Recipe for Stuffed Cabbage Soup

This post may contain affiliate sales links. Please read my disclosure policy.

This Stuffed Cabbage Soup is based off my Cabbage Rolls recipe. It is equally hearty and tasty as it is comforting! This one-pot meal is made with cooked cabbage, ground beef, rice, tomato sauce and simple seasonings. Delicious served with Garlic Bread!

But Wait, What is Stuffed Cabbage Soup?

Stuffed Cabbage Soup is a comforting and hearty soup made by combining the ingredients typically used in traditional stuffed cabbage rolls (ground meat, white rice, and green cabbage) but deconstructed in a beef broth. This technically “unstuffed cabbage soup” is often made with beef or pork, and includes vegetables such as onions, garlic, and tomato sauce. If you have some homemade bone broth on hand, this would be a great way to use it!

Ingredients Needed

Making cabbage rolls can be a tedious task, but this cabbage soup only takes about 10 minutes of prep time! This recipe makes enough for 8 servings, so if you’re feeding a larger crowd, feel free to make a double batch of this soup. You may need to split it into 2 stock pots or large dutch oven. Here’s the list of basic ingredients you’ll need:

• olive oil– used to sauté the onions with the ground beef.
• large onion– for fragrant flavor.
• ground beef- I used 85/15 but feel free to use a leaner beef you you prefer
• salt and black pepper- to taste.
• garlic– for fragrant flavor.
• beef stock- or beef broth. If you have Homemade bone broth, this is the perfect way to use it!
• tomato sauce– 15 oz can adds tomato flavor and thickens the soup slightly.
• bay leaves– for flavoring while cooking.
• shredded cabbage/coleslaw mix– I prefer the bagged cabbage or coleslaw mix because it’s so easy and ready to go! If you have or see Napa cabbage (a Chinese cabbage) in your local grocery store, use that!
• long grain white rice– brown long grain rice works here too. Use what you prefer.

How to Make Stuffed Cabbage Soup

My whole family loves this recipe and we add it to our regular rotation of soup during the winter months. For full recipe details including ingredients and measurements, see the printable recipe card down below. Here is step by step what to expect when making this recipe:

Brown Ground Beef + Onion

Preheat a large pot over medium-high heat. Spray with nonstick cooking spray and add olive oil. Add onion, ground beef, salt and pepper. Break apart the beef as it cooks and browns. 

Add in Remaining Ingredients

Once beef is fully cooked and onions are tender, add in minced garlic and cook another 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the rest of the ingredients (beef stock, tomato sauce, bay leaves, shredded cabbage, rice and more salt and pepper).

Bring to a Boil, Then Simmer

Bring to boil, then reduce to simmer stirring frequently until it comes to a boil to prevent rice from sticking and scorching at the bottom of the pan. 

Simmer gently for 20 minutes or until rice is tender. Taste, adjust seasonings and serve (be sure to remove bay leaves!).

Storing Stuffed Cabbage Soup

As the rice sits it will keep absorbing more of the broth. So, the leftovers will be thick like a stew. For some that will be totally fine, but, if you prefer a thinner soup consistency, you may want to add a little more broth or tomato sauce to thin it out a bit as you reheat it.

To store any leftover soup, place soup it an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it in individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months.

To reheat frozen soup, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, and then heat it on the stove or in the microwave. Be sure to stir the soup occasionally to ensure that it heats evenly.

FAQ’s About the Best Stuffed Cabbage Soup

Loved this soup? Give these recipes a try:

• Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup
• Chicken Gnocchi Soup
• Vegetable Beef Soup
• Broccoli Cheese Soup
• White Chicken Chili
• Zuppa Toscana

This hearty rich soup is full of comforting flavors perfect for those cold winter nights! Be sure to print/save/bookmark or share to keep handy. Oh, and Happy New Year! Enjoy, friends!

If you make this recipe, I would really appreciate it if you would give it a star rating and leave your review in the comments! If you have a picture of your finished dish, post it on Instagram using the hashtag #laurenslatest and tagging me @laurens_latest.