Easy Cabbage Roll Soup with Ground Beef

If you love traditional stuffed cabbage rolls but don’t have the time to prepare and roll individual cabbage leaves, this Easy Cabbage Roll Soup with Ground Beef is the perfect solution. It delivers all the familiar flavors of classic cabbage rolls in one comforting pot, with tender green cabbage, savory ground beef, colorful bell peppers, and a rich tomato broth.

This old-fashioned cabbage roll soup is an easy one-pot dinner that comes together in under an hour. The combination of ground beef, vegetables, tomatoes, and rice creates a hearty, satisfying meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings, busy weeknights, or make-ahead family dinners.

Whether you’re looking for an easy ground beef soup recipe, a budget-friendly comfort food dinner, or a delicious way to use fresh cabbage, this homemade cabbage roll soup deserves a place in your regular meal rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Cabbage Roll Soup

• All the flavor, less work: Enjoy everything you love about traditional stuffed cabbage rolls without blanching leaves, preparing filling, or rolling individual cabbage parcels.
• Hearty and satisfying: Ground beef and cooked rice make this tomato cabbage soup filling enough to serve as a complete dinner.
• Packed with vegetables: Green cabbage, onions, garlic, and colorful bell peppers add flavor, texture, and valuable nutrients.
• Easy one-pot meal: Simple ingredients and straightforward cooking steps mean fewer dishes and less cleanup.
• Budget-friendly family dinner: Affordable pantry staples and fresh vegetables create a delicious meal without expensive ingredients.
• Great for meal prep: The flavors develop beautifully as the soup rests, making leftovers especially delicious the next day.
• Freezer-friendly: Prepare a large batch and freeze individual portions for convenient future meals.

Ingredients for Ground Beef Cabbage Roll Soup

Servings: 4–6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small green bell pepper, diced
• 1 small red bell pepper, diced
• 6 cups fresh green cabbage, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (choose an alcohol-free variety)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1½ teaspoons kosher salt, or to taste
• 1 cup cooked white rice
• 1–2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional, to balance tomato acidity)
• 4 slices crusty bread
• 2 tablespoons butter

Ingredient Notes:

• Ground beef: Lean ground beef provides savory flavor and protein without making the broth excessively greasy.
• Green cabbage: Choose a fresh, firm cabbage with crisp leaves for the best texture.
• Tomato sauce and diced tomatoes: Using both creates a rich, thick tomato broth with a pleasant balance of smoothness and texture.
• Beef broth: Adds depth and gives the soup its hearty, savory foundation.
• Cooked rice: Traditional cabbage roll flavor wouldn’t be complete without rice. Adding it near the end helps prevent it from becoming mushy.

How to Make Easy Cabbage Roll Soup

Step 1: Brown the ground beef

Heat a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 2: Cook the onions, garlic, and peppers

Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Add the cabbage and tomato broth

Add the chopped green cabbage, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Stir well to combine.

Season with Worcestershire sauce, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Add the optional brown sugar if you prefer a slightly sweeter tomato broth.

Step 4: Simmer until the cabbage is tender

Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover partially and simmer for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and the flavors have blended together.

Step 5: Add the cooked rice

Stir in the cooked white rice and simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing it to warm through and absorb some of the delicious tomato broth.

Step 6: Taste and serve

Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as needed. Ladle into bowls and serve hot with slices of crusty buttered bread.

Enjoy this comforting homemade cabbage roll soup while it’s warm!

Health and Nutrition Benefits

This homemade cabbage roll soup combines protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates in one satisfying meal.

• Cabbage provides fiber: Green cabbage contains dietary fiber and vitamin C, making it a nutritious addition to everyday meals.
• Ground beef supplies protein: Beef provides complete protein, iron, zinc, and vitamin B12, which support normal body functions.
• Bell peppers add vitamins: Red and green peppers contribute vitamin C and other beneficial plant compounds.
• Tomatoes provide antioxidants: Tomatoes contain lycopene, a naturally occurring antioxidant.
• A balanced combination: Beef, rice, and vegetables provide a satisfying mix of protein, carbohydrates, and fiber.

For a lighter version, choose lean ground beef, reduce the added salt, and use brown rice or cauliflower rice.

