This Stuffed Cabbage Soup recipe is the perfect way to use fresh winter or spring cabbage and serve a light yet satisfying family dinner in no time.

Cabbage soup is a timeless favorite in American kitchens, the kind many of us remember from childhood gatherings at Grandma’s house. It celebrates simple, local produce and comforting flavors, and it’s truly one of the best and easiest soup recipes we’ve ever made.
Looking for cozy, familiar flavors for soups ? You’ll love these One Pot Corn Soup and Green Borscht Soup and Broccoli Cheese Soup .
Kitchen Equipment Needed :
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle
- Stove
Tips for Stuffed Cabbage Soup
– Swap the meat : Ground turkey or chicken works well if you prefer something lighter.
– Add extra veggies : Carrots, bell peppers, or celery can make the soup even more colorful and nutritious.
– Control thickness: If the soup gets too thick, add a little more broth or water.
– Slow cooker option: Brown the meat first, then add everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–7 hours.
– Spice it up : Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
What to Eat with Stuffed Cabbage Soup ??
Stuffed Cabbage Soup is warm, hearty, and full of comforting flavor, making it perfect for chilly evenings or relaxed Sunday dinners. I love serving it with thick slices of Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread to soak up every bit of the rich, savory broth.

For a lighter contrast, it pairs beautifully with a fresh bowl of Cucumber Radish Salad or even Crack Corn Salad to add a little sweetness and crunch to the table. My son enjoys his soup with extra bread on the side, while my husband likes it with a refreshing glass of Blue Raspberry Lemonade to balance the richness.
It’s the kind of dinner that brings everyone to the table and makes the house feel warm and welcoming.
Ingredients you need to make Stuffed Cabbage Soup :
– Ground beef is the star of this soup and brings rich, hearty flavor.
– Cabbage gives the soup its signature texture.
– Rice adds heartiness and makes the soup filling.
– Onion builds the flavor base.
– Garlic enhances the savory depth and adds warmth.
– Tomatoes create the rich, slightly tangy broth.
– Beef broth adds savory richness.

Optional :
- Brown sugar adds a hint of sweetness to balance the tomatoes
- Fresh parsley brightens the soup right before serving
How to Make Stuffed Cabbage Soup :
Step 1
Before anything else heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3–4 minutes until it becomes soft and slightly see-through. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring so it does not burn.
Step 2
As you go along add the ground beef to the pot. Break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until the meat is browned and no longer pink. If there is too much grease, carefully drain some of it.

As the next step stir in the tomato paste and mix it well with the beef. This helps deepen the flavor. Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Stir everything together.
Step 3
As you move along add the chopped cabbage, uncooked rice, paprika, oregano, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well so the rice and cabbage are evenly spread throughout the soup.

Step 4
Step forward by bring the soup to a gentle boil. Then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 25–30 minutes. Stir occasionally so the rice does not stick to the bottom.

Step 5
Now, shift to check if the rice is tender and the cabbage is soft. Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper if needed.

Bring it all together serve hot in bowls and enjoy!
FAQ’S :
Can I make Stuffed Cabbage Soup ahead of time ?
Yes. In fact, it often tastes even better the next day because the flavors blend together.
Can I make it in a slow cooker ?
Yes. Brown the meat first, then cook everything on low for 6–7 hours.
How do I thicken the Cabbage Soup ?
Let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes, or add a little extra rice.
Can I make Cabbage Soup spicy ?
Yes. Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give it heat.
What kind of Cabbage Soup works best ?
Green cabbage is the most common and works perfectly for this recipe.
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Stuffed Cabbage Soup
Course: Main Course, SoupCuisine: American, EuropeanDifficulty: Easy6
servings15
minutes35
minutes320
kcal50
minutesStuffed Cabbage Soup is a hearty and comforting one-pot meal made with ground beef, tender cabbage, rice, and tomatoes simmered together in a rich, flavorful broth. It’s an easy family-friendly dinner that tastes just like classic cabbage rolls without all the extra work.
Ingredients
1 pound (450 g) ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups green cabbage, chopped into bite-sized pieces
1 cup uncooked white rice
1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
4 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
Directions
- Before anything else heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3–4 minutes until it becomes soft and slightly see-through. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring so it does not burn.
- As you go along add the ground beef to the pot. Break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until the meat is browned and no longer pink. If there is too much grease, carefully drain some of it.
- As the next step stir in the tomato paste and mix it well with the beef. This helps deepen the flavor. Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Stir everything together.
- As you move along add the chopped cabbage, uncooked rice, paprika, oregano, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well so the rice and cabbage are evenly spread throughout the soup.
- Step forward by bring the soup to a gentle boil. Then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 25–30 minutes. Stir occasionally so the rice does not stick to the bottom.
- Now, shift to check if the rice is tender and the cabbage is soft. Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
- Bring it all together serve hot in bowls and enjoy!
Notes
- Brown the beef well to build deeper flavor before adding the liquids.
- Add diced carrots or celery for extra vegetables and color.
- Fresh parsley sprinkled on top before serving adds brightness and freshness.
- Always allow the soup to cool completely before storing in the refrigerator or freezer.
- Stir the soup occasionally while simmering to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom.