Stuffed Cabbage Soup (Hearty Ground Beef, Cabbage & Tomato Comfort Soup)
- Sarah Smith
- 3 hours ago
- 3 min read
This cozy Stuffed Cabbage Soup captures all the comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls in an easy one-pot meal. Made with seasoned ground beef, tender cabbage, rice, and a rich tomato broth, it’s a hearty dinner that’s perfect for chilly nights. If you enjoy comforting soups like White Chicken Chili, Lasagna Soup, or Minestrone Soup, this cabbage roll-inspired soup is another satisfying recipe to add to your soup rotation.
Why You’ll Love This
All the flavor of classic stuffed cabbage rolls in an easy soup
Hearty and filling with ground beef, cabbage, and rice
One-pot comfort food perfect for busy weeknights
Budget-friendly ingredients
Great for meal prep and leftovers
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 40 minutes Total Time: 55 minutes Servings: 6
Nutrition Information
(Per Serving)
Calories: ~350
Protein: 22 g
Carbohydrates: 28 g
Fat: 15 g
Fiber: 5 g
Sugar: 8 g
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (450 g)
1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chopped green cabbage (about 300 g)
1 can (15 oz / 425 g) diced tomatoes
1 can (15 oz / 425 g) tomato sauce
4 cups beef broth (960 ml)
1 cup uncooked white rice (190 g)
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, balances acidity)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional garnish: chopped parsley or sour cream
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks.
Stir in the diced onion and cook for about 4 minutes until softened.
Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in the chopped cabbage and cook for 3–4 minutes until it begins to soften.
Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, paprika, Italian seasoning, and brown sugar.
Bring the soup to a gentle boil and stir in the rice.
Reduce heat and simmer for about 25 minutes until the rice and cabbage are tender.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste and serve hot.
Tips & Variations
Use ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter version.
Swap white rice for brown rice (increase cook time slightly).
Add extra vegetables like carrots or celery for more texture.
For extra richness, stir in a spoonful of sour cream when serving.
Add a pinch of smoked paprika for deeper flavor.
Make-Ahead & Storage
Stuffed Cabbage Soup reheats beautifully and often tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely and store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. If freezing, you may prefer to cook the rice separately and add it when reheating to maintain the best texture.
FAQ
What type of cabbage works best for stuffed cabbage soup?
Green cabbage works best because it softens nicely while holding its shape during cooking.
Can I make stuffed cabbage soup without rice?
Yes. You can omit the rice or replace it with cauliflower rice for a lower-carb version.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes. Brown the beef first, then add all ingredients except rice to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–7 hours. Add cooked rice before serving.
Does stuffed cabbage soup freeze well?
Yes, it freezes very well. For the best texture, freeze without rice and add freshly cooked rice when reheating.
Final Thoughts
This comforting Stuffed Cabbage Soup brings all the cozy flavors of classic cabbage rolls into an easy, hearty soup that’s perfect for family dinners. The combination of ground beef, tender cabbage, and rich tomato broth makes it filling, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying.
If you enjoy cozy soups like Stuffed Pepper Soup, Ham and Bean Soup, or Italian Sausage White Bean Soup, then explore the full Soups & Stews collection on Cozy Home Recipes for creamy comfort soups, hearty beef stews, classic chicken soups, and vegetable-packed favorites perfect for every season.
