Imagine the deeply savory, comforting flavor of classic cabbage rolls the tender cabbage, hearty beef, and rich tomato broth all simmering away to perfection without any of the tedious rolling. That’s the magic of this Crockpot Cabbage Roll Soup. It’s a complete, satisfying meal in a bowl that delivers all the nostalgic taste with a fraction of the effort.
This recipe transforms a beloved, labor-intensive dish with rich Eastern European roots common in Polish, Hungarian, and Ukrainian cuisines into an effortless weeknight dinner. Your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, melding the flavors together over hours until your home is filled with an irresistible aroma. It’s hearty, packed with vegetables, and guaranteed to become a family favorite.
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Why This Recipe is Guaranteed to Be a Keeper
This isn’t just another soup recipe; it’s a strategic solution for busy families and anyone craving a wholesome, delicious meal that delivers on every level.
- Set It and Forget It: After a quick 10-minute prep, you simply toss everything into the slow cooker. It’s the definition of a low-effort, high-reward meal perfect for hectic days.
- Hearty & Filling: Packed with lean protein, fiber-rich cabbage, and rice, this soup eats like a satisfying stew. It’s guaranteed to conquer even the biggest appetites.
- Healthy & Nutritious: This soup is loaded with vegetables. Cabbage, the star of the show, is a nutritional powerhouse. Research from Harvard highlights The Nutritional Benefits of Cabbage, noting its high levels of vitamin C and fiber.
- Incredibly Budget-Friendly: Using simple, affordable ingredients, this recipe makes a large batch that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week. See our cost breakdown in the FAQ below!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses straightforward pantry staples to create its rich, complex flavor. The optional brown sugar is a secret weapon that balances the acidity of the tomatoes, while a splash of vinegar at the end makes the flavors pop.
- 1.5 lbs Lean Ground Beef or Ground Turkey
- 1 large head Cabbage, chopped
- 1 large Onion, chopped
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can Tomato Sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can Diced Tomatoes, undrained
- 6 cups Beef Broth
- 1/2 cup Uncooked Minute Rice
- 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1 tbsp Brown Sugar (optional)
- 1-2 tsp Apple Cider Vinegar or Lemon Juice (optional, to finish)
- Salt and Black Pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
This magical slow cooker cabbage roll soup comes together with just a few simple steps. Follow them closely for perfect results every time.
- Brown the Meat: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef (or turkey) with the chopped onion until the meat is no longer pink. Drain any excess grease. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant.
- Load the Slow Cooker: Transfer the browned meat mixture to your slow cooker. Add the chopped cabbage, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (undrained), beef broth, Italian seasoning, oregano, paprika, brown sugar (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Combine & Cook: Stir everything together until well combined. Secure the lid and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until the cabbage is completely tender.
- Add the Rice: The timing here is key to avoid mushy rice. Stir in the uncooked rice 15-20 minutes before serving if using Minute Rice, or 45 minutes before serving if using regular uncooked white rice.
- Finish & Serve: Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. To brighten all the deep, savory flavors, stir in 1-2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar or fresh lemon juice just before serving. Ladle into bowls and enjoy.
What to Serve with Cabbage Roll Soup
This hearty soup is a meal in itself, but a simple side can take it to the next level. Here are a few perfect pairings:
- Crusty Bread or Garlic Toast: Essential for sopping up every last drop of the rich, tomatoey broth.
- Fluffy Cornbread: A slightly sweet cornbread provides a wonderful contrast to the soup’s savory flavors.
- A Simple Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a fresh, bright element to the meal.
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop on top adds a creamy, tangy finish that complements the soup beautifully.
Variations and Substitutions
This Crockpot Cabbage Roll Soup is incredibly versatile. While many recipes you might find on Allrecipes or Cooktop Cove stick to the basics, here are a few ideas to make it your own:
- Sweet and Sour Cabbage Roll Soup: Add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar and 2-3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar along with the other ingredients for that classic tangy twist.
- Spicy Version: Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño with the onions for a kick of heat.
- WW Cabbage Roll Soup: To make this more Weight Watchers friendly, use 99% lean ground turkey, omit the brown sugar, and use a low-sodium beef broth.
- Vegetarian: Omit the ground beef and add 2 cups of cooked lentils or a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas for a plant-based protein source. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
The Ultimate Crockpot Cabbage Roll Soup
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Lean Ground Beef or Ground Turkey
- 1 large head Cabbage chopped
- 1 large Onion chopped
- 4 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 28 oz can Tomato Sauce
- 1 14.5 oz can Diced Tomatoes, undrained
- 6 cups Beef Broth
- 1/2 cup Uncooked Minute Rice
- 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1 tbsp Brown Sugar optional
- 1-2 tsp Apple Cider Vinegar or Lemon Juice optional, to finish
- Salt and Black Pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with the onion. Drain grease and stir in garlic for the last minute.
- Transfer meat mixture to the slow cooker. Add cabbage, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and all seasonings.
- Stir to combine. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
- Stir in uncooked Minute Rice 15-20 minutes before serving (or regular rice 45 minutes before).
- Brighten the flavor by stirring in 1-2 tsp of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice just before serving.
Notes
Nutrition Information
- Calories: 345kcal
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 950mg
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 6g
- Sugars: 12g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Frequently Asked Questions
This soup stores beautifully! You can keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, it freezes exceptionally well. Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer safe containers or bags. It will last for up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. For best results, always follow Safe Food Storage and Reheating Practices.
This is a brilliant meal prep hack! Brown the meat with onions and garlic, then let it cool completely. In a large freezer-safe bag, combine the cooled meat mixture, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and all seasonings (Italian seasoning, oregano, paprika, brown sugar, salt, pepper). Squeeze out all the air, seal, and freeze flat. On cooking day, simply dump the frozen contents into the slow cooker, add the fresh chopped cabbage on top, and cook as directed. Add the rice at the end of the cooking time as usual.
This is the most critical step for perfect texture! To prevent mushy rice, add it near the end of the cooking time. If you are using uncooked Minute Rice, stir it in during the last 15-20 minutes. If you’re using regular uncooked white rice, it will need about 45 minutes to cook through. Alternatively, you can stir in pre-cooked rice just before serving.
Low-Carb/Keto: Simply omit the rice and the optional brown sugar. To add bulk, stir in 2-3 cups of cauliflower rice during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Understanding how your body uses energy is key, as explained in guides on Understanding Low-Carb Diets and Energy Sources.
Gluten-Free: The recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure you use a certified gluten-free beef broth.
More Cozy Soup Recipes to Try
If you loved the ease and comfort of this soup, you’re sure to enjoy these other delicious recipes:
- For another cheesy, slow-cooked delight, try this Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup.
- If you’re looking for a healthy, plant-based option, this Healthy Lentil Soup is a must-make.
- For a creamy and satisfying classic, don’t miss this Creamy Hamburger Potato Soup.
- Craving a little spice? This Cajun Potato Soup will warm you right up.
- Get all the flavor of a classic Italian dish in this incredible Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup.
