Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup


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Making cabbage rolls can be time-consuming, so we love to make slow cooker cabbage roll soup instead! It still has the beef, tomato, and cabbage flavors but with half the effort.

We often make soup recipes Slow Cooker Zucchini Soup and Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup.

scooping out some slow cooker cabbage roll soup.
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My popular recipe for slow cooker cabbage rolls just got easier! There is no need to boil the cabbage. The main prep work is browning the beef, which is easy. I like to chop the vegetables while that cooks.

There is something special about the combination of beef, tomato, and cabbage that can’t be beat. I know you’ll enjoy this crockpot cabbage roll soup recipe as much as we do. My family loves Slow Cooker Lasagna and Slow Cooker Lazy Lasagna as well.

Recipe Ingredients

ingredients for slow cooker cabbage roll soup on a table.
  • Cabbage: This is the star of the show. You will need 4 cups of chopped cabbage. This may seem like a lot, but this will cook down. Have leftover cabbage? Make my slow cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage.
  • Ground Beef: You will want to brown the beef for the best texture. Another similar recipe we make is slow cooker hamburger soup.
  • Beef Broth: The base of the soup.
  • Diced Tomatoes and Tomato Sauce: Combine to give the recipe its tomato flavor. Together with the seasonings below, it’s a perfect combination.
  • Other Vegetables: Red bell pepper, garlic, and onion are classic vegetables for this soup.
  • Seasonings: Salt, pepper, oregano, and paprika.
  • Rice: Instant rice, like the brand Minute Rice is best.
  • {The full recipe is in the recipe card below the images}.

Substitution Tips

Instead of the canned tomatoes, you can use tomato soup OR V8 vegetable juice.

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used instead of beef, but it won’t be as flavorful.

Other vegetables, such as celery, carrots, or green beans, can be added.

Four images showing how to make cabbage roll soup in a slow cooker.

Step One – In a skillet over medium high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink and drain grease. Add in the chopped onion, and minced garlic, saute until the onion has softened and is translucent.

Step Two – Transfer the cooked beef, onion, and garlic to the slow cooker.

Step Three – Add in the diced bell pepper, chopped cabbage, shredded carrots, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. (WAIT TO ADD THE RICE). Stir.

Step Four – Cover and cook on low heat for 6 hours. Add the minute rice and stir. Cook for 45 minutes longer. Ladle into bowls and enjoy!

overhead shot of cabbage roll soup in a slow cooker.

How to Serve

Shaved parmesan cheese (or cheddar cheese), crumbled bacon, freshly ground pepper, and/or sour cream are perfect topping ideas. If you like spice, add a touch of your favorite hot sauce.

We often top our unstuffed cabbage roll soup with croutons or crushed saltine crackers.

French bread, slices of Rye bread with butter, or garlic bread sticks always make wonderful sides for any soup. You can even make slow cooker cornbread as a side option.

overhead shot of slow cooker cabbage roll soup in a bowl.

Recipe FAQs

Can I serve the rice separately?

Another serving option is to make a big batch of standard white rice and serve the soup OVER the rice in bowls.

How to store:

The soup lasts about 3 days in the fridge. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Can I freeze cabbage roll soup?

Cabbage roll soup freezes well! You should freeze it in ziplock bags or plastic containers with an inch of room to allow for expansion. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw the night before using it in the refrigerator.

Can I use cauliflower rice instead of standard rice?

Yes, use cauliflower rice for a low carb meal. You’ll want to use one cup.

slow cooker cabbage roll soup in a bowl.

Other recipes with cabbage:

overhead shot of cabbage roll soup in a slow cooker.

Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours 45 minutes
Total Time: 7 hours
Servings: 6
This super easy recipe for unstuffed cabbage roll soup is jam packed with flavor! It's a hearty but healthy meal.

Ingredients  

  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups chopped cabbage
  • 1 cup shredded carrot
  • 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes
  • 8 oz. can tomato sauce
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 tsp. paprika
  • 1 tsp. dried oregano
  • 1 tsp. salt , to taste
  • 1/4 tsp. pepper
  • ½ cup uncooked Minute brand rice
  • chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions 

  • In a skillet over medium high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink. Add in the chopped onion, and minced garlic, saute until the onion has softened and is translucent.
  • Transfer the cooked beef, onion, and garlic to the slow cooker. Add in the diced bell pepper, chopped cabbage, shredded carrots, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. (WAIT TO ADD THE RICE).
  • Stir all the ingredients together in the slow cooker.
  • Cover and cook on low heat for 6 hours. Add the minute rice and stir. Cook for 45 minutes longer.
  • Ladle and serve the cabbage roll soup in bowls, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, enjoy!

Sarah’s Notes

  • Leftovers cabbage roll soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator
  • for up to 3-4 days. Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before storing.
  • For longer storage, the soup can be frozen. Store the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheat the soup in a pot on the stove top or reheat portions in the microwave until hot.
  • Ground turkey or chicken can be used in place of the ground beef.
  • Yes, use cauliflower rice for a low carb meal. You’ll want to use one cup.
  • Another serving option is to make a big batch of standard white rice and serve the soup OVER the rice in bowls.
Serving Ideas:
  • Shaved parmesan cheese (or cheddar cheese), crumbled bacon, freshly ground pepper, and/or sour cream are perfect topping ideas. If you like spice, add a touch of your favorite hot sauce.
  • We often top our unstuffed cabbage roll soup with croutons or crushed saltine crackers.
  • French bread, slices of Rye bread with butter, or garlic bread sticks always make wonderful sides for any soup. You can even make slow cooker cornbread as a side option.

Nutrition

Calories: 221kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 49mg | Sodium: 1321mg | Potassium: 739mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 1081IU | Vitamin C: 53mg | Calcium: 80mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.

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3 Comments

  1. R Smith says:

    Can I use potato’s in place of rice?

  2. Carl says:

    As to rice, you can use the instant cups of Minute Rice. Many flavors and just takes one minute in the microwave to heat. No pots, pans, measuring or adding liquid. These cups are the quickest thing I’ve ever made. I also use them for home stir fry meals.. They’re portioned just right. As a variation for this soup, you can use mashed potatoes and just use the main items (no or limited liquid) and put the cabbage and meat over the mashed potatoes. Just serves as a substitute for the rice.

    1. Sarah Olson says:

      Great tips! Thank you.