Stovetop Cabbage Roll Soup
If you love classic cabbage rolls but don’t love all the rolling and baking, this Stovetop Cabbage Roll Soup is about to become your new favorite comfort meal. It has all the cozy flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls — tender cabbage, seasoned ground beef, tomatoes, and rice — simmered together in one big pot. No stuffing, no layering, no fuss.
This easy cabbage roll soup recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep Sundays, or anytime you want something hearty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a simple, budget-friendly dinner that feeds a family of six and reheats beautifully the next day.
I started making this healthy cabbage roll soup one winter when I was craving my grandmother’s cabbage rolls but didn’t have the patience to assemble them. I threw everything into a pot instead — and honestly, I haven’t looked back. It has the same comforting flavor, and it’s way more weeknight-friendly. Now it’s one of those go-to soups I make on repeat when I want something filling, cozy, and freezer-friendly.
What makes this soup healthy?
This homemade cabbage roll soup is hearty and nourishing without feeling heavy.
- Lean protein from ground beef or ground turkey keeps you satisfied.
- Green cabbage adds fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.
- Tomatoes bring lycopene and natural sweetness.
- White rice gives steady energy and makes the soup filling enough for dinner.
- It’s a one-pot cabbage roll soup, which means fewer processed ingredients and total control over what goes into your meal.
If you’re searching for a healthy cabbage roll soup with rice that’s comforting but balanced, this one checks all the boxes.
RELATED: Think rich tomato broth, tender pasta pieces, savory meat, and melty cheese in every bite—without layering noodles or babysitting the oven. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, making this Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup a perfect weeknight dinner for chilly days.
Ingredients you’ll need
Here’s what goes into this easy stovetop cabbage roll soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – For sautéing and building flavor.
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey) – Adds protein and richness. Turkey works great for a lighter version.
- 1 small onion, diced – Brings depth and natural sweetness.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Boosts savory flavor.
- 4 cups green cabbage, chopped – The star of this cabbage roll soup recipe.
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes – Creates a rich tomato base.
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained – Adds texture and brightness.
- 4 cups beef broth – Forms the savory backbone of the soup.
- 1/2 cup uncooked white rice – Cooks right in the pot and thickens the soup slightly.
- 1 teaspoon paprika – Adds warmth.
- 1 teaspoon salt – Brings everything together.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – A gentle kick.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano – Subtle herb flavor.
- 1 bay leaf – Adds classic depth during simmering.
This simple cabbage roll soup uses pantry staples you likely already have on hand.
Why you’ll love this healthy soup
- It tastes like traditional cabbage rolls without the extra steps.
- It’s a family-friendly cabbage roll soup that picky eaters usually enjoy.
- Everything cooks in one pot.
- It’s perfect for meal prep and freezes beautifully.
- It’s a cozy winter cabbage roll soup recipe that works any time of year.
If you’ve been looking for an easy cabbage roll soup for beginners, this one is totally doable.
Soup making essentials
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ALLIGATOR CHOPPER
Immersion Blender
Dutch oven
2 Cup Freezer Trays
Soup Ladle
MASON JARS
Step by step instructions for making this Cabbage Soup recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: Serves 6
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add the chopped cabbage, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes (with juice), beef broth, uncooked rice, paprika, salt, pepper, oregano, and bay leaf. Stir well.
- Bring the soup to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until the rice is tender and the cabbage is soft.
- Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
That’s it — a simple stovetop cabbage roll soup with rice that tastes like it simmered all day.
Make this Stovetop Cabbage Roll Soup recipe, then check out my Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup, my Asparagus Soup, and more of my easy to make soup recipes.
TIPS AND FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Read on for tips and substitution ideas on how to make this recipe, such as how to customize this salad, and how to store this salad.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes. Ground turkey makes a lighter version of this cabbage roll soup and works beautifully.
Can I make this cabbage roll soup low carb?
Yes, swap the rice for cauliflower rice and reduce the simmer time slightly.
Can I cook the rice separately?
You can. Add cooked rice near the end of cooking if you prefer to keep it from absorbing too much broth.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Brown the meat and onions first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–7 hours.
Is this cabbage roll soup freezer-friendly?
Yes. It freezes well, though the rice may soften a bit after thawing.
How do I store leftovers of Stovetop Cabbage Roll Soup?
Let the soup cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The rice will continue to absorb liquid, so you may need to add a splash of broth when reheating.
For freezing, portion the soup into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop.
There’s something comforting about a big pot of homemade cabbage roll soup simmering on the stove. It’s simple, hearty, and packed with flavor from everyday ingredients. If you’ve never made cabbage roll soup from scratch before, this is a great place to start. Once you try it, it might just earn a regular spot in your weekly dinner rotation.
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Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 cups green cabbage (chopped)
- 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup uncooked white rice
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks; drain excess fat if needed.
- Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened, then stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add the chopped cabbage, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, beef broth, rice, paprika, salt, pepper, oregano, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the cabbage is soft.
- Remove the bay leaf, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.
