Stuffed Cabbage Soup

Introducing Stuffed Cabbage Soup! This hearty and comforting soup brings together the flavors of classic stuffed cabbage rolls in a delicious and easy-to-make format. With tender ground beef, savory onions, and hearty cabbage, all simmered together in a flavorful tomato broth, this soup is a satisfying meal on its own.

Perfect for chilly days or whenever you’re craving a cozy dish, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Let’s dive into how to make this comforting soup that’s bound to warm you up from the inside out.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Rich and Comforting Flavors

The combination of ground beef, tender cabbage, savory tomatoes, and Italian seasoning creates a robust, homestyle flavor that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

Effortless One-Pot Wonder

Unlike traditional stuffed cabbage rolls, this soup skips the tedious rolling process, making it easier and faster to prepare without compromising taste.

Filling and Satisfying

The addition of rice makes it a complete and hearty meal that can stand on its own, perfect for feeding a hungry family or meal prepping.

Customizable and Versatile

It’s easy to tweak—swap ground beef for turkey, use cauliflower rice for a low-carb version, or add extra veggies for a nutrient boost.

Perfect for Any Occasion

This soup is equally great for weeknight dinners, cozy family gatherings, or even as leftovers. Its flavors deepen over time, making it even better the next day!

Key Ingredients:

Ground Beef: Provides hearty, savory protein as the base for the soup.

Cabbage: Tender, wilted cabbage adds a mild sweetness and pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.

Crushed and Chopped Tomatoes: Create a rich, flavorful tomato base with tangy and robust undertones.

Beef Broth: Enhances the depth of flavor, giving the soup a comforting, savory backbone.

Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano and basil adds a fragrant, aromatic layer.

Cooked Rice: Makes the soup filling and satisfying, transforming it into a complete meal.

Stuffed Cabbage Soup

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef

1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper

1 yellow onion chopped

4 tablespoons butter divided

1/2 head cabbage cut into 8 wedges and sliced thickly

1 can chopped tomatoes 8 ounces – not drained

28 ounces crushed tomatoes

3 cups beef broth

1 tbsp Italian seasoning

2 cups rice cooked

Instructions

Step 1:

In a large pot over medium high heat add the ground beef and cook and crumble.

Drain and set aside on a plate.

Add two tablespoons butter and onion and sauté until tender.

Remove and set aside with ground beef.

Step 2:

Add in 2 Tablepoons butter and cabbage and cook until the cabbage is tender and starts to wilt.

Add the ground beef and onion back to the pan.

Step 3:

Add in the crushed tomatoes, beef stock and chopped tomatoes, and italian seasoning and let simmer for 15-20 minutes.

Step 4:

Add in rice before serving and salt and pepper to taste.

Tips and Variations for Stuffed Cabbage Soup

Green Chile Chicken Tamales

Blueberry Fluff

German Chocolate Cake

Most people when making this will boil together all the ingredients which would still be a delicious soup, but with just a couple of adjustments it can be an even more amazing soup!

Browning:

Start by browning the beef really well, getting a good deep browning on the meat.

Cabbage:

Remove the beef you add in the cabbage in a couple of batches, browning the cabbage on high heat before adding in the rest of the ingredients.

Meat:

This can also be made with ground chicken or turkey to lighten it up.

You can also add ground pork to add a bit more spice.

Bulk:

In addition to using the cabbage you can also add in cauliflower as well to bulk up the soup.

Beefier:

To make the soup richer you can add in some beef base to the liquids or if you are using beef stock, you can also start with double the stock and cook it down in another saucepan before adding it to your soup.

I keep beef base on hand instead of boxes of stock because it’s easier to control the strength of the stock.

In this soup I would make it double the strength.

Veggies:

If you want to add more vegetables to the soup you can add in some fresh spinach or green peas.

You can also dice carrots and celery and add them in when browning the cabbage.

Freeze:

Before adding the rice, let the soup cool and freeze for up to 3 months.

Thaw in the fridge and bring to a low simmer on the stove.

Add the rice before serving.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey can be a leaner alternative with a similar texture and flavor.

What type of rice works best in this soup?

Any white or brown rice will work well.

Use your favorite or what you have on hand.

Can I make this soup in advance?

Absolutely! Soups often taste even better the next day.

Store it in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve.

Is it necessary to use Italian seasoning?

While Italian seasoning adds a classic flavor, you can customize with your preferred herbs or omit it altogether.

Can I freeze Stuffed Cabbage Soup?

Yes, it freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.

Thaw and reheat as needed.

What’s the purpose of adding butter separately in the recipe?

Butter adds richness and enhances the overall flavor.

Sautéing the onions and cabbage in butter imparts a delicious taste.

How can I adjust the thickness of the soup?

If you prefer a thicker soup, you can reduce the amount of beef broth or add more cabbage and tomatoes for a heartier texture.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes.

Adjust the quantity based on their size and ripeness.

What side dishes pair well with Stuffed Cabbage Soup?

Crusty bread, garlic bread, or a simple side salad are excellent choices to complement the soup.

Can I add other vegetables to the soup?

Certainly! Bell peppers, carrots, or celery can be great additions for extra flavor and nutrients.

Adjust the cooking time accordingly.