Sauté the Aromatics:
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the meat. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant.
Add the Cabbage and Tomatoes:
Stir in the shredded cabbage, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and tomato paste. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to let the cabbage begin to soften.
Add the Broth and Seasonings:
Pour in the beef broth and add Worcestershire sauce, dried basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). Stir everything together and bring the soup to a simmer.
Simmer the Soup:
Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for about 30-40 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the flavors have melded together.
Stir in the Rice:
Once the cabbage is tender, stir in the cooked rice and let the soup simmer for another 5-10 minutes until everything is heated through.
Serve and Enjoy:
Taste and adjust seasonings if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor. Remove the bay leaf if used. Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Tips for Serving and Storing:
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the soup with a slice of crusty bread or a warm roll on the side for a complete meal. A dollop of sour cream on top can also add a creamy, tangy touch that complements the flavors beautifully.
Storing Leftovers:
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This soup tends to taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
Freezing:
Cabbage Roll Soup freezes well! To freeze, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and heat it on the stovetop until warmed through.
Variants of Cabbage Roll Soup:
Vegetarian Cabbage Roll Soup:
Replace the ground beef with plant-based protein like lentils or crumbled tofu. You can also use vegetable broth for a fully vegetarian version. The flavors remain just as rich and comforting!
Spicy Cabbage Roll Soup:
Add a chopped jalapeño or a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to give your soup a spicy kick. The heat pairs wonderfully with the savory cabbage and tomatoes.
Cabbage Roll Soup with Sausage:
For a different flavor twist, swap the ground beef for ground sausage. The sausage adds a rich, flavorful depth to the soup that is sure to impress.
Low-Carb Cabbage Roll Soup:
Omit the rice and substitute with cauliflower rice for a low-carb version of this dish. It will still provide the same comforting texture without the extra carbs.
Cabbage Roll Soup with Bacon:
For added smokiness, incorporate some crumbled bacon into the soup. You can add it in at the same time as the onion and garlic for extra depth of flavor.
FAQ:
1. Can I use a different type of meat in this soup?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even ground pork for the beef. Each type of meat will bring its own flavor to the dish, so feel free to experiment!
2. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! Cabbage Roll Soup actually tastes even better when it has time to sit, as the flavors have more time to develop. Make it a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator for an easy meal the next day.
3. Can I use frozen cabbage for this recipe?
Fresh cabbage is preferred for this soup as it holds up better in the cooking process. However, if you only have frozen cabbage on hand, it can work in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before adding it to the soup.
4. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make Cabbage Roll Soup in a slow cooker! Brown the meat and sauté the onions and garlic in a skillet, then add them to the slow cooker along with the rest of the ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the cabbage is tender. Stir in the rice in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
5. What can I use if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?
If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, you can substitute with soy sauce or balsamic vinegar. These alternatives won’t provide exactly the same flavor, but they will add a nice depth to the soup.
Cabbage Roll Soup is a fantastic dish that combines all the flavors you love about cabbage rolls, but in a much simpler and quicker form. It’s a hearty, healthy, and filling soup that will warm you up from the inside out. With its tender cabbage, rich broth, and savory meat, it’s the perfect dish to enjoy during the colder months or whenever you need a comforting meal. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe — it’s a keeper!
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