Hearty Stuffed Cabbage Soup

Hearty Stuffed Cabbage Soup Recipe: A Comforting Classic in a Bowl

When the weather starts cooling down and you crave something warm, hearty, and satisfying, nothing hits the spot quite like a big bowl of stuffed cabbage soup. This rich, tomato-based soup, featuring tender cabbage, savory ground beef, and comforting rice, is a deconstructed version of the classic stuffed cabbage rolls—but much easier to prepare. If you’re a fan of the traditional dish but want to skip the lengthy rolling and baking process, this recipe will become your new favorite.

In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about this comforting stuffed cabbage soup recipe, including the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips to elevate this dish.

What is Stuffed Cabbage Soup?

Stuffed cabbage soup is essentially a simplified version of stuffed cabbage rolls. Traditionally, stuffed cabbage rolls are made by stuffing cabbage leaves with a mixture of ground meat, rice, and seasonings, then cooking them in a tomato sauce. However, stuffed cabbage soup takes all those delicious ingredients and cooks them together in one pot—no rolling required! The result is a thick, flavorful soup that’s just as hearty and comforting as the original dish but with much less effort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this comforting stuffed cabbage soup, you’ll need the following key ingredients:

Ground beef: Adds a rich, meaty flavor and texture. You can also use ground turkey or a mix of beef and pork if you prefer.
Cabbage: Green cabbage works best, chopped into bite-sized pieces that soften and soak up the flavors.
Rice: A staple in stuffed cabbage rolls, rice adds a comforting, starchy element. White or brown rice works well.
Tomato sauce: Provides the base for the broth, giving the soup its signature rich, tangy flavor.
Onion and garlic: These aromatics enhance the depth of flavor.
Beef broth: A savory liquid that complements the ground beef and tomato sauce.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, paprika, and any additional herbs you like, such as bay leaves or thyme, can be added for depth and warmth.