As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, our thoughts naturally drift towards warm, nourishing meals that can simmer on the stove or in a slow cooker. This Cabbage Roll Soup recipe is exactly what you need to embrace the cooler weather, bringing a cozy aroma and incredibly satisfying flavors into your home.

You’re going to adore this Cabbage Roll Soup. It masterfully blends ground beef, savory bacon (which is entirely optional but highly recommended for an extra layer of flavor!), fire-roasted diced tomatoes, rich tomato sauce, hearty beef broth, shredded cabbage, a medley of aromatic spices, and a touch of rice to create a truly substantial meal. It’s the epitome of comfort food – reminiscent of childhood and the delicious, hearty meals my grandma used to make, like her classic cabbage rolls, but conveniently deconstructed into a soul-warming soup.

If you share my enthusiasm for cabbage, then this recipe is definitely for you. I often rotate it with other cabbage-forward dishes, such as this flavorful Vegetable Soup with Cabbage. What’s fantastic about this recipe is its versatility. While it traditionally uses ground beef, you can easily substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or pork to suit your preference. For those seeking a plant-based option, simply omit the meat entirely for a delightful vegetarian version.

Today’s detailed recipe focuses on the ease of preparation in a slow cooker, allowing you to set it and forget it, returning to a perfectly cooked meal. However, this soup is incredibly adaptable and can just as easily be made on the stovetop. Simply brown the bacon and ground beef, then combine all ingredients in a Dutch oven or large pot and simmer for approximately 30 minutes until all the flavors meld beautifully and the cabbage is tender. This flexibility makes it ideal for any busy weeknight, regardless of your cooking method preference.

One of my favorite aspects of this Cabbage Roll Soup is how wonderfully it freezes. I frequently prepare a double batch, enjoying one portion immediately and freezing the other half for a quick and convenient meal on a future busy day. This makes meal prep a breeze and ensures you always have a wholesome, homemade option on hand.

If you’re a fan of robust, satisfying soups, you might also enjoy exploring other hearty recipes like this creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup, our nutritious Chicken Lentil Soup Recipe, the bright and zesty Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup, or this classic Homemade Minestrone Soup.

Essential Cabbage Roll Soup Ingredients

This effortless recipe relies on a selection of simple, yet powerfully flavorful ingredients to create a truly memorable meal. You’ll be amazed at how quickly these ingredients transform into a delicious, hearty soup.

• Bacon: A foundational ingredient that infuses the soup with a wonderful smoky, salty depth. Frying the bacon renders flavorful fat, which is then used to sauté the onions, building a rich base for the entire dish. While optional, it adds an incredible layer of flavor.
• Beef: We use lean ground beef, ideally 80/20, for that perfect balance of flavor and texture. The fat content helps carry the spices beautifully. Feel free to swap with ground turkey, ground pork, or ground chicken for a lighter version, adjusting the cooking time slightly.
• Vegetables: This soup is brimming with wholesome vegetables. Freshly diced carrots add a touch of sweetness and vibrant color, while the copious amounts of cabbage soften beautifully, lending a mild, sweet flavor. Fire-roasted diced tomatoes provide a smoky tang and chunky texture, complemented by smooth tomato sauce for a rich, well-rounded tomato base. Don’t forget the aromatic onion and garlic for depth!
• Rice: A crucial addition that helps thicken the soup and makes it incredibly hearty and filling. Long grain white rice is commonly used, but you can experiment with brown rice for added fiber or other grains for different textures and nutritional profiles.
• Broth: High-quality beef broth forms the liquid base, contributing significant savory flavor. You’ll want to have extra on hand to adjust the soup to your desired consistency.
• Worcestershire Sauce: A secret weapon for umami! Just a tablespoon adds a depth of savory, slightly tangy flavor that enhances the beef and tomato elements.
• Spices: The magic lies in the spice blend. Smoked paprika brings a warm, earthy, and distinctly smoky note. Dried thyme adds herbaceous freshness, while marjoram offers a delicate, sweet, and subtly floral aroma. Bay leaves are essential for a foundational, savory fragrance that slowly develops as the soup simmers. Don’t forget salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, balancing all the flavors.

