Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup

Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup is a modern twist on a classic comfort dish, capturing all the rich flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls but with far less effort.

Instead of carefully rolling leaves, everything simmers together in one pot—ground beef, tender cabbage, sweet carrots, rice, and a tangy tomato broth infused with herbs. The balance of hearty meat, wholesome vegetables, and just a hint of sweetness from brown sugar makes this soup deeply satisfying yet surprisingly light.

It’s a recipe that warms both body and spirit, perfect for cozy family dinners, meal prepping, or serving as a nourishing dish that feels timeless and homey.

Why People Will Love Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup:

All the flavor, none of the fuss – It delivers the comforting taste of classic stuffed cabbage rolls without the time-consuming rolling and layering, making it approachable even on busy nights.

One-pot simplicity – Everything comes together in a single pot, minimizing cleanup while maximizing flavor through slow simmering and natural melding of ingredients.

Balanced comfort – The combination of tender beef, hearty rice, and sweet-savory tomato broth satisfies cravings while still feeling wholesome and nourishing.

Customizable for every table – From swapping proteins (turkey, chicken, or plant-based) to adjusting spices for heat or sweetness, this soup adapts to personal taste and dietary needs.

Deeply nostalgic yet timeless – It captures the spirit of home-cooked meals passed down through generations, yet its streamlined form makes it relevant and loved in modern kitchens.

Key Ingredients:

Green Cabbage – The heart of this soup, cabbage brings natural sweetness and a tender bite as it softens, echoing the soul of traditional stuffed rolls while infusing the broth with rustic earthiness.

Lean Ground Beef – Provides rich, savory depth without overwhelming heaviness, creating a hearty base that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of vegetables and the tang of tomato.

Tomato Sauce & Beef Broth – Together, they form the robust, flavorful backbone of the soup, offering both acidity and warmth while binding all the ingredients into a cohesive dish.

Rice – A humble but essential component, rice adds body and comfort, absorbing the flavors of the broth and giving each spoonful a satisfying, homestyle texture.

Carrots, Onion, and Garlic – The classic aromatic trio that layers in natural sweetness, sharpness, and depth, ensuring the soup feels both nourishing and complex.

Brown Sugar & Lemon Juice – This sweet-and-tangy balance highlights the Eastern European roots of the dish, cutting through richness while brightening the final flavor profile.

Expert Tips:

Brown the Beef Properly – Instead of rushing, let the ground beef sear undisturbed for a few minutes before breaking it apart. This creates caramelized bits that deepen the soup’s umami flavor.

Sweat the Aromatics – After the beef is browned, give onions and garlic time to soften and release their natural sugars. This builds a sweeter, more rounded base instead of leaving raw sharpness.

Layer the Seasoning – Add salt in stages: once with the beef, again with the vegetables, and finally before simmering. This ensures each component is seasoned rather than relying only on the broth.

Toast the Rice Before Simmering – Stir the uncooked rice briefly with the beef and vegetables before adding liquid. This brings out a nutty aroma and helps it hold structure during the long simmer.

Balance Sweetness and Acidity – Taste at the end and adjust with a touch more brown sugar for depth or lemon juice for brightness. Getting this balance right transforms the soup from hearty to harmonious.

Simmer Low and Slow – Keep the heat gentle after bringing it to a boil. This allows the cabbage to soften evenly and the rice to absorb flavor without breaking apart.

Rest Before Serving – Let the soup sit uncovered for 10–15 minutes after cooking. This thickens the broth naturally, melding the flavors just like traditional stuffed cabbage rolls.

Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup

Ingredients

1 lb. extra lean ground beef I used 96% lean

1 medium yellow onion chopped

3 garlic cloves minced

5 cups chopped green cabbage about half of a medium sized head

4 cups 32 oz. low-sodium beef broth

3 cups tomato sauce (24 oz.)

1 cup shredded carrots

1/2 cup uncooked white or brown long grain rice

2 dried bay leaves

3 tbsp. packed brown sugar

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. dried oregano leaves

1/2 tsp. ground black pepper

1 1/2 tbsp. lemon juice

Instructions:

Step 1:

In a large soup pot, add the beef and place over medium-high heat.

Break it apart with a wooden spoon.

Add the onion.

Cook about 8 minutes until the beef is brown, stirring occasionally.

Step 2:

Add the garlic. Stir and cook 1 minute.

Add the cabbage, beef broth, tomato sauce, carrots, rice, bay leaves, brown sugar, salt, oregano, and pepper.

Step 3:

Bring to a boil.

Then, reduce the heat to simmer and cover the pot.

Cook until rice is tender (25 minutes for white rice and 45 minutes for brown rice).

Step 4:

Remove the pot from the heat.

