Okay, so listen, I LOVE stuffed cabbage. Like, *really* love it. But let’s be real – who has time to actually *stuff* all those little cabbage rolls? Not me, that’s for sure! That’s why I’m obsessed with this Easy Stuffed Cabbage Soup. It gives you all those amazing flavors – the sweet cabbage, savory beef, tangy tomatoes – without all the fuss. Seriously, it’s the ultimate comfort food shortcut. My grandma used to make the real deal, spending hours rolling those little guys. This soup? It’s my way of honoring her recipe, but, you know, for busy weeknights. This is my go-to when I want something hearty and delicious, but don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen. Trust me, you’re gonna love how easy it is to get that authentic stuffed cabbage taste!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Stuffed Cabbage Soup
- Seriously quick prep!
- Cooking is a breeze – even I can’t mess it up!
- The flavor? OMG, so good!
- Super hearty and filling. No one will leave hungry!
- Naturally gluten-free (and easy to keep that way!).
Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal
This Easy Stuffed Cabbage Soup is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. Seriously, it’s ready in about an hour, and most of that is just simmering away. Minimal chopping, minimal stirring – maximum flavor!
Hearty and Flavorful Comfort Food
This Easy Stuffed Cabbage Soup is like a warm hug in a bowl. It tastes just like those classic stuffed cabbage rolls, but, you know, without all the rolling! It’s pure comfort food, plain and simple.
Ingredients for Your Easy Stuffed Cabbage Soup
Okay, here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing Easy Stuffed Cabbage Soup. Don’t worry, it’s mostly stuff you probably already have!
- 1 tablespoon olive or avocado oil
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small head of cabbage, cored and coarsely chopped
- 1 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes
- 6 cups beef stock or broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- Dash of Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup uncooked rice
- V8 juice or water to thin
- Salt and Pepper (to taste, of course!)
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Easy Stuffed Cabbage Soup
So, a couple of things about these ingredients. I usually go for 85% lean ground beef – it’s got enough flavor without being *too* greasy, you know? And if you’re feeling lazy (no judgment!), you can totally use pre-shredded coleslaw mix instead of chopping a whole head of cabbage. It’s the same thing, just pre-chopped! Also, don’t be shy with the salt and pepper. Seasoning is KEY to a flavorful Easy Stuffed Cabbage Soup!
How to Prepare Easy Stuffed Cabbage Soup: Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get cooking! This Easy Stuffed Cabbage Soup is seriously simple, I promise. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a pot of deliciousness in no time. Don’t worry if you’re not a pro – this recipe is super forgiving. And hey, even if you mess up a little, it’ll still taste amazing! The key here is to just take it one step at a time, and let that soup simmer its way to perfection. You got this!
Sauté the Beef and Vegetables
First, grab a big pot – the biggest one you have! Heat up your olive or avocado oil over medium heat. Then, toss in your ground beef, diced onion, and bell pepper. Season with salt and pepper (don’t be shy!). Cook it all up until the beef is browned and the veggies are nice and soft. That usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
Simmer the Easy Stuffed Cabbage Soup
Okay, now for the good stuff! Add in your chopped cabbage, crushed tomatoes, beef stock (or broth), bay leaf, dill, paprika, and that dash of Worcestershire sauce. Give it a good stir, bring it to a boil, and then turn the heat down to low. Let it simmer, uncovered, for about 45 minutes. This is where the magic happens!
Add Rice and Finish Simmering Your Easy Stuffed Cabbage Soup
Time to add the rice! Stir in that half cup of uncooked rice and let the soup simmer for another 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the rice is cooked through and everything is nice and tender. Keep an eye on it, and stir occasionally so the rice doesn’t stick to the bottom.
Adjust and Serve the Easy Stuffed Cabbage Soup
Almost there! Give the soup a taste and see if it needs any more salt or pepper. If it’s too thick for your liking, just thin it out with a little V8 juice or water. Now, grab a bowl and dig in!
Tips for Success with Your Easy Stuffed Cabbage Soup
Want to make sure your Easy Stuffed Cabbage Soup is absolutely perfect? Here’s what I’ve learned over the years! First off, don’t skimp on the beef broth. Good broth = good soup, plain and simple. Also, I really think that 85% lean ground beef is the sweet spot. It gives you flavor without being *too* greasy. Trust me on this one!
Easy Stuffed Cabbage Soup Variations
Okay, so you’ve made the basic Easy Stuffed Cabbage Soup, and it’s amazing, right? But what if you want to mix things up a little? No problem! Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick. Or maybe some smoked paprika for a smoky flavor? You could even throw in some extra veggies like carrots or potatoes. Seriously, the possibilities are endless!
Serving Suggestions for Easy Stuffed Cabbage Soup
This Easy Stuffed Cabbage Soup is pretty amazing on its own, but you know what makes it even better? A big hunk of crusty bread for dipping! And a dollop of sour cream? Oh man, don’t even get me started! It adds the perfect tang. Seriously, try it – you won’t regret it!
Storing and Reheating Your Easy Stuffed Cabbage Soup
So, you’ve got leftovers? Lucky you! This Easy Stuffed Cabbage Soup tastes even better the next day, I swear. Just pop it in an airtight container and stick it in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to eat, you can reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. Easy peasy!
FAQs About Easy Stuffed Cabbage Soup
Got questions about this Easy Stuffed Cabbage Soup? I get it! Here are some of the most common things people ask me. Don’t worry, there are no dumb questions when it comes to making delicious soup! I’ve been making this for years, so I’ve probably run into the same issue you’re having! Plus, it’s good to know these things before you even *start*, right?
Can I freeze *Easy Stuffed Cabbage Soup*?
Totally! This soup freezes like a dream. Just let it cool completely, then pop it into freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Easy peasy!
Can I make *Easy Stuffed Cabbage Soup* in a slow cooker?
You bet! Just brown the beef and veggies like normal, then toss everything into your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4. Add the rice during the last hour. Voila!
What kind of rice is best for *Easy Stuffed Cabbage Soup*?
I usually use long-grain white rice. It cooks up nice and fluffy and doesn’t get too mushy. But honestly, you can use whatever rice you like! Brown rice will work too, it’ll just take a little longer to cook.
Nutritional Information for Easy Stuffed Cabbage Soup
Okay, so here’s the deal: I’m not a nutritionist! So, I can’t give you exact nutritional info for this Easy Stuffed Cabbage Soup. It really depends on the brands you use and all that jazz. Just keep in mind that the nutrition information can vary. Enjoy!
Enjoy Your Easy Stuffed Cabbage Soup!
Alright, that’s it! I really hope you try this Easy Stuffed Cabbage Soup. It’s seriously one of my favorites, and I know you’ll love it too! If you make it, be sure to rate the recipe and leave a comment. And hey, share a picture on social media – I’d love to see it!
Print
Devastatingly Easy Stuffed Cabbage Soup in 1 Hour
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 Servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Eastern European
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Easy and hearty stuffed cabbage soup.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive or avocado oil
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small head of cabbage, cored and coarsely chopped
- 1 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes
- 6 cups beef stock or broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- Dash of Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup uncooked rice
- v8 juice or water to thin
- Salt and Pepper
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef, onion, and bell peppers. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until beef is browned and vegetables are soft.
- Add chopped cabbage, tomatoes, stock, bay leaf, dill, paprika and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Simmer, uncovered for 45 minutes, or until cabbage is just tender.
- Add rice and simmer for another 30 minutes.
- If the soup is too thick, thin it down with v8 juice or water.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Notes
- Use 85% lean ground beef for best results.
- Pre-shredded coleslaw can be used instead of chopping cabbage.
- Adjust salt and pepper to your preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 75mg