Hearty Stuffed Cabbage Soup

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large pot, start by browning the ground beef over medium heat. Break the meat apart as it cooks until no longer pink, and drain off any excess fat. This gives the soup a robust, meaty flavor and a satisfying texture.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Next, add chopped onions and minced garlic to the pot and sauté them until they become soft and translucent. This step builds the flavor base for the soup, creating a delicious, aromatic foundation.

Step 3: Add Cabbage and Rice

Once the onions and garlic are fragrant, add chopped cabbage and uncooked rice to the pot. Stir everything together so that the cabbage starts to soften slightly, and the rice mixes well with the meat and aromatics.

Step 4: Stir in Tomato Sauce and Broth

Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth, ensuring that everything is well-combined. The beef broth enhances the richness of the tomato sauce, making the soup extra savory and filling.

Step 5: Season and Simmer

Season the soup with salt, pepper, and paprika. Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking—some people enjoy a hint of sweetness from sugar or a dash of heat from crushed red pepper flakes. Bring the soup to a simmer, cover the pot, and let it cook for 25–30 minutes, or until the rice and cabbage are tender.

Serving Suggestions

Stuffed cabbage soup is hearty enough to stand on its own, but you can elevate the meal with a few sides or toppings:

• Crusty bread: Serve with a slice of crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up the rich broth.
• Sour cream: A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and a tangy contrast to the tomato-based soup.
• Fresh herbs: Garnish with fresh parsley or dill for a pop of color and flavor.
• Pickled vegetables: If you want to add a bit of zing, serve with pickled vegetables like cucumbers or beets.

Variations to Try

While this recipe sticks to the basics, there are plenty of ways you can tweak it to fit your tastes or dietary preferences:

• Make it vegetarian: Swap out the ground beef for a plant-based alternative or add extra vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
• Low-carb option: Skip the rice and replace it with cauliflower rice for a lower-carb, keto-friendly version of the soup.
• Add a kick: Stir in some hot sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, or cayenne pepper if you prefer a spicier soup.
• Use different grains: Instead of rice, try using barley, quinoa, or farro for a different texture and flavor profile.

Why This Soup is a Comfort Food Classic

Stuffed cabbage soup brings together all the hearty, comforting flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls, but in a fraction of the time. It’s perfect for cold evenings when you need something warm and satisfying to fill you up. Plus, it’s an excellent meal prep option—you can make a big batch and enjoy leftovers for several days. This soup also freezes beautifully, making it ideal for those busy nights when you don’t have time to cook.

Conclusion

Stuffed cabbage soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender cabbage, savory ground beef, rice, and a rich tomato broth into one bowl of warmth. It’s a great dish for family dinners, meal prepping, or whenever you’re craving something that’s hearty and filling without too much effort. Try making it with the simple recipe above, and enjoy a taste of home with every spoonful.

FAQs

1. Can I make stuffed cabbage soup in a slow cooker? Yes! Brown the beef first, then add all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the cabbage and rice are tender.
2. Can I freeze stuffed cabbage soup? Absolutely. This soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Just let it cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
3. What type of cabbage works best for this recipe? Green cabbage is ideal, but you can also experiment with savoy cabbage or even red cabbage for a different look and slightly different texture.
4. Can I substitute ground turkey for beef? Yes, ground turkey works great as a leaner alternative to beef, and it will still give the soup a delicious flavor.
5. What can I do if my soup is too thick? If the soup becomes too thick, simply add more beef broth or water until you reach the desired consistency.