Helpful Tips for the Best Cabbage Roll Soup

1. Use fresh cabbage: Fresh, firm cabbage holds its texture better during simmering.
2. Brown the beef properly: Allow the ground beef to develop a little color before adding the other ingredients for deeper flavor.
3. Drain excess grease: This keeps the tomato broth rich without becoming oily.
4. Don’t overcook the cabbage: Simmer just until fork-tender to prevent it from becoming mushy.
5. Cook rice separately: Adding already-cooked rice near the end helps maintain its texture.
6. Balance the tomato flavor: A small amount of brown sugar can soften the acidity of the tomatoes. Add gradually and taste.
7. Let the soup rest: Allowing the finished soup to sit for 5–10 minutes before serving helps the flavors come together.

Easy Variations and Substitutions

Ground Turkey Cabbage Roll Soup: Replace the ground beef with lean ground turkey for a lighter alternative.

Ground Chicken Cabbage Soup: Use ground chicken for a milder flavor while keeping the recipe hearty and satisfying.

Low-Carb Cabbage Roll Soup: Leave out the white rice and add cauliflower rice during the final few minutes of cooking.

Spicy Cabbage Roll Soup: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra warmth.

Vegetarian Cabbage Roll Soup: Replace the beef with cooked lentils or beans and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Different Rice Options: Substitute white rice with brown rice, quinoa, or cooked barley. Prepare grains separately before adding them to the soup.

Herb Variation: Replace oregano with dried thyme or basil for a slightly different flavor.

Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup Instructions

You can easily adapt this recipe for your slow cooker.

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet and drain excess fat.
2. Sauté the onion, garlic, and bell peppers for a few minutes.
3. Transfer the beef and vegetables to the slow cooker.
4. Add cabbage, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the cabbage is tender.
6. Stir in the cooked rice during the final 15 minutes of cooking.
7. Taste, adjust the seasonings, and serve warm.

What to Serve with Cabbage Roll Soup

This hearty beef and cabbage soup is delicious on its own, but a few simple sides can make dinner even better.

• Crusty buttered bread: Perfect for dipping into the rich tomato broth.
• Garlic bread: Adds a delicious savory touch.
• Fresh green salad: A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette balances the hearty soup.
• Roasted vegetables: Serve with roasted carrots, broccoli, or green beans.
• Mashed potatoes: A comforting side for anyone who enjoys a traditional homemade dinner.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Refrigerator: Allow the soup to cool, then transfer it to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.

Freezer: Freeze cooled soup in individual portions for up to 3 months for the best quality. For better rice texture, consider freezing the soup without rice and adding freshly cooked rice when reheating.

Reheating on the Stove: Transfer the desired portion to a saucepan and heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until thoroughly hot. Add a little beef broth or water if the soup has thickened.

Microwave: Place an individual serving in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in intervals, stirring between each interval until steaming hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make cabbage roll soup without rice?

Absolutely! Simply leave out the rice for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate soup. The ground beef and cabbage will still make it hearty and satisfying.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes. Ground turkey and ground chicken are both excellent substitutes. You may want to add a little extra seasoning to compensate for their milder flavor.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomatoes?

Yes. Use peeled and diced ripe tomatoes in place of the canned diced tomatoes. Depending on their juiciness, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.

How do I keep cabbage from getting mushy?

Avoid cooking the soup for too long. Simmer until the cabbage is tender but still holds its shape. Fresh cabbage and gentle cooking make a big difference.

Can I make cabbage roll soup ahead of time?

Yes! This soup is excellent for meal prep. Prepare it a day ahead and refrigerate it. Reheat gently before serving. For the best rice texture, store the cooked rice separately.

Is cabbage roll soup good for freezing?

Yes. The tomato-based beef and cabbage broth freezes very well. For the best results, freeze without the rice and add freshly cooked rice after thawing and reheating.

What can I use instead of Worcestershire sauce?

You can use a little soy sauce or tamari for savory depth. Check the ingredients and use an alcohol-free option if avoiding alcohol.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Cabbage Roll Soup with Ground Beef is everything a comforting homemade dinner should be: hearty, flavorful, affordable, and wonderfully simple to prepare. With tender cabbage, savory beef, rice, and a rich tomato broth, it brings all the goodness of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls to your table without the extra preparation.

Make a big pot for your family, save some for lunch the next day, or freeze individual portions for busy evenings. One spoonful of this old-fashioned comfort food, and you’ll understand why it’s such a wonderful addition to your fall and winter dinner rotation!