Easy Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup

This heart-warming Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup gives you all the rich, classic flavor of traditional cabbage rolls without any of the tedious rolling. Ground beef simmered with chopped green cabbage, diced carrots, garlic, and aromatics in a seasoned tomato-beef broth creates a wholesome, budget-friendly, and nutrient-dense meal perfect for weeknights.

📝 Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 45 minutes

• Servings: 6 to 8 portions

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb lean ground beef (or ground turkey)

• 1 medium head green cabbage, chopped into bite-sized pieces

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 large carrots, diced

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices

• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce

• 4 cups low-sodium beef broth

• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter

• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

🥣 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Beef & Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and diced onion; cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking the meat apart, until fully browned. Drain off excess fat if needed. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

2. Add Cabbage: Add the chopped green cabbage to the pot with the ground beef. Sauté for 3–5 minutes until the cabbage starts to soften slightly.

3. Simmer the Broth: Add diced carrots, canned diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.

4. Cook until Tender: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover with a lid and simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the cabbage and carrots are tender.

5. Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed. Ladle into warm bowls, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and enjoy!

🥗 Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Approx. 1.5 cups)

• Calories: 245 kcal

• Protein: 20 g

• Total Fat: 11 g

  • Saturated Fat: 4 g

• Carbohydrates: 17 g

  • Dietary Fiber: 5 g

  • Sugars: 8 g

• Sodium: 520 mg

❓ Related High-CPM SEO Questions & Answers

1. How do I freeze and store leftover cabbage roll soup?

• Refrigeration: Store cooled soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

• Freezing: Allow soup to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe glass containers or freezer bags, leaving 1 inch of space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat.

2. Can I add rice or grains to this cabbage soup?

Yes! Traditional cabbage rolls contain rice. You can stir in 1 cup of cooked white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice (for a low-carb/keto option) during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Note: If adding cooked rice directly into the main pot, it will absorb broth over time in leftovers, so add extra beef broth as needed.

3. What is the best way to make cabbage roll soup in a Slow Cooker / Crockpot?

Brown the ground beef and onion in a skillet first, then transfer them to a slow cooker. Add chopped cabbage, carrots, garlic, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, seasonings, and beef broth. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours until the cabbage is soft and tender.