Easy Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup (stovetop or slow cooker) Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with Easy Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup (stovetop or slow cooker)! This hearty soup takes all the comforting flavors of classic stuffed cabbage rolls and transforms them into a one-pot wonder that’s both simple and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re craving something cozy on a chilly evening or looking for a meal that’ll please the whole family without hours in the kitchen, this recipe has you covered. Every spoonful bursts with tender cabbage, savory beef, sweet carrots, fluffy rice, and a rich tomato broth that tastes like it’s been simmering all day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part of this recipe is how it uses simple, wholesome ingredients you probably already have on hand. Each item plays a key role in building authentic flavor, irresistible texture, and that beautiful, hearty look you want in a perfect bowl of soup.

• Olive oil: Adds heart-healthy richness and helps the beef brown up beautifully.
• Ground beef (93/7): Leaner beef means a lighter soup without sacrificing juicy, savory flavor.
• Diced onion: Brings natural sweetness and depth to the broth as it softens and melds with the meat.
• Diced carrots: Chewy, sweet pops of color and flavor that coax out the soup’s homey character.
• Minced garlic: The must-have for that unmistakable fragrant boost in every bite.
• Chopped green cabbage: The star of the show—it gets perfectly tender and soaks up all the savory flavors.
• Beef broth: Delivers richness and a hearty base to tie all the flavors together.
• Tomato sauce: Adds a tangy, deep tomato backbone that makes the soup taste comforting and classic.
• Uncooked white rice: Plumps up in the broth for a satisfying, old-school cabbage roll vibe.
• Salt: Simple seasoning that brings all the components into a beautiful balance.
• Pepper: Gives a light touch of warmth and brightness—don’t skip it!

How to Make Easy Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup (stovetop or slow cooker)

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat your olive oil in a large stock pot over medium-high heat. Toss in your ground beef and cook, using a spoon or spatula to break it apart as it browns. You want the beef to lose its pink color and develop just a hint of golden crust—this step is essential for locking in flavor and building a savory base for your Easy Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup (stovetop or slow cooker).

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Add your diced onion and carrots to the browned beef. Let them cook together for about five minutes, stirring occasionally. The onions should turn translucent and the carrots will start to soften, releasing a naturally sweet aroma that tells you things are going in the delicious direction you want.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Cabbage

Sprinkle in the minced garlic and chopped cabbage. Stir well, letting the garlic become fragrant (just a minute or so), and allow the cabbage to begin softening. This helps the cabbage soak up the flavors early and shrinks it down so it blends seamlessly into the soup.

Step 4: Build the Broth

Pour in the beef broth and tomato sauce. Next, stir in the uncooked rice, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good mix. You’ll see the soup come together with a rich, colorful look—this is when anticipation really builds!

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Bring your pot to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and cover. Simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the cabbage is soft but still gently textured. Stir occasionally and keep an eye on the rice—it should finish perfectly plump, absorbing all those lovely tomato and beef flavors.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Once the rice is cooked through and your kitchen smells absolutely incredible, ladle the soup into bowls and serve right away. If you’re using the slow cooker, brown the beef first, then add everything except the rice and set it on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours, adding rice in the last 20 minutes. Your Easy Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup (stovetop or slow cooker) is ready to win hearts!

How to Serve Easy Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup (stovetop or slow cooker)

Garnishes

A handful of fresh chopped parsley makes the colors pop and adds a refreshing herbal note. For a richer finish, try a dollop of sour cream swirled on top or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Even a dash of red pepper flakes will pep things up for spice lovers!

Side Dishes

This soup loves company! Serve it with warm, crusty bread for dipping, a soft dinner roll, or even a scoop of fluffy mashed potatoes on the side. A simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette balances the hearty flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Ladle your Easy Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup (stovetop or slow cooker) into rustic crocks for a cozy, farmhouse feel, or serve it in bread bowls for a special twist. For a fun gathering, set up a toppings bar with parsley, cheese, and hot sauce so everyone can personalize their own bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the soup cool to room temperature, then store leftovers in an airtight container in your refrigerator. It keeps beautifully for 3-5 days, and the flavors continue to develop, often making the second-day soup even better.

Freezing

Easy Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup (stovetop or slow cooker) is a freezer hero! Pour cooled soup into airtight containers, freezer bags, or even freezer trays for single servings. Freeze for up to two months. Just remember to leave a bit of space for expansion if using containers.

Reheating

To gently reheat, warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat until steaming hot, adding a splash of extra broth if the rice has soaked up too much liquid. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through, until heated through.

FAQs

Can I make Easy Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup (stovetop or slow cooker) vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for plant-based ground or even lentils, use vegetable broth, and follow the rest of the recipe as usual. It’s still hearty and comforting, just with plant-powered goodness.

What kind of rice works best in this soup?

Basic uncooked white rice is classic and cooks up perfectly in the broth, but feel free to use brown rice for a nuttier chew—just add extra cook time and a bit more broth if needed.

Can I use purple or savoy cabbage instead of green?

Definitely! Both purple and savoy cabbage work well, though purple will tint your broth and add a touch of sweetness. Use whatever you have on hand or love most.

How do I prevent the rice from turning mushy in leftovers?

If planning ahead, you can cook the rice separately and add it to each bowl when serving. For slow cooker versions, always add rice in the last 20 minutes to keep it pleasantly tender.

Is Easy Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup (stovetop or slow cooker) gluten free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten free as long as you double-check your broth and tomato sauce labels for hidden sources of gluten.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so soul-satisfying about a bowl of Easy Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup (stovetop or slow cooker), especially when it comes together with such ease. Whether you’re searching for comfort food or a way to gather everyone around the table, this recipe is sure to become a repeat request in your kitchen. Give it a try and enjoy every nourishing, delicious bite!

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