Hearty Stuffed Cabbage Soup

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 45 min
🍽 Serves: 8

Hearty Stuffed Cabbage Soup is your go-to comfort dish, perfect for chilly evenings when you crave something warm and satisfying. Imagine all the flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage, but easier to make and even cozier to eat. This soup is a one-pot wonder that will quickly become a family favorite.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • All the satisfying flavors of stuffed cabbage, without the fuss of rolling leaves.
  • One-pot meal that means less cleanup — always a win!
  • Perfect for batch cooking and freezes beautifully.
  • Rich in flavor and packed with both protein and vegetables.

Ingredients

1 medium green cabbage, chopped
1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup uncooked white rice
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
4 cups beef broth
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp brown sugar
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp paprika
2 bay leaves
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/4 cup sour cream (optional for serving)

Ingredients Explained

The star of this dish is the cabbage, providing a mild sweetness and hearty texture to the soup. We use ground beef for rich, savory depth, and white rice to add a bit of heft and creaminess as it cooks. Onion and garlic are the classic aromatics that lay the flavor foundation. Crushed tomatoes bring a tangy, luscious base, while beef broth adds layers of savory warmth. A splash of Worcestershire sauce and a hint of brown sugar balance the flavors perfectly. Then, we season it up with salt, pepper, and paprika for a subtle kick, while bay leaves infuse a subtle earthiness. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens everything up at the end, and a dollop of sour cream (if you like) adds an extra touch of creamy luxury.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a thicker soup, let it simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes.
  • If you prefer a bit more heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when you add the paprika.
  • Using low-sodium beef broth gives you better control over the saltiness of the soup.
  • This soup tastes even better the next day, so don’t hesitate to make it ahead of time.

Detailed Instructions

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in the chopped onion and garlic. Stir them around until they’re soft and fragrant, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Next, add the ground beef. Break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks until it’s all browned and nicely crumbled, about 6-7 minutes.

Now, it’s time to bring in the chopped cabbage and uncooked rice. Stir them into the pot, ensuring everything gets coated in those tasty juices. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth, then add Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, paprika, bay leaves, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Give it a good stir. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep the rice from sticking to the bottom.

Once the cooking time is up, remove the bay leaves and stir in the lemon juice. This little bit of acidity will brighten all the flavors. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Ladle the soup into bowls and, if you’re feeling indulgent, top each serving with a dollop of sour cream.

Simplified Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sauté until soft.
3. Add the ground beef, cook until browned and crumbled.
4. Stir in the chopped cabbage, uncooked rice, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, paprika, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Remove bay leaves and stir in lemon juice.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
8. Serve hot, optionally topped with a dollop of sour cream.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this hearty soup with a slice of crusty bread to soak up all the flavorful broth. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup perfectly. If you want to keep it light, consider serving it with a side of steamed green beans or roasted carrots.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken would be great substitutes for beef.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but you might need to adjust the cooking time as brown rice takes longer to cook.
How long can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Ratings and Comments

Thank you for your rating!