One whiff of Crockpot Cabbage Roll Soup simmering in your kitchen, and you’ll be transported to a cozy, comforting haven. The rich aroma of tender cabbage mingling with spiced ground beef and fragrant herbs sets the stage for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Picture yourself ladling this hearty soup into a bowl, watching the steam rise as you take that first bite, feeling the warmth envelop you.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Crockpot Cabbage Roll Soup
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Crockpot Cabbage Roll Soup

I remember the first time I tried a recipe for cabbage rolls at my grandmother’s house. We spent hours in the kitchen, but I often wondered if there was a simpler way to capture those nostalgic flavors without all the fuss. That’s where this Crockpot Cabbage Roll Soup comes in! It delivers all those cherished elements—the hearty meat, the tender rice, and sweet cabbage—without the effort of rolling each leaf. So grab your slow cooker, and let’s dive into this delightful dish that will surely become a go-to recipe in your home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: This recipe requires just 20 minutes of prep and cooks while you go about your day (7 hours on low or 4 hours on high).
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of savory beef, sweet cabbage, and tangy tomatoes creates a luscious, flavorful broth that’s hard to resist.
Eye-Catching Appeal: With its vibrant colors, your bowl of soup will be as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
Flexible Serving: It’s perfect for cozy dinners, but also makes a great lunch option throughout the week.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets; just ensure the broth and tomato products align.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 pound lean ground beef: This adds protein and flavor. You can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
1 small onion (diced): Onion gives depth; feel free to use shallots or leeks for a different flavor.
4 cups chopped green cabbage: The star of the show! You could use Savoy or Napa cabbage for a unique twist.
1 15-ounce can tomato sauce: Adds moisture and sweetness. For a fresher taste, use crushed tomatoes blended until smooth.
1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes: Provides chunks of tomato flavor; fire-roasted for extra smokiness!
4 cups beef broth: This builds the soup base—homemade stock is fantastic, but store-bought works great too.
½ cup uncooked long-grain white rice: This absorbs the soup’s broth beautifully; you can swap it for brown rice or quinoa, but adjust the cooking time.
2 tablespoons tomato paste: Concentrated flavor; it deepens the soup’s richness.
2 tablespoons brown sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes; maple syrup is a sweet alternative.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami; if you’re vegan, tamari or soy sauce works.
1 teaspoon salt: Essential for flavor; adjust to taste based on your broth’s sodium level.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: For that aromatic touch; fresh minced garlic can be used for brighter flavor.
½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds warmth; use freshly ground for the best flavor.
1 teaspoon paprika: It gives a smoky note; smoked paprika elevates the dish further.
½ teaspoon dried thyme: This earthy herb enhances the overall taste; try fresh thyme for a more robust flavor.
1 bay leaf: For aromatic essence; ensure to remove it before serving.
Chopped parsley (for garnish): A fresh touch to brighten up your bowl.

How to Make Crockpot Cabbage Roll Soup

Brown the Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, brown your ground beef until it’s no longer pink, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Once it’s cooked, drain any excess fat to ensure the soup isn’t too greasy. Set this aside so it can contribute that hearty flavor to your soup.

Prepare the Veggies: While the meat is cooking, dice your onion and chop the cabbage. The onion should be finely diced to meld well with the soup while the cabbage should be roughly chopped; it’ll soften beautifully as it cooks.

Combine Ingredients: In your slow cooker, add the browned beef, onions, chopped cabbage, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, rice, tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and bay leaf. Stir well so everything is nicely mixed to ensure every bite is bursting with flavor.

Set to Cook: Cover your slow cooker and set it to either low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours. As the soup cooks, the cabbage will soften and the flavors will meld beautifully—the anticipation will be worth the wait!

Finish and Serve: After the cooking cycle, remove the bay leaf. Taste your soup and adjust the salt or pepper if necessary. Ladle it into bowls and finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Storing & Reheating

To store your Crockpot Cabbage Roll Soup, let it cool completely and then transfer it into an airtight container. It’s best kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months—just remember to leave space for expansion. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw the soup in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until hot. Note that the texture may change slightly after freezing, so adding a splash of broth or water when reheating can help refresh it.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the soup as the cabbage becomes mushy; cook just until tender.
For added protein, mix in some beans like kidney or black beans about an hour before serving.
If using quick-cooking rice, add it in the last hour of cooking, as it doesn’t require as much time to soften.
Want a little kick? A sprinkle of red pepper flakes while it simmers will give your soup a delightful heat.
This soup makes great leftovers. The flavors deepen and improve the next day, so don’t hesitate to make a big batch!

The beauty of this Crockpot Cabbage Roll Soup is its ease and warmth. You get all the comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the hassle. Feel free to experiment with ingredients and make it your own, whether it’s adding more spices or making it heartier with extra veggies. I can’t wait for you to experience how delightful this cozy soup is. So, roll up your sleeves and enjoy every hearty bowl of deliciousness!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup is perfect for meal prepping. You can assemble the ingredients in the crockpot the night before and store it in the fridge. Just plug it in to cook in the morning—easy as pie!

What can I serve with this soup?

This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a warm grilled cheese sandwich for dipping. A simple green salad with vinaigrette would balance the richness too!

Can I use frozen cabbage in this recipe?

You can! While fresh cabbage provides a wonderful texture, frozen cabbage can work in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw and drain it before adding to the soup to avoid excess water.

How can I make this soup vegetarian?

For a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef for lentils or a meat alternative and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Adjust spices to taste, and you’ll still have a deliciously hearty soup!