Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Brown the beef and onions first, then transfer to a slow cooker with the remaining ingredients (except lemon juice). Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the rice and cabbage are tender. Add the lemon juice just before serving.

Why does my soup seem too thick or too thin?

The consistency depends largely on the rice, which can vary in how much liquid it absorbs. If your soup is too thick, add more beef broth. If it's too thin, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes or add a bit more uncooked rice.

Is this soup gluten-free?

The basic recipe is gluten-free if you use gluten-free beef broth. Always check labels on store-bought ingredients, especially broth and tomato sauce, to ensure they're gluten-free if needed.

Can I use pre-shredded cabbage to save time?

Yes! Coleslaw mix or pre-shredded cabbage works perfectly and is a great time-saver. You might want to roughly chop it if the pieces are very long for easier eating.

Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe

Name: Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb. extra lean ground beef (96% lean); 1 medium yellow onion, chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 5 cups chopped green cabbage (about half a medium-sized head); 4 cups (32 oz.) low-sodium beef broth; 3 cups (24 oz.) tomato sauce; 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

This hearty Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup delivers all the comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the fuss of stuffing and rolling. It transforms simple ingredients into a rich, satisfying meal that simmers to perfection in just about 40 minutes. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re craving a nutritious, flavor-packed dinner that practically makes itself!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

All the Flavor, None of the Work: Enjoy the delicious taste of cabbage rolls without the tedious rolling and stuffing process. This soup version delivers the same wonderful flavors in a fraction of the time.
One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in a single pot, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy your evening.
Budget-Friendly: Featuring inexpensive ingredients like cabbage, ground beef, and rice, this soup stretches your grocery dollars without sacrificing flavor.
Comforting and Filling: The combination of protein, vegetables, and rice creates a complete meal that will keep you satisfied for hours.
Better the Next Day: Like many soups, the flavors develop beautifully overnight, making leftovers something to look forward to!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Extra Lean Ground Beef: Provides protein without excess fat. This is the foundation of the soup’s heartiness and gives it that classic cabbage roll flavor.
Yellow Onion: Adds aromatic sweetness and depth to the soup base. Don’t skip this flavor builder!
Garlic: Brings essential savory notes that complement the beef and cabbage perfectly.
Green Cabbage: The star ingredient! It softens beautifully during cooking while maintaining a slight texture that makes each spoonful interesting.
Beef Broth: Creates the soup base and adds richness. Using low-sodium allows you to control the salt level.
Tomato Sauce: Contributes acidity, sweetness, and that classic cabbage roll flavor profile.
Carrots: Add natural sweetness, beautiful color, and nutritional value.
Rice: Brings substance and makes the soup more filling. It also absorbs flavors from the broth as it cooks.
Bay Leaves: These unassuming leaves infuse the soup with subtle depth and complexity.
Brown Sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes and rounds out the overall flavor profile.
Seasonings (Salt, Oregano, Black Pepper): The perfect blend to enhance and complement the other ingredients.
Lemon Juice: Added at the end, it brightens all the flavors and adds a subtle tang that brings everything together.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Meat Options

Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, or use a mix of ground beef and pork for a richer flavor. For a vegetarian option, try using lentils or a plant-based ground meat alternative.

Rice Alternatives

Swap the rice for barley, quinoa, or cauliflower rice to change up the texture and nutritional profile. For a lower-carb version, you can leave out the grain entirely and add more vegetables.

Vegetable Additions

Enhance the nutritional value by adding diced bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach. These vegetables blend beautifully with the existing flavors.

Spice It Up

For those who enjoy heat, add red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or some smoked paprika for a different flavor dimension.

How to Make Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup

Step 1: Brown the Meat and Onions

In a large soup pot over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Add the chopped onion and cook together until the beef is no longer pink and the onions have softened, about 8 minutes.

Step 2: Add Garlic

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just one minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!

Step 3: Combine All Main Ingredients

Add the chopped cabbage, beef broth, tomato sauce, shredded carrots, uncooked rice, bay leaves, brown sugar, salt, oregano, and black pepper to the pot. Stir everything together to combine.

Step 4: Simmer Until Done

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cover. Let it cook until the rice is tender – about 25 minutes for white rice or 45 minutes for brown rice. The cabbage will soften and all the flavors will meld beautifully.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Remove the pot from heat and stir in the lemon juice. Let the soup rest uncovered for 10 minutes – this allows it to thicken slightly and for the flavors to settle. Remove the bay leaves before ladling into bowls.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Chop Cabbage Consistently: Try to cut the cabbage pieces into similar sizes for even cooking.
Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Those 10 minutes of resting at the end are crucial for thickening the soup and allowing the flavors to fully develop.
Season Gradually: Taste as you go and adjust seasonings if needed. Remember, you can always add more salt but you can’t take it away!
Monitor the Rice: Different rice varieties absorb liquid differently. Check occasionally and add more broth if needed to maintain your preferred soup consistency.
Brown the Beef Well: Don’t rush the browning process – those caramelized bits add tremendous flavor to your soup.

How to Serve

This Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup is a meal in itself, but there are several ways to enhance your dining experience:

Perfect Pairings

Serve with a chunk of crusty bread or warm dinner rolls for dipping into that flavorful broth. A simple side salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a fresh contrast to the rich soup.

Toppings

A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and balances the acidity. Fresh chopped parsley or dill sprinkled on top brings color and a fresh herb note. For those who like heat, a few dashes of hot sauce can be wonderful.

Make It a Feast

For special occasions, serve smaller portions as a starter before a roasted chicken or pork main course. The flavors complement each other beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This soup stores beautifully in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. In fact, many people think it tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld.

Freezing

Portion the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some headspace for expansion. It freezes well for up to 3 months. The texture of the cabbage might change slightly, but the flavor remains delicious.

Reheating

Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until just simmering, or microwave in short intervals, stirring between each. You may need to add a splash of broth if the soup has thickened too much during storage.

FAQs

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Brown the beef and onions first, then transfer to a slow cooker with the remaining ingredients (except lemon juice). Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the rice and cabbage are tender. Add the lemon juice just before serving.
Why does my soup seem too thick or too thin?

The consistency depends largely on the rice, which can vary in how much liquid it absorbs. If your soup is too thick, add more beef broth. If it’s too thin, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes or add a bit more uncooked rice.
Is this soup gluten-free?

The basic recipe is gluten-free if you use gluten-free beef broth. Always check labels on store-bought ingredients, especially broth and tomato sauce, to ensure they’re gluten-free if needed.
Can I use pre-shredded cabbage to save time?

Yes! Coleslaw mix or pre-shredded cabbage works perfectly and is a great time-saver. You might want to roughly chop it if the pieces are very long for easier eating.

Final Thoughts

This Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup takes all the flavors you love about traditional cabbage rolls and transforms them into a cozy, fuss-free meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It’s the ultimate comfort food with a healthy twist – hearty enough to satisfy hungry appetites while sneaking in plenty of vegetables. Whether you’re a longtime cabbage roll fan or trying these flavors for the first time, I’m confident this soup will earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection!