Cabbage Roll Soup was one of the very first comfort meals I learned how to make when life felt busy, noisy, and overwhelming. I remember standing in my kitchen on a chilly evening, craving the familiar flavors of my grandmother’s traditional stuffed cabbage rolls—but without the hours of rolling, simmering, and waiting. That was the night this unstuffed version came to life, and it has remained a staple in my kitchen ever since.
I’m Lily Anne Bakehart, a recipe developer and editor at DishWhirl, and a home cook at heart. Some of my earliest memories are rooted in the kitchen—rolling dough with my grandmother, learning the magic of slow-simmered meals from my mother, and discovering how food can carry comfort, history, and connection. Over the years, I’ve tested hundreds of recipes, but the ones that stay closest to my heart are the warm, practical dishes that truly nourish. This cozy cabbage-based soup is one of those recipes I return to again and again.
What makes this Cabbage Roll Soup so special is how effortlessly it delivers everything we love about classic golumpki: tender cabbage, savory meat, tomato-rich broth, and cozy, familiar spices—without the extra work. It’s hearty, budget-friendly, family-approved, and currently one of the most searched cabbage soups for good reason. Every spoonful tastes like tradition, simplified.
I’ve tested this soup repeatedly in my own kitchen, carefully adjusting spice levels, broth ratios, and rice texture to ensure the final result is foolproof for beginners and deeply satisfying for experienced cooks. If you’re looking for a recipe that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this Cabbage Roll Soup is one you’ll want to make on repeat.
Why You’ll Love This Cabbage Roll Soup
Why This Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe Works So Well
- All the classic flavors, none of the fuss – No rolling or stuffing required
- One-pot meal – Easy cleanup and minimal prep
- Hearty and filling – Protein, veggies, and rice in every bowl
- Budget-conscious – Simple pantry staples stretch to feed a family
- Meal-prep friendly – Tastes even better the next day
- Customizable – Swap meats, adjust spices, or make it low-carb
Compared to traditional cabbage rolls or even other cabbage soups, this Cabbage Roll Soup delivers deeper flavor in less time. The rice cooks directly in the broth, absorbing tomato and beefy goodness, while the cabbage becomes perfectly tender without turning mushy.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Cabbage Roll Soup
Ingredients Overview (Serves 6)
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey – Provides richness and protein
- 1 large onion, diced – Builds the savory base
- 3 garlic cloves, minced – Adds aromatic depth
- 1 head green cabbage, chopped – The heart of the soup
- 2 cans (14 oz each) diced tomatoes – Tomato-forward flavor
- 4 cups beef broth – Creates a robust, comforting base
- ½ cup uncooked white rice – Classic cabbage roll texture
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – Adds umami
- 1 teaspoon paprika – Warm, slightly smoky note
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
- Swap beef broth for chicken or vegetable broth
- Use brown rice (add extra 10–15 minutes cook time)
- Replace rice with cauliflower rice for low-carb
- Add bay leaves or thyme for extra depth
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cabbage Roll Soup
How to Make Cabbage Roll Soup at Home
- Brown the meat
In a large soup pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until fully browned. Break it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed. - Build the flavor base
Add diced onion to the pot and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. - Add tomatoes and seasoning
Pour in diced tomatoes (with juices), Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well. - Add cabbage and broth
Add chopped cabbage and beef broth. Bring everything to a gentle boil. - Stir in rice
Add uncooked rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30–35 minutes until rice is tender. - Taste and adjust
Adjust seasoning as needed. Add extra broth if you prefer a thinner soup.
Pro Tip: Let the soup rest 10 minutes before serving—flavors deepen beautifully.
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Cabbage Roll Soup (Unstuffed Golumpki)
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty tomato-based soup with all the flavor of traditional cabbage rolls.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef or ground turkey – Provides richness and protein
1 large onion, diced – Builds the savory base
3 garlic cloves, minced – Adds aromatic depth
1 head green cabbage, chopped – The heart of the soup
2 cans (14 oz each) diced tomatoes – Tomato-forward flavor
4 cups beef broth – Creates a robust, comforting base
½ cup uncooked white rice – Classic cabbage roll texture
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – Adds umami
1 teaspoon paprika – Warm, slightly smoky note
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
Swap beef broth for chicken or vegetable broth
Use brown rice (add extra 10–15 minutes cook time)
Replace rice with cauliflower rice for low-carb
Add bay leaves or thyme for extra depth
Instructions
Brown the meat
In a large soup pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until fully browned. Break it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.Build the flavor base
Add diced onion to the pot and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.Add tomatoes and seasoning
Pour in diced tomatoes (with juices), Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well.Add cabbage and broth
Add chopped cabbage and beef broth. Bring everything to a gentle boil.Stir in rice
Add uncooked rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30–35 minutes until rice is tender.Taste and adjust
Adjust seasoning as needed. Add extra broth if you prefer a thinner soup.
Pro Tip: Let the soup rest 10 minutes before serving—flavors deepen beautifully.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Eastern European-Inspired
Spices That Elevate Cabbage Roll Soup
Seasoning is what transforms basic cabbage soup into a true Cabbage Roll Soup. Paprika provides warmth, Worcestershire sauce adds savory complexity, and black pepper balances the acidity of tomatoes. Some home cooks also enjoy adding:
- Crushed red pepper flakes (heat)
- Bay leaves (traditional depth)
- Garlic powder (extra aroma)
Nutritional Benefits of Cabbage Roll Soup
Cabbage is a nutritional powerhouse. This Cabbage Roll Soup supports digestion, provides fiber, and delivers vitamins C and K. Combined with protein-rich meat and energy-sustaining rice, it’s a balanced, nourishing meal that keeps you full without feeling heavy.
Understanding Traditional Cabbage Rolls
Classic cabbage rolls typically include ground meat, rice, onion, and seasoning wrapped in cabbage leaves and simmered in tomato sauce. This Cabbage Roll Soup captures every element—just deconstructed for ease and speed.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze Cabbage Roll Soup?
Yes, it freezes very well. Cool completely before storing.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely—brown the meat first, then cook on low for 6–7 hours.
Is Cabbage Roll Soup gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes—use lentils and vegetable broth instead of meat.
If you enjoy cozy cabbage-based meals, don’t miss our Creamy Cabbage Soup—a rich, dairy-kissed alternative perfect for cold evenings.
Conclusion
Cabbage Roll Soup is the kind of recipe that brings people together. It’s warm, simple, nourishing, and filled with familiar flavors that feel like home. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving something comforting, this soup delivers every time.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Leave a comment, share it with someone you love, and keep spreading the joy of simple ingredients and big love.
