Growing up, there was nothing quite like my grandma’s famous Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup. The rich, savory broth, tender cabbage, and hearty ground beef would warm us up on the chilliest of days. I can still remember the comforting aroma wafting through the kitchen, making our mouths water in anticipation. It was a dish that brought our family together, each of us savoring every spoonful and exchanging stories from our day.
As I got older and started cooking on my own, I knew I had to master this beloved recipe. After countless attempts and a bit of trial and error, I finally cracked the code. This Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup has become a staple in my household, a go-to dish that never fails to satisfy. It’s the perfect blend of flavors and textures, and best of all, it’s a breeze to prepare.
Why This Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup
What sets this Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup apart is the careful attention to detail in each step of the process. From the perfect browning of the ground beef to the slow simmering of the broth, every element is carefully orchestrated to create a harmonious blend of flavors. The key is to let the ingredients work their magic, allowing the natural sweetness of the cabbage to meld with the savory richness of the beef and the bright acidity of the tomatoes.
But the real secret? It’s all about the seasoning. A well-balanced blend of oregano and basil elevates the dish, adding a subtle complexity that takes it to the next level. And of course, a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper brings out the best in each component, ensuring that every bite is a flavor explosion.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound ground beef: The foundation of the soup, the ground beef provides the heartiness and savory depth that makes this dish so satisfying.
- 1 onion, diced: Onions add a sweet, aromatic base that’s crucial for building flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is the unsung hero, lending its pungent flavor to the broth and elevating the overall taste.
- 1 head of cabbage, chopped: The star of the show, cabbage brings a delightful texture and subtle sweetness to the soup.
- 2 cups beef broth: The liquid that brings everything together, the beef broth provides the perfect savory foundation.
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce: Adding a touch of acidity, the tomato sauce balances the dish and lends a wonderful richness.
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes: These add a burst of juicy, tangy flavor and visual appeal.
- 1 cup cooked rice: The rice adds heartiness and helps to thicken the soup, creating a more satisfying texture.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: This earthy, slightly peppery herb brings a warm, comforting note to the dish.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Basil’s sweet, slightly minty flavor complements the other herbs beautifully.
- Salt and pepper to taste: A simple seasoning that enhances all the other flavors.
Step-by-Step Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup Instructions
Preparing Your Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup
With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cook time of 30 minutes, this Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup comes together in a flash. All you’ll need is a large pot or Dutch oven and a few basic kitchen tools. Let’s get started!
1- In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up into small crumbles as it cooks. Once the beef is no longer pink, drain any excess fat.
2- Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté until it’s translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, being careful not to let the garlic burn.
3- Now, add the chopped cabbage to the pot and pour in the beef broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender.
4- Stir in the can of tomato sauce and the diced tomatoes, along with the cooked rice, dried oregano, and dried basil. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. The final step is to ladle the Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup into bowls, ready to be enjoyed.
6- Serve the Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream, if desired. This comforting dish is sure to warm you from the inside out.
Pro Tips for Success
- For the best texture, be sure to chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces. This will ensure that every spoonful contains the perfect ratio of cabbage to the other ingredients.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with the seasonings. If you prefer a little more heat, try adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. Conversely, if you want to dial back the intensity, start with a smaller amount of oregano and basil.
- To make the soup even heartier, consider adding a handful of cooked elbow macaroni or small pasta shapes along with the rice.
- If you have the time, let the soup simmer for an extra 10-15 minutes after adding the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Serving and Storing Your Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup
Perfect Pairings for Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup
This Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup, which serves 6 people, is the perfect main dish for a cozy family dinner or a casual gathering with friends. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a fresh garden salad, crusty bread, or warm cornbread. The soup’s rich, savory flavors also pair wonderfully with a crisp, dry white wine or a hearty red.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftovers of this Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat the soup on the stovetop or in the microwave, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
For even more convenience, this soup freezes beautifully. Once cooled, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it on the stovetop until piping hot.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup
Creative Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup Variations
While this classic Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup is delicious as-is, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on it. For a heartier version, try adding diced potatoes or mushrooms. To make it a complete meal, stir in some cooked elbow macaroni or small pasta shapes. You can also experiment with different herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, to change up the flavor profile.
Making Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup Diet-Friendly
To make this Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup more diet-friendly, there are a few simple substitutions you can try. For a low-carb version, swap the rice for riced cauliflower or use zucchini noodles instead. If you’re following a gluten-free diet, be sure to use gluten-free beef broth and check the labels on your canned tomatoes and tomato sauce. And for a vegan or vegetarian option, replace the ground beef with cooked lentils or crumbled tofu, and use vegetable broth in place of the beef broth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
A: Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute that will still provide the heartiness you’d expect from an Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning as needed, as turkey can have a slightly different flavor profile.
Q: How long does this soup take to make?
A: This Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup recipe has a total time of 45 minutes, with 15 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cooking. It’s a quick and easy weeknight meal that comes together in under an hour.
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Yes, this Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup is perfect for meal prep. You can make the entire batch in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, simply reheat the soup on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Q: How much does this recipe yield?
A: This Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup recipe serves 6 people. If you’re feeding a larger crowd or want to have leftovers, you can easily double or triple the ingredients.
Q: What should I do if the soup seems too watery?
A: If your Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup seems a bit too thin for your liking, try adding a cornstarch slurry (equal parts cornstarch and water) to thicken it up. Start with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of water, then stir it into the soup and let it simmer for a few minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.
Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup is a quick and easy take on a classic comfort food dish. It’s packed with savory ground beef, tender cabbage, and aromatic spices for a cozy and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 head of cabbage, chopped
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
– 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
– 1 cup cooked rice
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned and crumbled, 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the onion is translucent.
3. Add the chopped cabbage, beef broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, cooked rice, oregano, and basil. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender.
5. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
For a heartier meal, serve the soup with crusty bread or garlic bread. You can also add shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream as toppings.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
This Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup is a true comfort food classic that’s sure to become a new family favorite. With its rich, savory broth, tender cabbage, and hearty ground beef, every spoonful is a delightful journey back to grandma’s kitchen.
What are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and get ready to wow your loved ones with this simply irresistible Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup. Don’t forget to let me know how it turns out – I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
