This Crockpot Cabbage Roll Soup is like a warm hug in a bowl. When you think of cozy dinners, what comes to mind? Maybe it’s sitting around the table with family, enjoying a hearty meal that fills both your stomach and your heart. This recipe captures those feelings perfectly, blending the traditional flavors of cabbage rolls into a simple, delicious soup. Imagine letting your slow cooker work its magic while you go about your day. The amazing aroma fills your home, hinting at the wholesome meal that awaits you.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!As the ingredients meld together, they create a rich, robust broth that sings with warmth and comfort. Whether you’re looking for something to help you unwind after a long day or a dish to share with friends, this soup fits the bill. It’s nourishing, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to prepare, making it an ideal addition to your recipe collection. So, let’s get started on this delightful journey of flavors with your very own Crockpot Cabbage Roll Soup!
Why This Recipe Works
This Crockpot Cabbage Roll Soup harnesses the classic flavors of traditional cabbage rolls, transforming them into a cozy and nourishing soup. By using a slow cooker, the ingredients meld together beautifully, allowing the flavors to deepen while requiring minimal active cooking time. After a few hours, everything is perfectly cooked, and the aroma fills your kitchen, making it hard to resist sneaking a taste before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Cabbage Roll Soup
Imagine cozy nights filled with the warm aroma of seasoned beef, tender cabbage, and savory tomato broth wafting through your kitchen. This soup is not only comforting but also packed with nutrients, making it the perfect dish for busy weeknights or gatherings. Each ingredient adds its own character, creating a flavor harmony that’s both delightful and satisfying. The ease of preparation ensures it becomes a beloved staple in your recipe collection.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 small head of cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups)
- 2 1/2 cups water
- 1 cup uncooked minute rice
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 28 ounces tomato sauce
- 14 ounces petite diced tomatoes, with juice
Preparing the Soup
Brown the Ground Beef
First, grab a medium-sized skillet and brown the ground beef over medium heat until it’s no longer pink. This step is vital; not only does it add texture, but it also enhances the soup’s flavor. Once browned, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté these until the onion turns translucent and fragrant. Don’t forget to drain any excess grease to keep your soup light and healthy.
Combine Cabbage and Rice
Now, let’s move to the star of the show—the slow cooker! Layer in your chopped cabbage, followed by the uncooked minute rice. This blend will form the heart of your soup. Sprinkle in the black pepper, garlic salt, and sugar to season everything perfectly. These seasonings are what bring the dish to life, adding that delightful touch that makes each bite memorable.
Add Tomato Base
Next, pour in the rich, velvety tomato sauce along with the petite diced tomatoes, juice and all. Stir everything thoroughly to ensure that all the ingredients are well mixed; this is when the magic begins, and you start to see the colorful layers come together.
Mix in Ground Beef
Now it’s time to add the star of the earlier step. Mix in your browned beef combination to the slow cooker. Stir everything together gently, making sure the beef, veggies, and seasonings are evenly distributed. That’s what truly makes this soup comforting; every bite is packed with flavor!
Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your slow cooker and let it work its magic. Set the timer for 5-6 hours on low. During this time, the cabbage will soften, the rice will cook perfectly, and all those beautiful flavors will meld together. The wait may feel long, but trust me, it will be worth it!
Serving Suggestions
When it’s finally time to enjoy your soup, serve it hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a touch of color. A dollop of sour cream can add an extra creaminess that perfectly balances the acidity of the tomatoes. Pairing it with crusty bread or a simple side salad makes for a complete meal that everyone will love.
Tips for Success
- Be sure to chop the cabbage uniformly to ensure even cooking.
- For a richer flavor, consider using beef broth instead of water.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste; feel free to add crushed red pepper flakes for a little kick if you’re feeling adventurous.
Variations
This recipe is versatile, so feel free to get creative! Swap ground beef for ground turkey or sausage to mix up the flavor profile. You can also toss in a few additional vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for extra nutrition and crunch. If you prefer a vegetarian option, using plant-based ground meat and vegetable broth is an excellent alternative.
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers (which, let’s be honest, is a happy problem), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This soup freezes well too—just let it cool completely before transferring it into freezer bags. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave couldn’t be simpler.
FAQs
What type of cabbage is best for this soup?
Green cabbage is commonly used, but savoy cabbage can add a subtle sweetness that’s delightful.
Can I use instant rice instead of minute rice?
Yes! Instant rice works well, though the cooking times might vary slightly, so keep an eye on it.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just swap out the ground beef for plant-based meat and switch to vegetable broth for a delicious vegetarian version.
How can I store leftovers?
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze them for longer storage.
Can this soup be cooked on high heat?
Yes, if you’re short on time, you can cook it on high for about 3-4 hours instead.
This Crockpot Cabbage Roll Soup brings together warmth, comfort, and convenience in one bowl. Perfect for any day of the week, it is sure to become a go-to recipe for family dinners or meal prepping. Enjoy the blend of flavors that reminds you of home-cooked meals, even on the busiest of nights!
PrintCrockpot Cabbage Roll Soup
This hearty soup blends the classic flavors of cabbage rolls into a comforting dish. It’s packed with nutrients and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 small head of cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups)
- 2 1/2 cups water
- 1 cup uncooked minute rice
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 28 ounces tomato sauce
- 14 ounces petite diced tomatoes, with juice
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet, adding onion and garlic until translucent.
- Layer chopped cabbage and uncooked rice in the slow cooker.
- Season with black pepper, garlic salt, and sugar.
- Add tomato sauce and petite diced tomatoes, stirring to combine.
- Mix in the browned beef with veggies and seasonings.
- Cover and slow cook on low for 5-6 hours.
Notes
Chop the cabbage uniformly for even cooking.
Consider using beef broth instead of water for richer flavor.
Feel free to adjust seasonings or add crushed red pepper for a kick.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5-6 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 750
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Unsaturated Fat: 4
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 18
- Cholesterol: 45