Stir in the lemon juice.

Let the soup rest uncovered for 10 minutes to thicken up before serving.

Remove the bay leaves before serving.

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Important Notes When Making Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup:

Choice of Meat Matters – Extra lean beef (like 96% lean) keeps the soup light, but if you prefer a richer broth, use 85–90% lean. You can also substitute with ground pork, turkey, or a mix for different flavor profiles.

Cabbage Texture – Green cabbage softens beautifully in the broth. Chop it into bite-sized pieces to ensure it cooks evenly. Don’t cut too finely, or it may disintegrate after simmering.

Rice Considerations – White long-grain rice cooks faster (around 25 minutes) and becomes tender without turning mushy. Brown rice takes longer (about 45 minutes), so if you use it, plan accordingly. Avoid short-grain or sticky rice, as they can gum up the soup.

Balancing Flavors – The brown sugar softens the acidity of the tomato sauce, while the lemon juice brightens the dish at the end. Both are essential to replicate the flavor balance of classic cabbage rolls—don’t skip them.

Liquid Levels – Depending on how much liquid your rice absorbs, you may need to add extra broth or water while simmering. Keep an eye on consistency: it should be hearty but still soupy, not overly thick.

Bay Leaf Removal – Always remove bay leaves before serving. Their sharp edges and concentrated oils can be unpleasant if eaten whole.

Resting Time – Allow the soup to sit uncovered for 10 minutes after cooking. This resting period thickens the broth naturally, making it richer and more cohesive.

Make-Ahead & Storage – This soup actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Add extra broth when reheating, as rice continues to absorb liquid.

Serving Flexibility – This dish works as a full meal but can also be paired with crusty bread, a fresh green salad, or even roasted vegetables for a more complete table spread.

How To Enjoy Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup After Cooking:

1. Let It Rest and Develop Flavor

After cooking, allow the soup to sit for 10 minutes uncovered. This rest time thickens the broth and deepens the flavors, making each bite more balanced.

If you’ve made it ahead of time, reheat gently on the stove and add a splash of broth or water if it has thickened too much.

2. Serving Suggestions

Main Course: Ladle the soup into deep bowls and serve it as the star of the meal—its protein, rice, and vegetables make it a complete dish.

With Bread: Pair with warm crusty bread, garlic toast, or dinner rolls to soak up the rich tomato broth.

Lighter Sides: A simple cucumber salad, roasted vegetables, or a small green salad dressed with olive oil and lemon balance the richness.

3. Garnishing for Freshness

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley, dill, or green onions over the top for brightness.

Add a spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess and a cooling contrast.

For a subtle kick, drizzle with chili oil or sprinkle with red pepper flakes.

4. Pairing with Drinks

Wine: A medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or a rustic Italian red complements the tomato base and earthy cabbage.

Beer: A light lager or amber ale balances the hearty flavors.

Non-Alcoholic: Sparkling water with lemon or a glass of chilled iced tea keeps the palate refreshed.

5. Leftover Enjoyment

Meal Prep Friendly: Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Flavors intensify overnight, making it even tastier the next day.

Freezing Option: Cool completely, portion into airtight containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently with added broth to restore consistency.

Creative Use: Serve leftover soup over mashed potatoes or polenta for a different take, turning it into a heartier comfort-food plate.

Nutrition Information:

For Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup per serving (about 1½ cups, recipe makes ~6 servings):

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef if you prefer.

Just ensure it’s extra lean to keep the dish light.

Can I use pre-shredded cabbage instead of chopping it myself?

Absolutely, using pre-shredded cabbage can save time and effort in preparation.

You can find it in the produce section of most grocery stores.

Is it necessary to use low-sodium beef broth?

While low-sodium beef broth is recommended to control the overall sodium content of the soup, you can use regular beef broth if you prefer.

Adjust the salt accordingly.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can use either white or brown rice in this recipe.

Just note that brown rice typically requires a longer cooking time, as mentioned in the instructions.

Can I make this soup in advance and freeze it?

Yes, this soup is suitable for freezing.

Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.

Thaw and reheat as needed.

What can I serve with this soup to make it a complete meal?

You can serve this soup with crusty bread, garlic bread, or a side salad for a satisfying meal.

Can I omit the sugar from the recipe?

The brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness to balance the flavors, but you can omit it if you prefer a less sweet soup.

Can I add other vegetables to this soup?

Absolutely, feel free to customize the soup with additional vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or diced tomatoes.

What can I do if the soup becomes too thick during cooking?

If the soup becomes too thick, you can add a little more beef broth or water to achieve your desired consistency.

Is it necessary to remove the bay leaves before serving?

Yes, it’s essential to remove the bay leaves before serving to prevent anyone from accidentally consuming them.