If you love the comforting flavors of cabbage rolls but want a quicker, fuss-free meal, this Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It captures all the hearty goodness and tangy tomato notes of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls, but in a warm, cozy soup form that’s perfect for busy nights or feeding a crowd. Each spoonful delivers tender cabbage, savory ground beef and sausage, and a rich, flavorful broth that hits all the right notes without the hassle of rolling individual leaves. Let’s dive in and make this soul-satisfying dish that always feels like a big, delicious hug.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients can create the most extraordinary dishes, and this soup is no exception. Each component plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture, ensuring every bowl is vibrant and satisfying.
- Petite diced tomatoes (4 cans, 14.5 oz each): Adds bright acidity and a fresh tomato base to the soup.
- Reduced-sodium beef broth (2 cans, 14.5 oz each): Provides a rich, savory depth while keeping the sodium in check.
- Tomato sauce (2 cans, 8 oz each): Thickens and intensifies the tomato flavor for a luscious broth.
- Cider vinegar (2 tbsp): Introduces a subtle tang that mimics the pickled tones in traditional cabbage rolls.
- Worcestershire sauce (2 tbsp): Brings umami and complexity to the soup’s flavor profile.
- Garlic powder (2 tsp): Adds a mellow garlic undertone that complements the fresh garlic cloves.
- Cajun seasoning (2 tsp): Gives a gentle kick and smoky warmth, elevating the overall dish.
- Salt (1 tsp) and pepper (1 tsp): Essential for balancing flavors and seasoning to taste.
- Cabbage (2 medium heads, about 4 lbs): The star vegetable, cut into hearty pieces that soften beautifully in the soup.
- Ground beef (3 lbs): Adds rich meatiness and protein.
- Bulk Italian sausage (1 lb): Infuses the soup with spicy, savory notes for extra depth.
- Onions (2 medium, chopped): Provide sweetness and aromatic richness.
- Garlic cloves (6, minced): Deliver fresh, pungent flavor that wakes up the entire dish.
- Hot cooked rice: Optional but perfect for serving, soaking up the delicious broth.
- Chopped fresh parsley: For a bright, herbaceous garnish that freshens each serving.
How to Make Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat and Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating a large Dutch oven or stockpot over medium heat and adding the ground beef, Italian sausage, chopped onions, and minced garlic. Cook everything until the meat has lost its pink color and the onions are translucent and tender. This step builds the flavorful base of the soup and ensures your broth will have that irresistible meaty aroma. Don’t forget to drain excess fat so the soup stays hearty but not greasy.
Step 2: Stir in the Tomato and Seasonings
Once your meat and aromatics are perfectly browned, it’s time to add the drained petite diced tomatoes, beef broth, and tomato sauce. Next, pour in the cider vinegar and Worcestershire sauce, which bring a subtle tang and umami depth that perfectly mimics the traditional flavors of stuffed cabbage rolls. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine these essential taste layers.
Step 3: Add the Cabbage and Simmer
Now the star ingredient goes in: the chopped cabbage. Stir it into the pot, then bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 30 to 35 minutes. This simmering time softens the cabbage until tender while allowing all the flavors to meld into a delightfully rich broth. Stir occasionally so nothing sticks to the bottom and every bite is evenly seasoned.
Step 4: Taste and Adjust Seasoning
Before serving, taste your soup and tweak the seasoning if needed. Sometimes a little extra salt, pepper, or vinegar can make all the difference to bring this Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe to perfection. Trust your palate here — this is your soup!
Step 5: Serve with Optional Rice and Fresh Parsley
Serve your piping hot soup in bowls, spooning it generously over hot cooked rice if you like. The rice soaks up the flavorful broth beautifully, turning it into a heartier meal. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a pop of green color and a fresh herbal lift that brightens every bite.
How to Serve Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a simple, lovely garnish for this soup, but you can also add sour cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt for creaminess and a little tang. Some people enjoy a sprinkle of shredded sharp cheddar or smoked paprika on top, both of which complement the soup’s flavor profile wonderfully.
Side Dishes
A crusty bread or warm dinner rolls make a fantastic accompaniment, perfect for soaking up every last drop of the delicious broth. If you’re looking for something lighter, a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast that balances the hearty soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls or mini pumpkins. You can also layer the soup over cooked quinoa or barley instead of rice for a different grain experience. Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving can brighten the soup even more, making it uniquely yours.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting, making the leftovers even more delicious the next day. Just make sure to cool it completely before refrigerating.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving a little space for expansion. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.
Reheating
Reheat your soup over medium-low heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the soup has thickened during storage, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it back up. Adjust seasoning as needed after reheating to refresh the flavors.
FAQs
Can I make this Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef and Italian sausage with plant-based crumbles or a mix of mushrooms and lentils for a satisfying vegetarian version. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep the flavor robust.
Is this soup spicy because of the Cajun seasoning?
The Cajun seasoning adds a mild smoky warmth but is not overwhelmingly spicy. If you prefer to keep it very mild, simply reduce the amount or omit it altogether. You can also add hot sauce at the table to control the heat.
Can I prepare the ingredients ahead of time?
Yes! You can chop the cabbage, onions, and garlic a day ahead and store them in the fridge. If you brown the meat the day before, just be sure to cool and refrigerate it promptly; this can actually help you save time the day you want to serve the soup.
What type of cabbage works best?
Green cabbage is the traditional choice for this recipe and works perfectly. You could also try savoy cabbage for a milder flavor or even napa cabbage for a softer texture, but keep in mind the cooking time might vary slightly.
Can I skip the rice when serving?
Definitely! The soup tastes fantastic on its own without rice for a lighter meal. Rice is optional and mainly adds extra heartiness, so serve however you prefer.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so wonderfully comforting and nostalgic about an Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe that reminds you of cozy family dinners, but with a modern, simplified twist. It’s a crowd-pleaser that makes weeknight cooking a breeze without sacrificing any of the rich, layered flavors you crave. Next time you want a dish that warms both your belly and your heart, give this recipe a try — I promise it’ll become one of your favorite go-tos!
Print
Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and comforting Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup that captures all the delicious flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the hassle of stuffing. This savory soup combines ground beef, Italian sausage, cabbage, and a rich tomato-based broth, simmered to perfection and served hot, optionally over rice and garnished with fresh parsley.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 3 lbs ground beef
- 1 lb bulk Italian sausage
- 2 medium heads cabbage (about 4 lbs), cut into 1½-inch pieces
- 2 medium onions, chopped
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
Tomato and Broth Base
- 4 cans (14.5 oz each) petite diced tomatoes, drained
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) reduced-sodium beef broth
- 2 cans (8 oz each) tomato sauce
Seasonings and Enhancers
- 2 tbsp cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
To Serve
- Hot cooked rice (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: In a large Dutch oven or stockpot, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat along with the chopped onions and minced garlic until the meat is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat to keep the soup from becoming greasy.
- Add the Liquids and Seasonings: Stir in the drained petite diced tomatoes, reduced-sodium beef broth, tomato sauce, cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
- Cook the Cabbage: Add the chopped cabbage to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the soup simmer for 30–35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and flavors are well melded.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed with additional salt, pepper, or spices according to your preference.
- Serve: Serve the soup hot. For a heartier meal, ladle the soup over hot cooked rice. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
- Draining the fat after browning the meat helps reduce greasiness and makes the soup healthier.
- Using reduced-sodium beef broth and tomato products can help control the salt content of the soup.
- You can adjust the level of Cajun seasoning to control the spice heat according to your taste.
- Serve with rice for a more filling meal or enjoy as is for a lower-carb option.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and taste even better the next day as flavors meld.
