Unstuffed Cabbage Soup

Easy Cabbage Roll Soup Unstuffed One Pot is my answer to those nights when I want something cozy, filling, and homemade, but I do not have the patience to roll and stuff cabbage leaves. You know the vibe, you are hungry now, the sink is already full of dishes, and everyone keeps asking what is for dinner. This soup hits all the comforting cabbage roll flavors with way less work, and it is basically impossible to mess up once you get the rhythm. It is also one of those recipes that somehow tastes even better the next day. If you have ground meat, cabbage, and a can of tomatoes, you are already most of the way there.

How to make cabbage roll soup

I keep this recipe simple and flexible, because that is how it actually gets made in real life. The pot is doing the heavy lifting here. And yes, it still tastes like the classic dinner, just in spoonable form.

What you will need

• Ground beef or ground turkey, about 1 pound
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 to 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small to medium green cabbage, chopped (about 6 to 8 cups)
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes if that is what you have)
• 4 to 6 cups beef or chicken broth
• 1 to 2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional but classic)
• 1 to 2 teaspoons salt, plus pepper
• 1 to 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
• Cooked rice added at the end, or uncooked rice simmered in the soup

If you love the unstuffed vibe as much as I do, you should also check out these deliciously easy one pot unstuffed cabbage rolls for dinner. It is the same comfort, just in a different form, and it is great for meal prep.

Step by step directions

1) Grab a big pot or Dutch oven and set it over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it up as it browns. Once it is mostly cooked, stir in the onion. Cook for about 3 to 5 minutes until it softens.

2) Add garlic and stir for about 30 seconds. If you are using super lean meat and the pot feels dry, add a tiny splash of oil.

3) Stir in your chopped cabbage. At first it will look like way too much cabbage. Give it 2 to 3 minutes and it starts to wilt down.

4) Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and the brown sugar if using. Bring it to a gentle boil, then lower to a simmer.

5) Let it simmer about 20 to 30 minutes, until the cabbage is tender and the flavors taste like they belong together.

6) Rice time. If you want it super easy, stir in cooked rice right at the end so it stays fluffy. If you want the rice to cook in the pot, add rinsed uncooked rice during the simmer and cook until tender, usually 15 to 20 minutes depending on the type. You might need extra broth if it gets too thick.

That is it. You made cabbage roll soup without turning your kitchen into a full project.

Also, if you are in a one pot soup era, you might like this easy hamburger macaroni soup one pot comfort dinner. It has the same cozy factor and it is a big hit with picky eaters.

Cabbage roll soup video {video_youtube}

If you are more of a visual cook, a quick video makes this recipe feel even easier. The main thing to watch for is how fast the cabbage wilts and how the broth changes color once the tomato goes in. That is the moment you can practically smell dinner happening.

When you film or follow a video, pay attention to these little cues:

First, brown the meat until you see some darker bits on the bottom of the pot. That is flavor. Second, simmer gently, not a roaring boil, because cabbage gets softer and sweeter that way. Third, decide when to add rice based on how you like your leftovers, because rice keeps soaking up broth overnight.

And since we are talking cozy video worthy soups, I have to mention this easy chicken pot pie soup creamy one pot dinner. It is like the comfort food cousin of this recipe, and it is honestly fun to make on a weekend.

Tips for perfecting your cabbage roll soup

This is one of those soups that forgives a lot, but a few small moves make it taste like you worked harder than you did. And yes, you deserve that kind of win.

Cut the cabbage into spoon friendly pieces. If the chunks are huge, it is harder to eat and feels more like a side dish floating in broth.

Do not skip seasoning in layers. Season the meat a bit while it browns, then taste again near the end. Tomatoes and cabbage both need salt to really pop.

Adjust the sweet and sour balance. Cabbage roll flavor usually has a tiny sweet note. If your tomatoes are extra tangy, a little brown sugar helps. If it tastes too sweet, add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice.

Use cooked rice for better leftovers. I do this when I know there will be lunch the next day. I store rice separately and add it to each bowl so the soup stays brothy.

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“I made this on a cold Sunday and my kids actually asked for seconds. It tastes like my grandma’s cabbage rolls but I was done cooking in under an hour.”

One more thing, if you love creamy soups in the same easy category, this easy broccoli cheddar soup creamy one pot is a good one to keep in your back pocket.

Common mistakes to avoid when making cabbage roll soup

I have made every mistake on this list at least once, usually while trying to rush dinner. Here is what to watch for so your cabbage roll soup comes out right the first time.

Mistake 1: Overcooking the cabbage. If you simmer it forever, it can get too soft and lose that nice bite. Keep it at a gentle simmer and start checking around 20 minutes.

Mistake 2: Adding all the rice too early. The soup will thicken a lot, especially overnight. If you love thick soup, go for it. If you want it brothy, add cooked rice at the end or keep it separate.

Mistake 3: Not tasting before serving. This soup changes as it cooks. Tomatoes mellow out, cabbage sweetens, and salt levels shift. A quick taste at the end tells you if it needs more salt, pepper, or a small splash of vinegar.

Mistake 4: Using a pot that is too small. Cabbage takes up space at first. If you cram it in, it is harder to stir and you end up with uneven cooking.

If you want a different flavor lane for another night, this easy chicken tortilla soup one pot tex mex is a fun switch up, still easy, still one pot, just with that zippy topping situation.

Serving suggestions for cabbage roll soup

This soup is hearty enough to be dinner by itself, but I almost always add something on the side because it feels extra cozy that way. Here are a few simple ideas.

• Crusty bread or garlic toast for dipping
• A dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt on top
• Fresh chopped parsley for a clean finish
• Extra black pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like heat
• A simple cucumber salad or bagged salad kit if you want something crisp

My personal favorite is bread plus a little sour cream swirl. It makes the tomato broth taste richer without changing the whole vibe.

Common Questions

Can I make cabbage roll soup ahead of time?
Yes, it is actually better the next day. If you are using rice, store it separately so it does not soak up all the broth.

What meat works best?
Ground beef gives the most classic flavor, but turkey or chicken works too. If you use very lean meat, add a little oil when cooking the onion and garlic.

Do I have to add sugar?
Nope. Some tomatoes are naturally sweet, some are sharp. Taste the soup near the end, then decide if it needs a small pinch of brown sugar or a splash of vinegar.

How do I thicken it if it is too brothy?
Let it simmer uncovered for 5 to 10 minutes. You can also add a bit more tomato sauce, or stir in more cooked rice.

Can I freeze it?
Yes, but freeze it without rice if you can. Rice can get a little soft after freezing. Freeze the soup, then add fresh cooked rice when you reheat.

A cozy dinner you will actually make again

This is the kind of recipe that makes you feel like you cooked a real dinner, even if you were tired and did not want to think too hard. Easy Cabbage Roll Soup Unstuffed One Pot gives you the comforting tomato broth, the tender cabbage, and that savory ground beef flavor without the extra steps. Keep it simple, taste as you go, and do not stress the rice decision, it is all good. If you want to compare versions, I like this One-Pot Unstuffed Cabbage Soup (with ground beef) for another homey take. Make a big pot, enjoy dinner, and stash the leftovers because tomorrow you are going to be very happy.