Cabbage Roll Soup turns classic cabbage rolls into a hearty, healthy soup that the whole family will love.

Directions:

1. Brown the Ground Meat:

• In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground meat (beef, turkey, or pork) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

2. Sauté the Aromatics:

• Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.

3. Add the Cabbage:

• Stir in the chopped cabbage and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to begin wilting down. The cabbage will soften as it cooks in the soup, so don’t worry if it seems like a lot at first.

4. Add the Tomatoes, Broth, and Seasonings:

• Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato sauce, and beef broth. Add the rice, oregano, basil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to combine.

5. Simmer the Soup:

• Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the cabbage is fully cooked.

6. Adjust the Flavor:

• After the soup has simmered, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you like, you can stir in Worcestershire sauce for a bit more depth of flavor.

7. Serve:

• Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. You can garnish the soup with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh parsley, if desired. Serve with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Tips for Success:

• Use Lean Meat: For a healthier option, use lean ground turkey or chicken. If you prefer beef, go for a lean cut (like 90% lean ground beef) to reduce the fat content.
• Brown Rice Option: If you want to make the soup even more filling and fiber-rich, swap out the white rice for brown rice. Just keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook (about 40-45 minutes), so adjust the simmering time accordingly.
• Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to throw in extra vegetables like carrots, celery, or zucchini for added nutrition. They’ll blend perfectly with the cabbage and enhance the soup’s flavor.
• Make It Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the soup for an extra kick.
• Slow Cooker Version: For an even easier option, you can make this soup in the slow cooker. Brown the meat and sauté the onions and garlic in a pan, then transfer everything to the slow cooker with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This soup also freezes well! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw and reheat on the stove.

Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 300-350 kcal
• Protein: 20g
• Carbs: 30g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 8g

Why You’ll Love Cabbage Roll Soup:

1. Filling and Satisfying: The combination of hearty cabbage, protein-rich meat, and rice in a flavorful broth makes this soup filling enough to be a stand-alone meal. It’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
2. Healthy Comfort Food: With its wholesome ingredients, Cabbage Roll Soup is a lighter, healthier alternative to traditional cabbage rolls, but it still packs all the delicious comfort food vibes.
3. Easy to Make: Unlike traditional cabbage rolls, which require rolling and assembling each cabbage leaf, this soup is made in one pot, making it a simple, low-maintenance meal.
4. Budget-Friendly: This soup is made with affordable ingredients like cabbage, ground meat, and rice—perfect for feeding a family without breaking the bank.
5. Great for Meal Prep: This soup is a fantastic option for meal prep. It holds up well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day when the flavors have had more time to meld together.

Final Thoughts:

Cabbage Roll Soup is a fantastic twist on the traditional cabbage roll, offering all the delicious flavors in a convenient, one-pot meal. It’s hearty, healthy, and easy to make, making it the perfect dish for busy weeknights or cozy weekend meals. Whether you’re craving comfort food or simply looking for a wholesome, filling dish, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. So, grab your pot, gather your ingredients, and enjoy a bowl of this flavorful, satisfying soup today!