Growing up, my mom’s famous Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup was always the highlight of the colder months. The rich, savory broth, tender cabbage, and hearty ground beef would warm us up from the inside out. I can still smell the aroma of the oregano and basil wafting through the kitchen – it’s a comforting memory I’ll never forget.
Whenever the weather started to turn chilly, I’d eagerly await the day Mom would pull out her well-worn recipe and get to work. There was just something so satisfying about digging into a big bowl of this homemade soup. The flavors were simply unbeatable. Even on the busiest weeknights, this Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup was a meal the whole family could enjoy together.
Why This Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup
This Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup recipe is truly special. Unlike traditional stuffed cabbage rolls, which can be time-consuming to prepare, this soup captures all the same delicious flavors in a fraction of the time. By skipping the stuffing and rolling process, you get to enjoy the best parts of cabbage rolls – the tender cabbage, savory ground beef, and aromatic spices – with minimal effort.
The secret is in the perfect blend of ingredients. The ground beef, onions, and garlic create a rich, meaty base, while the diced tomatoes, beef broth, and worcestershire sauce add depth of flavor. The cabbage cooks down into tender, bite-sized pieces that soak up all the delicious juices. And the oregano and basil? They give the soup an irresistible fragrance and herbal note that’ll have your family begging for seconds.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound ground beef: The foundation of this soup, the ground beef provides heartiness and texture. Be sure to brown it well for maximum flavor.
- 1 onion, diced: Onions add sweetness and aroma, helping to build the savory base of the soup.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is a must-have, infusing the broth with its signature pungent flavor.
- 1 head green cabbage, chopped: Cabbage is the star of the show, transforming into tender, flavor-packed pieces in the soup.
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes: These juicy tomatoes provide acidity to balance the richness of the beef.
- 4 cups beef broth: The broth is the liquid that brings all the ingredients together into a cohesive, nourishing soup.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: This umami-packed condiment adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Oregano lends an earthy, slightly minty note that’s quintessential in cabbage dishes.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Fresh, herbal basil complements the oregano perfectly, rounding out the soup’s aromatics.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: A simple seasoning to enhance all the other flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A bit of pepper provides a subtle heat and peppery kick.
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 quickly for a total time of 45 minutes. All you’ll need is a large pot or Dutch oven, a cutting board, and a few basic kitchen tools.
1- Begin by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
2- Next, add the diced onion to the pot and sauté until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and continue cooking for 1 minute more, stirring constantly to prevent the garlic from burning.
3- Once the beef is browned and the onions are tender, add the chopped cabbage to the pot. Stir the cabbage into the beef and onion mixture, and let it cook for 2-3 minutes to start to wilt.
4- Now, pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and the beef broth. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Bring the soup to a boil.
5- Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup simmer, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is very tender.
6- Ladle the hot, fragrant soup into bowls and serve immediately. This recipe makes 6 hearty servings.
Pro Tips for Success
- For the best texture, be sure to chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces. This will help it cook down evenly in the soup.
- Don’t be afraid to let the ground beef really brown and develop a nice sear. This adds tons of flavor to the overall dish.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to suit your personal preferences.
- If you want an even heartier soup, try adding some cooked rice or barley during the last 10 minutes of simmering.
Serving and Storing Your Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup
Perfect Pairings for Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup
This Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup is the perfect cozy, comforting meal on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and accompaniments. For a complete dinner, serve it with a fresh, crisp salad and some crusty bread for dipping in the rich broth. A side of roasted potatoes or buttered egg noodles would also be delicious. And don’t forget the beverages – a glass of red wine or a refreshing iced tea would be the perfect pairing for this 6-serving soup.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Luckily, Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup is an excellent meal-prep option. Once cooled, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will actually intensify as the soup sits, making it even more delicious on the second or third day.
For longer-term storage, this soup freezes beautifully. Simply let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave 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 hard to beat, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on it. For a heartier version, try adding cooked rice, barley, or even potatoes. You could also switch up the protein and use ground turkey or Italian sausage instead of beef. And for a bit of spice, stir in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
In the fall, you could swap the green cabbage for red or Savoy cabbage, and toss in some diced apples or pears for a seasonal twist. Or, for a springtime take, use shredded Brussels sprouts in place of the cabbage and finish the soup with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
Making Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup Diet-Friendly
To make this Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup more diet-friendly, there are a few easy substitutions you can try. For a low-carb or keto version, replace the diced tomatoes with crushed tomatoes and omit the Worcestershire sauce. You can also add extra cabbage and use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
For a vegetarian or vegan option, simply swap the ground beef for crumbled tofu or cooked lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of beef. You can still keep all the delicious herbal flavors by including the oregano and basil. And to make it gluten-free, just be sure to use a gluten-free Worcestershire sauce or substitute coconut aminos.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of ground meat besides beef?
A: Absolutely! This recipe would also work great with ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage. Just keep the total amount to 1 pound.
Q: How long does this Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup take to make?
A: With a prep time of 15 minutes and a cook time of 30 minutes, the total time to make this soup is 45 minutes.
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Yes, Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup is an excellent make-ahead meal. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup recipe yields 6 hearty servings.
Q: What if my soup is too thin or too thick?
A: If the soup is too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to allow the broth to reduce and thicken. If it’s too thick, simply stir in a bit more beef broth until you reach your desired consistency.
Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup is a hearty, flavorful dish that captures the taste of classic cabbage rolls without the fuss. It’s a comforting and satisfying soup that’s perfect for a chilly day.
Ingredients
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 head green cabbage, chopped
– 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes
– 4 cups beef broth
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned and crumbled, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion is translucent.
3. Add the chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
This soup can be made ahead of time and reheated. It also freezes well for up to 3 months. For a creamier texture, you can stir in a tablespoon or two of sour cream or heavy cream at the end.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Soups, Stews & Chili
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
This Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup is truly a comforting, flavor-packed dish that’s sure to become a new family favorite. With its tender cabbage, savory ground beef, and aromatic herbs, it’s a meal that checks all the boxes – it’s delicious, nourishing, and so easy to make.
I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and experience the magic of Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup for yourself. Let me know what you think in the comments – I’d love to hear your thoughts! And be sure to share this recipe with your friends and loved ones. Trust me, they’ll be thanking you for introducing them to this new go-to soup.
