Comforting Stuffed Cabbage Soup
Warm up with a bowl of Comforting Stuffed Cabbage Soup that's hearty, delicious, and packed with flavor. This nutritious dish combines lean ground beef, tender diced cabbage, and perfectly seasoned rice, all simmered in a rich tomato broth. Perfect for sharing, it makes a large batch—ideal for family gatherings or meal prep for the week ahead. Enjoy each comforting spoonful and savor the bold flavors of garlic, tomatoes, and a hint of sweetness from the brown sugar. This soup is not only filling but also deliciously satisfying!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Onions
2 cups (diced)
Lean ground beef
1.5 lbs (raw)
Olive oil
3 tablespoons (none)
Brown sugar
1/2 cup (none)
Cabbage
1 small head (diced)
Diced tomatoes
2 (14.5 ounce) cans (none)
Beef broth
4 cups (none)
Tomato sauce
2 (28 ounce) cans (none)
Lemon juice
1 tablespoon (none)
Cooked white rice
2 cups (cooked)
Salt
to taste (none)
Pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
In a large soup pot over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the diced onions until they become translucent.
2
Add the lean ground beef to the pot, cooking until browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart as it cooks. Do not drain the fat as it adds flavor.
3
Stir in the brown sugar until well combined, then add the diced cabbage, mixing thoroughly.
4
Pour in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, and tomato sauce. Add the lemon juice and stir to combine all ingredients.
5
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat. Cover and let it simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
6
After simmering, add the cooked white rice, and continue simmering for an additional 10 minutes.
7
Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Comforting Stuffed Cabbage Soup?
It is a hearty, nutritious dish that combines lean ground beef, tender diced cabbage, and seasoned white rice in a rich, tomato-based broth.
What type of meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1.5 lbs of lean ground beef.
Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?
Yes, you can use ground turkey or ground chicken as a leaner alternative.
How should the cabbage be prepared?
You should use one small head of cabbage and dice it into bite-sized pieces.
What provides the sweetness in this soup?
The soup gets its hint of sweetness from 1/2 cup of brown sugar.
How long does the soup need to simmer?
The soup should simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours to allow the flavors to fully meld.
When should I add the rice to the pot?
The cooked white rice should be added after the initial simmer, and then cooked for an additional 10 minutes.
Does the rice need to be cooked beforehand?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 2 cups of already cooked white rice.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice as long as it is cooked before being added to the soup.
What kind of tomatoes are used in this soup?
The recipe uses two 14.5-ounce cans of diced tomatoes and two 28-ounce cans of tomato sauce.
Is this Stuffed Cabbage Soup gluten-free?
The primary ingredients are gluten-free, but you should always check the labels on your beef broth and canned tomato products to be certain.
How many onions are required?
The recipe requires 2 cups of diced onions.
What is the purpose of adding lemon juice?
One tablespoon of lemon juice is added to provide a bright acidity that balances the sweetness of the brown sugar.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can brown the beef and onions first, then combine everything except the rice in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours, adding the rice at the end.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Yes, this soup freezes very well. Store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
What type of broth is recommended?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of beef broth.
How much olive oil is used?
You will need 3 tablespoons of olive oil to sauté the onions.
Should I drain the fat from the ground beef?
The instructions suggest not draining the fat as it adds extra flavor to the broth.
Is this soup considered healthy?
Yes, it is a nutritious meal containing lean protein, fiber from the cabbage, and antioxidants from the tomatoes.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Certainly! Carrots, celery, or bell peppers would make excellent additions to this hearty soup.
What size cabbage head should I buy?
A small head of cabbage is perfect for the proportions of this recipe.
How do I make a vegetarian version of this soup?
Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
How much tomato sauce is needed?
You will need two 28-ounce cans of tomato sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it makes a large batch and the flavors often improve after sitting overnight, making it ideal for meal prep.
What are some good side dishes for this soup?
It pairs beautifully with crusty bread, dinner rolls, or a crisp side salad.
How much brown sugar is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of brown sugar.
What can I use if I don't have lemon juice?
Apple cider vinegar is a good substitute if you need a similar acidic component.
What kind of pot is best for cooking this soup?
A large soup pot or a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven is recommended to accommodate the large volume.
Is the soup spicy?
No, the soup is not spicy; it has a savory and slightly sweet flavor profile.