Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup

If you love old-fashioned cabbage rolls but don’t love all the work that goes into making them, this slow cooker cabbage roll soup is for you!

It has all the comforting flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls, with ground beef, tender cabbage, rice, tomatoes, and savory seasonings simmered together in a delicious broth.

This easy crock pot soup is hearty enough to serve as a complete meal, and your slow cooker does most of the work. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, chilly fall evenings, and cozy winter dinners.

Serve it with a slice of crusty bread or homemade biscuits for a comforting family meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 small head green cabbage, chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 6 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt, to taste
• 2 cups cooked white rice

Instructions

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.

Add the cooked ground beef to your slow cooker.

Add the chopped cabbage, onion, carrots, and minced garlic.

Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth.

Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, paprika, oregano, parsley, black pepper, and bay leaf.

Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the cabbage and carrots are tender.

Stir in the cooked rice during the last 15–20 minutes of cooking, just long enough to heat it through.

Remove the bay leaf. Taste and add salt or additional seasonings if needed.

Ladle into bowls and serve warm.

Tips for Making Cabbage Roll Soup

Brown the ground beef first. Browning the beef before adding it to the slow cooker gives the soup a richer flavor. Drain off excess grease so the broth doesn’t become oily.

Use cooked rice. Adding cooked rice near the end keeps it from becoming overly soft during the long slow cooking time. It also makes it easier to store leftovers without the rice soaking up all the broth.

Cut the cabbage into bite-sized pieces. Smaller pieces cook more evenly and are easier to eat in a bowl of soup.

Adjust the broth. If you like a thicker soup, use a little less broth. If you prefer a thinner soup, add another cup of beef broth before serving.

Add a little sweetness. Traditional cabbage rolls sometimes have a slightly sweet tomato sauce. If you like that flavor, stir in a teaspoon or two of brown sugar.

Can You Freeze Cabbage Roll Soup?

Yes! Cabbage roll soup freezes well. For the best texture, freeze the soup without the rice and add freshly cooked rice when you reheat it.

Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot.

If you have already added the rice, you can still freeze the soup. Just keep in mind that the rice may be a little softer after thawing.

What to Serve with Cabbage Roll Soup

This soup is hearty enough to serve by itself, but it’s especially good with:

• Crusty French bread
• Homemade dinner rolls
• Buttermilk biscuits
• Garlic bread
• A simple green salad

More Cozy Slow Cooker Soup Recipes

If you enjoy easy crock pot soups, here are a few more recipes from Creative Homemaking to try:

• Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Soup – A hearty soup with tender beef, pearl barley, carrots, and celery in a savory broth.
• Slow Cooker Chicken and Wild Rice Soup – Creamy chicken soup with wild rice and vegetables. Perfect for a chilly evening.
• Slow Cooker Split Pea and Ham Soup – A thick, satisfying soup made with split peas, vegetables, and smoky ham.
• Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheddar Soup – A creamy, cheesy favorite that’s wonderful with crusty bread.
• 12 Easy Crock Pot Soups for Busy Weeknights – Browse even more easy slow cooker soup ideas for family dinners.
• 10 Crock Pot Soups for Busy Weeknight Meals – Another collection of comforting crock pot soup recipes.

This slow cooker cabbage roll soup is a simple way to enjoy the comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without spending hours in the kitchen.

With ground beef, cabbage, rice, and a rich tomato broth, it’s a filling homemade dinner that’s perfect for busy days.

Add this easy cabbage roll soup to your slow cooker dinner rotation. It’s the kind of cozy meal you’ll want to make again and again!

Follow my cozy soup recipes board on Pinterest.