Cabbage Roll Soup

        This Cabbage Roll Soup takes all the comforting, hearty flavors of traditional cabbage rolls and turns them into a simple, one-pot wonder. Packed with tender cabbage, savory ground beef (or sausage), tangy tomato sauce, and aromatic spices, this soup is like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, cozy dinners, or meal prep—and it’s ready in a fraction of the time it takes to make classic cabbage rolls. Let’s dive into this delicious, fuss-free recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. 1. • Easy & Convenient: No rolling or shaping required—just toss everything into a pot!
      • Comforting & Hearty: Filled with rich flavors and wholesome ingredients.
      • Versatile: Customize with your favorite proteins, veggies, or spices.
      • Meal Prep Friendly: Tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Soup:

1. 1. • 1 lb ground beef, pork, or sausage (or a mix)
      • 1 medium onion, diced
      • 3 garlic cloves, minced
      • 4 cups shredded cabbage (about 1/2 a small head)
      • 2 medium carrots, sliced or diced
      • 2 celery stalks, diced
      • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
      • 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
      • 4 cups beef or vegetable broth
      • 1 cup cooked rice (optional, added at the end)
      • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
      • 1 tsp smoked paprika
      • 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh thyme)
      • 1 bay leaf
      • Salt and black pepper to taste
      • Optional: 1–2 tsp chili flakes for a spicy kick

For Garnish:

1. 1. • Fresh parsley, chopped
      • Sour cream or plain yogurt
      • Lemon wedges

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Meat

1. 1. 1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat.

      2. Add the ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.

      3. Stir in the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes, until the vegetables soften.

2. Add the Liquids and Spices

1. 1. 1. Stir in the shredded cabbage, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, broth, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
      2. Mix well to combine, ensuring the tomato paste dissolves into the broth.

3. Simmer the Soup

1. 1. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
   2. If using cooked rice, stir it in during the last 5 minutes of cooking to heat through.