How to Prepare Delicious Cabbage Roll Soup

Making this Cabbage Roll Soup is incredibly straightforward, especially when utilizing the convenience of a slow cooker. Follow these simple steps for a truly rewarding meal:

Step 1: Sauté Bacon and Onion. Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large sauté pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add your diced bacon and chopped onion to the hot pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is nearly crispy and the onion has softened and turned translucent, becoming fragrant. This step is crucial for building a flavorful foundation for your soup.

Step 2: Transfer to Slow Cooker and Drain Grease. Carefully spoon the cooked bacon and onion mixture from the sauté pan into your slow cooker. At this point, drain any excess grease from the cooking pan. This prevents the soup from becoming overly oily while retaining all the savory bits from the bacon and onion.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef. Add another 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the same sauté pan. Place the ground beef into the pan and cook over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s fully browned and no pink remains. Once cooked, drain any excess fat from the ground beef to keep the soup lighter, then add the browned beef to the slow cooker with the bacon and onions.

Step 4: Combine and Slow Cook. Now, add all the remaining ingredients to the slow cooker: the minced garlic, chopped carrots, shredded cabbage, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth (start with 6 cups and add more later if you prefer a thinner consistency), long grain rice, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, dried thyme, marjoram, and bay leaves. Stir everything together thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well combined and submerged in the broth. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 3 hours, or on low for 5-6 hours, until the cabbage is tender and the rice is fully cooked. The longer, slower cooking time truly allows the flavors to deepen and meld.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish. Once the soup is cooked to perfection, carefully remove and discard the bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish generously with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor and freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy this comforting, homemade delight!

This Cabbage Roll Soup is wonderfully forgiving and adaptable. Don’t hesitate to customize it to your taste or what you have on hand:

• Add More Vegetables: Enhance the nutritional value and texture by incorporating extra vegetables. I particularly enjoy adding zucchini, colorful bell peppers (red or yellow for sweetness), sliced mushrooms, or even chopped celery for an aromatic boost. You can also throw in some cubed potatoes or sweet potatoes for extra heartiness.
• Cheese for Creaminess: While Parmesan cheese is a fantastic finishing touch, don’t limit yourself! Stir in some shredded cheddar cheese for a rich, melty quality, mozzarella for a mild, stringy texture, or pepper jack cheese if you crave a subtle spicy kick.
• Boost with Greens: For an added dose of nutrients, stir in a handful of fresh greens towards the end of the cooking process. Spinach will wilt quickly, while kale or Swiss chard will add a slightly chewy texture and vibrant color. Add them during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking.
• Turn Up the Spice: If you prefer your soup with a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper, a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients. Adjust to your desired level of spice.
• Alternate Grains: Instead of long-grain white rice, explore other grains for different flavors and textures. Barley offers a chewy, robust quality, brown rice provides a nutty flavor and more fiber (though it may require a slightly longer cooking time), wild rice adds an earthy dimension, and farro contributes a satisfyingly hearty chew. Ensure adequate broth is present if using grains that absorb more liquid.
• Explore More Spices: Beyond the core spice blend, you can experiment with other flavor enhancers. A teaspoon of Italian seasoning can introduce a herbaceous medley, while onion powder and garlic powder can deepen the aromatic base. A small pinch of sugar can also help balance the acidity of the tomatoes, enhancing their natural sweetness.
• Meat Variations: As mentioned, ground chicken, turkey, or pork are great substitutes for beef. Another fantastic option is to replace half of the ground beef with spicy or sweet Italian ground sausage for an added layer of robust flavor.

How to Store and Freeze Cabbage Roll Soup

This Cabbage Roll Soup is not only delicious fresh but also stores and freezes exceptionally well, making it a fantastic option for meal prep:

• Refrigeration: To store leftovers, allow the soup to cool completely to room temperature. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until thoroughly warm. You might need to add a splash of extra broth or water when reheating, as the rice can absorb more liquid as it sits.
• Freezing: This soup is an excellent candidate for freezing. Ensure the soup has cooled completely before freezing. For convenience, divide the soup into single-serving portions using freezer-safe bags or containers. If using freezer bags, lay them flat on a tray or cookie sheet to freeze; once solid, they can be stacked vertically to save freezer space. Alternatively, you can freeze the entire batch in a large, sturdy freezer-safe container. Properly stored, the soup will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat gently on the stovetop, adding extra broth or water if needed to reach your desired consistency.