft and soaking up too much broth.

5. Taste and adjust
Remove the bay leaf. Taste the soup and add more salt, pepper, or herbs if needed.

6. Serve
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with crusty bread or enjoy it on its own for a filling meal. 🥣✨

🔥 Pro Tips

• Use lean ground beef to keep the soup lighter, or substitute ground turkey.
• For a richer flavor, add a little smoked paprika.
• If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the broth slightly.
• Add cooked rice near the end rather than at the beginning.
• A splash of lemon juice or vinegar at the end can brighten the tomato flavor.
• Leftovers taste even better the next day!

❓ Quick Q&A

Can I use uncooked rice?
Yes, but you’ll need additional liquid and should monitor the cooking time. For the easiest and most reliable result, use cooked rice near the end.

Can I make this without meat?
Absolutely. Replace the beef with beans, lentils, or a plant-based ground meat alternative.

Can I freeze cabbage roll soup?
Yes. For the best texture, freeze the soup without the rice, then add freshly cooked rice when reheating.