Cabbage Roll Soup Crock Pot Recipe

When the weather turns chilly and you crave something warm, hearty, and comforting, few dishes can compete with the coziness of soup. And if you’re a fan of cabbage rolls, you’ll absolutely love this Cabbage Roll Soup Crock Pot Recipe! It takes all the delicious flavors of classic stuffed cabbage rolls and turns them into an easy-to-make, slow-cooked soup that’s perfect for busy days when you want a meal that practically makes itself.

Imagine tender cabbage, savory ground beef, rice, and a rich, tomato-based broth simmering together all day long. The best part? You don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen. Just toss the ingredients into the crockpot, and let the magic happen as the flavors meld together.

Whether you’re new to slow cooking or an experienced crockpot chef, this recipe will quickly become one of your go-to comfort food meals.

Cabbage Roll Soup Crock Pot Recipe

This recipe is an absolute winner if you love traditional cabbage rolls but don’t have the time or energy to wrap individual cabbage leaves. The crockpot does the hard work for you, allowing you to sit back, relax, and look forward to a delicious dinner without the fuss.

The soup itself is rich, flavorful, and filling-thanks to the cabbage, ground beef, rice, and seasonings. And it’s all simmered to perfection, making it an easy choice for busy weeknights or meal prep for the week ahead. The recipe’s balance of hearty ingredients and comforting flavors ensures it’ll satisfy even the hungriest appetites.

Ingredients Needed

For this soup, you’ll need a mix of hearty ingredients that combine to create layers of flavor. Here’s the full list of what you’ll need:

• Ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option) – about 1 pound

  • Adds protein and flavor, creating the base for the soup.

• Cabbage – 1 medium head, chopped

  • The key ingredient that gives the soup its “cabbage roll” charm.

• Onion – 1 medium, diced

  • A great aromatic that brings depth to the broth.

• Garlic – 2 cloves, minced

  • Boosts the soup with savory undertones and fragrance.

• Rice – 1/2 cup (uncooked)

  • Adds substance and makes the soup more filling.

• Diced tomatoes – 1 can (14.5 oz)

  • Brings sweetness and acidity, balancing out the richness of the beef.

• Tomato sauce – 1 can (8 oz)

  • Provides the thick, tomatoey broth that envelops all the ingredients.

• Beef broth – 4 cups

  • Adds a rich, savory foundation to the soup.

• Bay leaves – 2

  • Subtle but essential for flavor depth and complexity.

• Italian seasoning – 1 teaspoon

  • A mix of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme gives the soup that signature Italian touch.

• Salt and pepper – to taste

  • Enhances and rounds out all the flavors.

• Optional: Fresh parsley or dill for garnish

  • These herbs bring freshness and a pop of color.

Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make this easy, flavorful Cabbage Roll Soup in the crockpot:

1. Brown The Beef

   • In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat to keep the soup from being too greasy.

2. Add Aromatics

   • Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic into the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes, just until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.

3. Transfer To The Crockpot

   • Once the beef and aromatics are ready, transfer them into your crockpot.

4. Add The Remaining Ingredients

   • To the crockpot, add chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, rice, bay leaves, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together to combine.

5. Set The Crockpot

   • Cover the crockpot with its lid, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The longer you let it cook, the more the flavors will meld together.

6. Check For Doneness

   • About 30 minutes before serving, check the rice to make sure it’s fully cooked. If the soup needs a little more liquid, feel free to add more broth or water.

7. Season

   • Before serving, taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if necessary. Remove the bay leaves.

8. Serve

   • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or dill for a pop of color and freshness.

Ingredient Insights

• Cabbage: This vegetable is not just for cabbage rolls. It’s incredibly versatile and adds a mild, slightly sweet flavor that complements the beef and tomato broth beautifully. Cabbage is also high in vitamins C and K and is a great source of fiber. It helps thicken the soup, adding texture without overpowering the flavor.
• Rice: Rice is a common addition to cabbage rolls, and in this soup, it gives the dish its comforting, hearty vibe. It soaks up all the delicious flavors in the broth and helps make the soup more filling. You can use white rice, brown rice, or even a rice blend depending on what you prefer or have on hand.
• Tomato-based ingredients: The combination of diced tomatoes and tomato sauce provides the perfect balance of acidity and sweetness, creating a rich base for the soup. They also help thicken the broth and make the soup comforting without being overly heavy.
• Ground beef: While this is the traditional meat in cabbage rolls, you could easily substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version. The ground beef adds a savory, juicy element to the soup that makes it so satisfying.

Expert Tips

1. Use lean ground beef: If you want a lighter soup, use lean or extra-lean ground beef. This will help keep the fat content lower without sacrificing flavor.
2. Make it spicy: If you like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the soup. It’ll give the broth a nice, warm kick without overpowering the other flavors.
3. Don’t skip the bay leaves: Bay leaves add a subtle depth of flavor that’s hard to replicate with any other herb. Even though it might seem like a small detail, they make a big difference in the overall taste.
4. Use fresh cabbage: If possible, use fresh cabbage rather than pre-chopped cabbage. The leaves will hold up better in the slow cooker and give the soup a better texture.
5. Top with sour cream: For extra richness, serve the soup with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. It complements the flavors beautifully and adds a creamy element to the soup.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Version: If you’re looking to make a meatless version, swap the ground beef for lentils or plant-based crumbles. Add a can of beans like kidney beans or black beans for additional protein and heartiness.
• Add more veggies: Try adding carrots, celery, or bell peppers for extra vegetables. These additions will give the soup even more flavor and nutrition.
• Spicy Cabbage Roll Soup: For a spicy twist, add chopped jalapeños, hot sauce, or a few dashes of chili powder.
• Swap the rice: Instead of white or brown rice, you can try using quinoa, farro, or barley. These grains add a unique texture and flavor to the soup while still keeping it hearty and filling.

Final Words

Cabbage Roll Soup in the crockpot is a genius way to enjoy all the flavors of cabbage rolls without the labor-intensive prep. It’s hearty, comforting, and packed with nutrients from the cabbage and other wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or something to make ahead for a busy week, this soup delivers on flavor and ease.

And the best part? It’s endlessly customizable. You can tweak it to your heart’s content with your favorite herbs, proteins, and spices. Plus, leftovers taste even better the next day, making it a perfect dish for meal prep.