Cabbage Roll Soup: All the Comfort, None of the Fuss

Love classic cabbage rolls but dread the tedious rolling and baking process? Meet your new favorite soup. This crockpot Cabbage Roll Soup captures all the savory comfort of traditional cabbage rolls—tender cabbage, seasoned ground meat, hearty rice, and rich tomato broth—in a bowl that’s easy to prep and even easier to enjoy.

Cabbage rolls have long been a beloved staple in Eastern European cuisine, cherished for their comforting flavors and filling qualities. By deconstructing the rolls into a hearty soup, you preserve everything delicious about the original dish while simplifying the process significantly. With this slow cooker version, the flavors meld beautifully as they cook low and slow, resulting in a deeply satisfying meal that’s ideal for chilly evenings, family dinners, or meal prepping.

Get ready to savor all the goodness of cabbage rolls without the work. This flavorful, hearty soup will quickly become a family favorite.

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Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
Ground beef or turkey	1 lb (450g)
Onion (chopped)	1 medium
Garlic (minced)	3 cloves
Vegetable or beef broth	4 cups
Diced tomatoes (canned)	1 can (14 oz)
Shredded cabbage	2 cups
Carrot (diced)	1 medium
Uncooked rice	½ cup
Dried oregano	1 teaspoon
Smoked paprika	1 teaspoon
Salt and pepper	To taste

Ingredient Notes:

• Choose lean ground beef or turkey for a lighter but flavorful option.
• Long-grain white rice works best, but brown rice or quinoa can be used for a healthier twist.
• Savoy or green cabbage is preferred for its tender texture and mild flavor.

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Equipment Needed

• Crockpot / Slow Cooker: Ideal for gentle cooking that melds flavors beautifully.
• Skillet: For browning ground meat to enhance flavor.
• Cutting board & knife: For prepping vegetables.
• Ladle: For neat and generous serving.

Browning the meat first is key—it brings depth to your broth and soup overall.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Begin by browning your ground beef or turkey in a skillet over medium heat. Once browned, drain off excess fat and transfer the meat directly to your crockpot.
2. Chop the onion, mince the garlic, dice the carrot, and shred the cabbage. Add these vegetables to the crockpot, followed by the broth, canned tomatoes (including juice), uncooked rice, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
4. Cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours, until the cabbage is tender and the rice is perfectly cooked.
5. Before serving, stir well and taste for seasoning. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot.

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Tips and Variations

Cooking Tips:

• Don’t skip browning the meat—it greatly enhances the soup’s flavor.
• Stir occasionally if you can, especially toward the end, to evenly distribute ingredients.
• For a thicker soup, use slightly less broth or add more rice.

Flavor Enhancements:

• Add a tablespoon of brown sugar or honey to balance acidity from tomatoes.
• Stir in a splash of apple cider vinegar just before serving for brightness.
• Top with sour cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess.

Dietary Adaptations:

• Vegetarian/Vegan: Replace meat with lentils, beans, or plant-based ground meat.
• Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free—just verify broth is certified gluten-free.
• Lower Carb: Swap rice for cauliflower rice added in the last hour.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve Cabbage Roll Soup in deep bowls with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley or dill. Pair it with crusty rye bread, buttered dinner rolls, or garlic toast to soak up every savory drop.

To complement the richness of the soup, consider a simple cucumber and tomato salad tossed in vinaigrette or a side of tangy pickled vegetables.

For family-style serving, present bowls of sour cream, additional smoked paprika, and grated cheese at the table for personalized toppings.

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Pairings

This hearty, savory soup pairs perfectly with beverages that refresh and balance its richness:

• Medium-bodied red wines like Merlot or Cabernet Franc enhance the savory notes.
• Amber ales or light lagers complement the smoky paprika and meaty base.
• Non-alcoholic options like sparkling apple cider, iced herbal teas, or lemon-infused sparkling water provide refreshing contrast.

These drinks help cleanse the palate, keeping each bite flavorful and balanced.

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Storage and Reheating

Cool soup completely before storing. Transfer to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 5 days.

To freeze, portion soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving room for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals. Add a little broth or water if needed to restore consistency.

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Nutritional Information

Per serving (approx. 1½ cups):

• Calories: 290
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Protein: 23g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 720mg

Allergens: Verify broth for allergens; otherwise free of common allergens.

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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Conclusion

Cabbage Roll Soup brings the beloved flavors of traditional cabbage rolls to your table with ease and simplicity. Its combination of hearty ingredients, savory seasonings, and slow-simmered richness make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for gatherings or comforting weeknight meals.

Have a favorite addition or tweak? Share your secrets in the comments or tag us in your soup creations online—we’d love to see how you make it yours!

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