Hearty Cabbage Roll Soup with Ground Beef and Rice (Easy One-Pot Recipe)
Hearty cabbage roll soup made with ground beef, rice, and vegetables in a rich tomato broth. This easy one-pot recipe is perfect for a comforting and budget-friendly meal.
Ingredients:
4 cups beef broth
2 (8-ounce) cans tomato sauce
1/2 cup uncooked long-grain rice
1 bay leaf
3 teaspoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons dried parsley
2 teaspoons olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 pound ground beef
1 onion, diced
2 teaspoons minced garlic
4 cups chopped green cabbage
2 carrots, sliced
Instructions:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and season with salt and pepper. Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned, about 5 to 6 minutes.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and fragrant.
Stir in the chopped cabbage and sliced carrots. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes to slightly soften the vegetables.
Pour in the beef broth and tomato sauce. Add the uncooked rice, bay leaf, brown sugar, and parsley. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the vegetables are fully cooked.
Remove the bay leaf before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot.
Benefits:
This cabbage roll soup is a nutritious and filling meal packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins. It is a budget-friendly recipe made with simple ingredients and is perfect for meal prep. The one-pot method makes cleanup easy while delivering rich, comforting flavors.
Tips:
Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease. Rinse the rice before adding it to prevent excess starch. Stir occasionally to keep the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Adjust the thickness by adding more broth if needed. Let the soup rest a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to blend.
Variations:
Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Use brown rice for added fiber, but increase cooking time. Add extra vegetables like celery or bell peppers for more flavor. For a low-carb option, replace rice with cauliflower rice. Add a splash of lemon juice for a brighter taste.
Serving suggestions:
Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. This soup also tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
