Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe Just Like Grandma’s

Introduction

As a chef, I’ve always been fascinated by recipes that carry both flavor and nostalgia. Cabbage roll soup is exactly that—warm, hearty, and reminiscent of the traditional stuffed cabbage rolls many of us grew up with. Instead of rolling and baking, this soup transforms all those classic ingredients—tender cabbage, savory ground meat, aromatic vegetables, and rice—into a cozy one-pot meal. It’s rustic, wholesome, and truly feels like a bowl of love, just the way Grandma made it.

Why This Recipe Works

Ingredients for Recipe

1 tbsp olive oil or butter – for sautéing.

1 lb (450 g) ground beef or pork (or turkey for lighter option).

1 medium onion, diced – adds sweetness and depth.

3 garlic cloves, minced – boosts aroma.

2 medium carrots, diced – natural sweetness.

2 celery stalks, diced – savory foundation.

4 cups chopped green cabbage – the star ingredient.

1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes – rich tomato base.

4 cups beef or vegetable stock – hearty soup body.

½ cup uncooked rice (white or brown) – gives heartiness.

1 tsp dried oregano.

1 tsp dried thyme.

2 bay leaves.

Salt & freshly ground black pepper – to taste.

Fresh parsley – for garnish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the meat: Heat olive oil in a large pot. Add ground beef/pork and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Build the flavor base: Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook 5–6 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add cabbage & tomatoes: Stir in chopped cabbage and crushed tomatoes. Mix well to coat with flavor.
4. Simmer with rice & stock: Add stock, rice, oregano, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook 25–30 minutes until cabbage is tender and rice is cooked.
5. Adjust & serve: Taste and adjust seasoning. Remove bay leaves. Ladle hot soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with crusty bread.

Chef’s Insight: The secret to a rich, nostalgic flavor is slow simmering—this allows the cabbage to soften and the rice to soak up all the savory broth. Using crushed tomatoes instead of sauce keeps the soup hearty and rustic, just like Grandma’s kitchen.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Serving, Nutrition, Storage, Reheating & Freezing

Serving: Pair with sourdough bread or a light green salad.

Nutrition (per bowl, ~350 ml): ~280 calories | 18 g protein | 30 g carbs | 9 g fat.

Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 4 days.

Reheating: Warm gently on the stove, adding stock if thickened.

Freezing: Freezes well up to 2 months; thaw and reheat gently.

This isn’t just a soup—it’s a comforting family classic that carries the flavors of home and tradition. With all the richness of cabbage rolls in an easy, one-pot version, this soup is hearty, nostalgic, and perfect for sharing around the table.