Crock Pot Cabbage Roll Soup

The Crock Pot Cabbage Roll Soup is everything you love about traditional cabbage rolls without the hassle of rolling! This dish is slow-cooked to perfection with tender ground beef, soft rice, tangy tomatoes, and hearty cabbage, creating a rich and flavorful broth that tastes like it’s been simmering all day because it has. The result is a warm, comforting meal that’s ideal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

This recipe is a fantastic choice for feeding a family or stocking your fridge with leftovers that only get better the next day. It’s budget-friendly, easy to prepare, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re a longtime cabbage roll fan or trying it for the first time in soup form, this hearty bowl delivers deep, nostalgic flavors with the added bonus of convenience.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 pound ground beef

• 4 cups beef broth

• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• 1 small head green cabbage, chopped

• 2/3 cup uncooked white rice

Directions:

1. In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and sauté onion until translucent. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.

2. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Drain any excess fat.

3. Transfer the beef mixture to a crock pot.

4. Add beef broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

5. Add chopped cabbage and uncooked rice, mixing well.

6. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or until the rice and cabbage are tender.

7. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 6 hours | Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Kcal: 290 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

Crock Pot Cabbage Roll Soup is the ultimate solution for those who crave the comforting taste of traditional cabbage rolls without the effort of rolling and baking. By transforming the beloved Eastern European dish into a hearty, slow-cooked soup, this recipe delivers the same rich, savory flavors in a convenient, one-pot format that’s perfect for busy families, weeknight dinners, or meal prepping. It captures the essence of home cooking simple ingredients, long-simmered goodness, and a satisfying finish in every spoonful.

A Modern Twist on a Traditional Favorite

Cabbage rolls, or stuffed cabbage, have been a staple in many cultures for centuries. Found in Polish, Russian, Hungarian, and Middle Eastern cuisines, the traditional dish typically involves boiled cabbage leaves wrapped around a mixture of ground meat and rice, then baked in tomato sauce. Though undeniably delicious, the rolling process can be labor-intensive and time-consuming. Crock Pot Cabbage Roll Soup retains all those classic ingredients ground beef, rice, cabbage, tomatoes, garlic, and herbs but reinvents them in a deconstructed, no-fuss soup that’s both easier to make and just as comforting.

Why This Recipe Works So Well in a Crock Pot

Slow cookers are tailor-made for soups like this one. The gentle, low heat allows flavors to meld over time, softening the cabbage and infusing the broth with deep, meaty richness. The rice cooks perfectly alongside the beef and vegetables, soaking up the flavorful liquid without becoming mushy. This set-it-and-forget-it approach means minimal active cooking time while still delivering a delicious homemade meal that tastes like it simmered for hours because it did.

Beyond the flavor benefits, cooking this soup in a Crock Pot makes it ideal for meal planning. You can assemble everything in the morning and return home to a house filled with the warm, inviting aroma of dinner ready to serve. It’s also incredibly hands-off, freeing up your time without sacrificing quality.

The Comfort of Familiar Ingredients

One of the most appealing aspects of Crock Pot Cabbage Roll Soup is how it uses accessible, pantry-friendly ingredients. Lean ground beef, rice, canned tomatoes, beef broth, garlic, onion, and a head of cabbage are likely items you already have or can easily pick up at any grocery store. There’s nothing exotic or hard to source, yet the result is a bowl of pure comfort that tastes like much more effort went into it than actually did.

The combination of beef and tomatoes brings a slightly tangy, savory base, while cabbage contributes both texture and a subtle sweetness. Rice adds body and makes the soup filling enough to serve as a full meal. This is wholesome food warm, nourishing, and rich in tradition.

Health Benefits of Cabbage Roll Soup

Aside from being delicious, this soup is surprisingly nutritious. Cabbage is a low-calorie vegetable packed with fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants. It’s great for digestion, supports heart health, and is considered anti-inflammatory. Using lean ground beef adds a healthy dose of protein, and the tomato base provides lycopene, another powerful antioxidant.

You can further lighten the recipe by using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef or swapping white rice for brown rice or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb version. The flexibility of this dish means you can adapt it to your dietary needs while still enjoying its satisfying heartiness.

Tips for Success and Customization

Though this recipe is incredibly straightforward, a few tips can help you get the best results:

• Brown the meat before adding to the slow cooker. While some slow cooker recipes let you skip this step, browning the ground beef enhances flavor and removes excess fat.
• Chop cabbage uniformly. This ensures even cooking and a pleasant texture throughout.
• Use long-grain rice. It holds up better during the long cooking time compared to quick-cooking varieties.

Customization is where this soup really shines. Want to add more veggies? Carrots, celery, and bell peppers are great additions. Want to spice things up? A pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce works wonders. Prefer a vegetarian version? Substitute lentils or plant-based ground meat and swap the broth for a rich vegetable stock.

Serving Suggestions

Crock Pot Cabbage Roll Soup is a full meal in a bowl, but it pairs beautifully with a crusty slice of sourdough bread or a warm piece of cornbread. If you’d like to stretch it further for a larger group, serve it with a fresh green salad or a side of roasted vegetables.

For toppings, consider a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, or even a dash of grated Parmesan. These garnishes add a layer of richness and brightness that elevate the soup even further.

Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers

This soup is a meal prep champion. It stores well in the fridge for up to five days and tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. You can also freeze it for up to three months just be aware that the texture of the rice may change slightly upon thawing. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the consistency.

Having a stash of this soup in the freezer means you’re never far from a cozy, comforting meal.

Ideal for Any Season

While this soup is especially popular in the colder months for its warming qualities, it’s equally satisfying year-round. On a rainy spring afternoon or a cool summer night, it delivers comfort without being too heavy. It’s also a go-to when you’re feeling under the weather nourishing, soothing, and simple to digest.

Cultural Roots and Universal Appeal

Cabbage rolls have long been associated with celebration and togetherness in many cultures. From Polish gołąbki to Romanian sarmale and Jewish holishkes, these stuffed bundles represent comfort and home. By turning the concept into a soup, the dish becomes even more accessible and family-friendly, appealing to home cooks who want the essence of tradition with modern ease.

The universal appeal lies in its flavors rich tomato, savory beef, tender cabbage, and a hint of herbs. It’s not overly spicy or exotic, making it a safe and beloved option for kids and picky eaters, yet versatile enough to be jazzed up for foodies who enjoy experimenting.

Conclusion: Why You’ll Love Crock Pot Cabbage Roll Soup

Crock Pot Cabbage Roll Soup is more than just an easy weeknight dinner it’s a bowlful of tradition, comfort, and nourishment. It simplifies a classic dish into a one-pot wonder that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. With its budget-friendly ingredients, wholesome nutrition, and make-ahead convenience, this soup belongs in your regular rotation.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd, stocking your freezer, or just looking for a satisfying bowl to warm your soul, this soup checks every box. It’s proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With the help of your slow cooker, you can create a meal that tastes like home, with flavors that hug you from the inside out.

So, if you’ve ever loved a cabbage roll or just enjoy hearty, homemade soup this recipe is a must-try. Your Crock Pot will do the work, and your taste buds will thank you.