Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup

⏱️ Time Breakdown

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 6 servings

📝 Ingredients List

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium head green cabbage, chopped into 1-inch squares
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cans (15 oz each) tomato sauce
• 4 cups beef bone broth
• 1 cup long-grain white rice, cooked
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil

✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

• Large stockpot or Dutch oven
• Sharp chef’s knife
• Large cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon

Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in your stockpot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink.
2. Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté for 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. 👩‍🍳
3. Pour in the tomato sauce and beef bone broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then stir in the chopped cabbage, thyme, and smoked paprika.
4. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the cabbage reaches your desired level of tenderness.
5. Stir in the pre-cooked rice and let it warm through for 2 minutes. Season generously with salt and pepper before serving hot! ✨

💡 Pro Tips

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Note that the rice will absorb the broth; add a splash of water or extra broth when reheating.
• Beef Substitutions: If you prefer a leaner profile, swap the beef for ground chicken or ground turkey.
• Texture Tip: If you like a crunchier texture, add the cabbage during the last 10 minutes of simmering instead of the full 20.

FAQ

Can I freeze this soup? Yes! It freezes beautifully, though I recommend adding the cooked rice right before serving rather than freezing it in the soup to prevent it from becoming too soft.

Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, ensure your beef broth is certified gluten-free, and this soup is naturally gluten-free.