There are some meals that feel like they have been passed down for generations, even if you are making them for the first time. Crockpot Cabbage Roll Soup is one of those dishes. It has all the savory, tangy, and hearty elements of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls, but with none of the tedious rolling or baking. It is essentially comfort food deconstructed.
I love this recipe because it is unpretentious and incredibly satisfying. It transforms simple, affordable ingredients like cabbage and ground beef into a meal that tastes rich and complex. It fits perfectly into my philosophy of crock pot meals that nourish you without draining your energy.
If you are looking for crockpot soup recipes that are healthy, budget friendly, and packed with flavor, this is it. It’s warm, rustic, and filling enough to be a standalone dinner. It sits nicely alongside my crockpot cheeseburger soup as a beefy, comforting bowl that the whole family will devour.
Why This Unstuffed Soup is a Winner
I adore cabbage rolls, but let’s be honest, I rarely have the patience to blanch leaves and roll them up on a Tuesday night. This soup solves that problem entirely.
First, the flavor profile is spot on. The combination of beef, tomatoes, and cabbage creates a sweet and savory balance that deepens as it slow cooks. It tastes like it simmered on a grandmother’s stove all day.
Second, it is incredibly nutrient dense. You are getting a massive serving of vegetables in every bowl. It is a fantastic way to eat your greens without feeling like you are eating a salad.
Finally, it is freezer friendly. This soup tastes even better the next day, and it freezes beautifully. I often make a double batch just to have lunch ready for the week, much like I do with my crockpot chicken meatball and veggie soup.
The Rustic Ingredients
To make this cabbage soup crockpot sensation, we rely on pantry staples and fresh produce.
The Meat
Lean ground beef is the classic choice. It provides that hearty base. You can also use ground turkey or pork if you prefer, or a mix of both for extra depth.
The Cabbage
A standard green cabbage works best here. Chop it into bite-sized chunks so it cooks down into tender ribbons. It adds a lovely sweetness to the broth.
The Tomato Base
We use a combination of diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. This creates a rich, reddish broth that coats the ingredients. A little brown sugar is my secret weapon—it balances the acidity of the tomatoes perfectly.
The Rice
Uncooked long grain white rice goes right into the pot. It cooks in the liquid, absorbing all the flavors and thickening the soup slightly.
The Acid
A splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice at the end brightens everything up. It is the key to that authentic stuffed cabbage flavor.
Crockpot Cabbage Roll Soup
- Total Time: 7 hrs 20 mins
- Yield: 8 Servings
Description
A hearty, deconstructed version of classic stuffed cabbage rolls made easy in the slow cooker. Packed with ground beef, tender cabbage, and rice in a rich savory tomato broth.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 medium head green cabbage, chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Brown Beef: In a skillet, cook ground beef and onion over medium-high heat until beef is browned. Drain excess fat.
- Combine: Add the beef mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker. Add the chopped cabbage, carrots, garlic, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, oregano, paprika, bay leaf, brown sugar, and vinegar. Stir well.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until cabbage is tender.
- Add Rice: Stir in the uncooked rice. Cover and cook on HIGH for an additional 30-40 minutes until rice is tender.
- Finish: Remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Low Carb: Omit the rice and use cauliflower rice instead (add it in the last 30 minutes).
Pre-Cooked Rice: If you have leftover rice, stir it in just 10 minutes before serving to warm through so it doesn’t get mushy.
Freezer Friendly: This soup freezes well! If planning to freeze, consider cooking the rice separately and adding it when serving to prevent it from soaking up all the broth.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 7 hrs
- Category: Dinner, Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Eastern European-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Slow Cooking Steps
This is a true one pot wonder once you get past the browning stage.
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Cook the ground beef and diced onion in a skillet until the meat is browned and the onions are soft. Drain the excess fat. This step ensures a clean, non greasy broth.
Step 2: Layer the Pot
Add the cooked beef mixture to your slow cooker. Pile in the chopped cabbage, carrots, garlic, oregano, paprika, and bay leaf.
Step 3: The Liquid
Pour in the beef broth, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes. Give it a good stir to combine everything.
Step 4: The Simmer
Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. You want the cabbage to be completely tender.
Step 5: The Rice
About 40 minutes before you are ready to eat, stir in the uncooked rice. Cover and cook on HIGH until the rice is tender. (Alternatively, you can stir in pre cooked rice right at the end just to warm it through).
Step 6: The Finish
Stir in the brown sugar and vinegar. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Making It Your Own
This recipe is super adaptable to your dietary needs.
Low Carb / Keto
Skip the rice entirely and double the cabbage. You can replace the rice with cauliflower rice in the last 30 minutes of cooking for a similar texture without the carbs.
Vegetarian Option
Swap the beef for lentils or a plant based ground meat substitute, and use vegetable broth. It makes for a hearty meatless meal similar to a rustic stew.
Spicy Kick
If you like heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use fire roasted tomatoes instead of regular ones.
Serving Ideas
Serve this with a dollop of sour cream and some chopped fresh parsley. A slice of rye bread or a dinner roll is perfect for dipping into the savory tomato broth.
A Bowl of Nostalgia
There is something deeply grounding about a bowl of Cabbage Roll Soup. It is simple, honest food that tastes spectacular. It proves that you don’t need fancy ingredients to make a memorable meal.
Whether you are feeding a crowd or just looking for a cozy dinner for two, I hope this recipe brings warmth and comfort to your kitchen.
