It was a chilly evening when I first decided to try my hand at Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup. I’ll never forget the aroma that filled my kitchen as the fragrant ingredients simmered away on the stovetop. The rich, tomato-y broth, the tender cabbage, and the hearty ground beef – it was like a warm hug in a bowl. From the very first spoonful, I knew this recipe was destined to become a family favorite.
Why This Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup
What makes this Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup recipe so special? It’s all in the balance of flavors and the clever technique of “unstuffing” the classic cabbage rolls. By sautéing the ground beef, onions, and garlic first, we build a delicious foundation of flavor. Then, we add the chopped cabbage, tomatoes, and broth, allowing the ingredients to meld together into a comforting, one-pot meal.
The key to this recipe’s success lies in the choice of ingredients and the way they’re combined. The diced tomatoes and tomato sauce provide a rich, tomatoey base, while the oregano and basil lend an aromatic, Italian-inspired touch. And let’s not forget the uncooked white rice – it cooks directly in the broth, thickening the soup and adding heartiness with each bite.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s take a closer look at the all-star cast of ingredients that make this Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup so irresistible:
- 1 pound ground beef: This is the protein powerhouse that gives the soup its substance and satisfying texture.
- 1 onion, diced: The onion adds a sweet, aromatic foundation to the dish, perfectly complementing the other flavors.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is a must-have in any savory soup, infusing the broth with its pungent, umami-rich essence.
- 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped: The star of the show, cabbage provides a tender, slightly sweet element that balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes: These juicy, chunky tomatoes lend the soup its signature tomatoey flavor.
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce: The tomato sauce helps to create a rich, velvety broth that ties all the ingredients together.
- 2 cups beef broth: The broth serves as the liquid base, adding depth and heartiness to the soup.
- 1 cup uncooked white rice: The rice cooks directly in the broth, thickening the soup and adding wonderful texture.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Oregano brings an earthy, slightly peppery note that complements the other flavors.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Fresh, herbaceous basil enhances the Italian-inspired flavors of the dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: These essential seasonings help to balance and elevate the overall flavor profile.
Step-by-Step Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup Instructions
Preparing Your Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup
With a total time of just 45 minutes – 15 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cooking – this Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup comes together quickly and easily. All you’ll need is a large pot or Dutch oven, a sharp knife for chopping, and a few basic kitchen tools.
1- In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up into small crumbles as it cooks. This will infuse the broth with the rich, savory flavor of the beef.
2- Once the beef is cooked through, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté the mixture, stirring frequently, until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant – about 3-5 minutes.
3- Next, add the chopped cabbage to the pot. Let the cabbage cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, until it starts to soften and wilt.
4- Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. The liquid should just cover the ingredients. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, then stir in the uncooked white rice, dried oregano, and dried basil.
5- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the flavors have melded together.
6- Once the soup is ready, taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup into bowls and serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream, if desired.
Pro Tips for Success
- Chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces for the best texture in the soup.
- Be sure to brown the ground beef thoroughly to build a rich, meaty flavor in the broth.
- Adjust the cooking time of the cabbage to your desired level of tenderness – some prefer it with a bit more bite, while others like it very soft.
- For an extra creamy texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end of cooking.
Serving and Storing Your Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup
Perfect Pairings for Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup
This Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup is a hearty, comforting main dish that serves 6 people. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a fresh green salad, crusty bread, or garlic-parmesan breadsticks. To drink, a glass of red wine or a crisp, refreshing white wine would complement the flavors beautifully.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup is the perfect make-ahead meal. Once cooled, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place the desired portion in a saucepan and warm it over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
For even longer storage, the soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just transfer it to a freezer-safe container, leaving a bit of headspace to allow for expansion. When ready to enjoy, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat it on the stovetop until hot and bubbly.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup
Creative Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup Variations
While the classic Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup is a real winner, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on this recipe:
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different protein profile.
- Stir in a handful of fresh chopped parsley, dill, or thyme for an herbal twist.
- Make it vegetarian by omitting the ground beef and using vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- Add in diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggies.
Making Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup Diet-Friendly
To make this Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup suitable for various dietary needs, try these simple substitutions:
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free broth and skip the rice, or substitute with a gluten-free grain like quinoa or cauliflower rice.
- To make it low-carb, replace the white rice with riced cauliflower or zucchini noodles.
- For a dairy-free or vegan option, omit the sour cream garnish and use a plant-based milk or cream substitute.
No matter which variations you choose, this Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup is sure to delight your taste buds and warm your soul.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for the ground beef in this Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup recipe. The cooking time and method will remain the same.
Q: How long does it take to make this Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup?
A: The total time to make this soup is 45 minutes, with 15 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cook time.
Q: Can I make this Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup ahead of time?
A: Yes, this soup is perfect for making ahead. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Just reheat it on the stovetop when ready to serve.
Q: How many servings does this Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup recipe make?
A: This recipe makes 6 servings of Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup.
Q: What should I do if the soup seems too thick or too thin?
A: If the soup is too thick, you can thin it out by adding a bit more broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to allow the rice to further thicken the broth.
Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup is a quick and easy way to enjoy the flavors of classic cabbage rolls in a comforting, one-pot meal. Loaded with ground beef, tender cabbage, rice, and a rich tomato broth, this soup is perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
– 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
– 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned and crumbled, 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the onion is translucent.
3. Add the chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, uncooked rice, oregano, and basil. Stir to combine.
4. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the cabbage is softened.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
For a thicker soup, you can add an extra can of tomato sauce. If you prefer a creamier texture, stir in a few tablespoons of sour cream or Greek yogurt just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup is a true comfort food classic that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. With its balance of tender cabbage, savory ground beef, and a rich, tomato-infused broth, this dish is sure to become a new family favorite.
I hope this recipe inspires you to cozy up with a warm, satisfying bowl of Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup. Don’t be afraid to get creative with variations and make it your own. And be sure to let me know how it turns out – I’d love to hear your feedback!
