Go Back
Print Recipe

Russian Cabbage Roll Soup

This Russian cabbage roll soup takes everything you love about classic cabbage rolls and turns it into a simple, cozy one-pot dish. It’s packed with tender cabbage, savory ground beef, and soft rice simmered in a rich tomato-based broth. The flavors are deep and comforting, yet the process is easy enough for any home cook to master.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 cup chopped yellow onion
  • 1 cup diced carrots
  • 3 tablespoons minced garlic
  • 4 cups chopped green cabbage
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 14 oz can diced tomatoes (no salt added)
  • ¾ cup uncooked long-grain white rice
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sea salt adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Brown the Beef

  • Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.

Build the Base

  • Add chopped onion and carrots. Cook for about 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add Vegetables & Broth

  • Stir in cabbage, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Mix well.

Add Rice & Seasoning

  • Add uncooked rice, paprika, bay leaf, and salt. Stir to combine.

Simmer

  • Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes until rice is tender and cabbage is soft.

Finish the Flavor

  • Stir in Worcestershire sauce, sugar, and vinegar. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Serve

  • Remove bay leaf. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

  • Rice tip: If you prefer, cook the rice separately and add it when serving to prevent it from soaking up too much broth.
  • Make it thicker: Use slightly less broth for a stew-like consistency.
  • Make-ahead friendly: This soup tastes even better the next day after the flavors deepen.
  • Freezer option: Freeze without rice for best texture, then add fresh rice when reheating.
  • Extra flavor: Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a deeper, slightly smoky taste.