The aroma of stuffed cabbage soup wafting through your kitchen can easily evoke memories of cozy family gatherings and laughter-filled evenings. This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl that dances joyfully on your taste buds with every spoonful.
Imagine the vibrant green of fresh cabbage leaves mingling with tender ground meat and fragrant herbs simmering together like they’re at a dance party. Each bite is a delightful symphony of flavors that transports you to Grandma’s kitchen where all the best memories are made.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This stuffed cabbage soup is an easy one-pot wonder that will make meal prep feel like child’s play
- Its rich flavors and hearty texture make it visually appealing and utterly satisfying
- Perfect for chilly evenings or when you want to impress guests without breaking a sweat
- You can customize the ingredients based on your pantry staples, making it incredibly versatile
My cousin once tried this recipe at our family reunion and declared it “the most delicious thing since sliced bread,” which made me chuckle because who knew cabbage could spark such enthusiasm!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Green Cabbage: Look for firm heads without any brown spots; they add crunch and flavor to the soup.
- Ground Beef: Choose lean beef for a healthier option; it blends perfectly with the spices.
- Onion: Fresh onions provide sweetness; sauté them until golden for deeper flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves will elevate the dish; don’t skimp on this fragrant ingredient!
- Rice: Uncooked white rice is best; it will absorb all those lovely flavors as it cooks.
- Canned Tomatoes: Use crushed tomatoes for smoothness or diced ones for added texture in the broth.
- Vegetable Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth to better control saltiness while enhancing flavors.
- Spices: Salt, pepper, paprika, and dried herbs create depth; adjust according to your taste preferences.
- Lemon Juice: A splash adds brightness; it balances the richness beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Chop the onion and mince the garlic while you let your culinary excitement build. Set them aside like eager dancers waiting for their cue.
Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a large pot over medium heat, drizzle some olive oil. Add onions first until they turn translucent and fragrant—then toss in garlic until everyone’s aromatic.
Add Ground Beef: Stir in the ground beef until it’s browned nicely. Break it up with your spoon so no clumps crash this cooking party. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add Rice and Spices: Toss in uncooked rice along with salt, pepper, paprika, and dried herbs. Stir everything together so those grains soak up all that meaty goodness.
Incorporate Vegetables: Pour in canned tomatoes and vegetable broth next. Bring everything to a gentle boil while imagining how amazing this will taste later!
Add Cabbage: Finally, stir in chopped cabbage leaves gently into the bubbling pot. Let them wilt down into submission—this might take around 10-15 minutes till they’re tender but still vibrant.
Serve hot garnished with parsley or dill if you’re feeling fancy! Enjoy every spoonful as you revel in its warmth on chilly nights.
This recipe guarantees that stuffed cabbage soup will be on regular rotation at family dinners and cozy nights alike!
You Must Know
- Stuffed cabbage soup is a hearty dish that can warm even the coldest of days
- The aromas of simmering cabbage and spices fill your kitchen, making it feel like a warm hug
- Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in veggies without anyone noticing!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing onions and garlic until fragrant, then add ground meat and cook until browned. Next, toss in chopped cabbage and simmer with broth for rich flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out ground turkey for beef or even use lentils for a vegetarian version. Adding spices like paprika or dill can elevate the flavor profile significantly.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to maintain flavor and texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For optimal flavor, let the soup sit overnight before serving; it allows the ingredients to meld beautifully
- Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving; salt can enhance flavors significantly
- Using fresh herbs as a garnish adds both freshness and color, making it visually appealing
It was my grandma’s recipe that first introduced me to stuffed cabbage soup, and I still remember her saying, “Eat this, and you’ll grow strong!” Spoiler alert: I still can’t lift heavy things.
FAQ
What is stuffed cabbage soup?
Stuffed cabbage soup is a hearty dish made with cabbage, meat, rice, and spices.
Can I make stuffed cabbage soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute ground meat with lentils or mushrooms for a tasty vegetarian option.
How long does stuffed cabbage soup last in the fridge?
Stored properly in an airtight container, it lasts up to five days in the fridge.

Deliciously Cozy Stuffed Cabbage Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Delight in a warm bowl of stuffed cabbage soup, where tender cabbage meets savory ground beef and aromatic spices, making it the perfect comfort food for chilly nights.
Ingredients
- 1 medium green cabbage (about 2 lbs)
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté onion until translucent, then add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Stir in the ground beef and cook until browned; drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add uncooked rice, salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano. Mix well to combine.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth; bring to a gentle boil.
- Gently stir in chopped cabbage leaves and simmer for about 10–15 minutes until tender yet vibrant.
- Finish with a splash of lemon juice before serving hot.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, substitute ground beef with lentils or mushrooms.
- Feel free to add spices like dill or thyme for an extra flavor boost.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Eastern European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (245g)
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 50mg