Easy Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup: Cozy Comfort in One Pot!

Tired of spending hours assembling traditional cabbage rolls? This Easy Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup delivers all the cozy comfort and rich flavors you love without the fuss! Each spoonful offers a hearty blend of tender cabbage, savory ground beef, and aromatic herbs simmering in a tomato-rich broth. This one-pot wonder is perfect for busy weeknights or weekend meal prep.

In this guide, you’ll discover how to select the best ingredients, prep shortcuts that save time, foolproof cooking instructions, and creative variations to make this soup your own. Let’s transform a labor-intensive classic into an effortless family favorite!

Why This Easy Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe Works

• Uses affordable, everyday ingredients you likely have on hand
• Prep takes just 15 minutes, then your slow cooker does all the work
• Captures all the authentic flavors of traditional cabbage rolls with minimal effort
• Perfect for make-ahead meals and freezes beautifully
• Naturally gluten-free and adaptable for various dietary needs

Choosing the Right Ingredients for Cabbage Roll Soup

Best Cabbage for Slow Cooker Soup

Green cabbage is the traditional choice for cabbage roll soup, offering the perfect balance of sweetness and durability during long cooking. Look for heads that feel heavy for their size with crisp, tightly packed leaves. Red cabbage works too but will give your soup a purple hue.

Ground Meat Options for Cabbage Roll Soup

Ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) provides the classic cabbage roll flavor, but ground turkey is an excellent leaner alternative. For the best flavor, choose freshly ground meat rather than pre-packaged options.

Rice Selection for Authentic Cabbage Roll Soup

Long-grain white rice is traditional, but brown rice adds more fiber and a nutty flavor (though it requires longer cooking). For a low-carb version, cauliflower rice makes an excellent substitute when added during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Ingredients & Prep for Easy Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup

Soup Base Essentials

• 1 medium head green cabbage (about 2 pounds), chopped
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 6 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)

Flavor Builders

• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish Options

• Fresh dill or parsley
• Sour cream
• Lemon wedges

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Cabbage Roll Soup

Pre-Cooking Prep for Cabbage Roll Soup

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until no longer pink (about 5-7 minutes).
2. Drain excess fat and transfer to the slow cooker.
3. Chop cabbage into 1-inch pieces, discarding the tough core.
4. Dice onion and mince garlic.
5. Rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear.

Slow Cooking Method for Cabbage Roll Soup

1. Add all ingredients except garnishes to your slow cooker and stir well to combine.
2. Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until cabbage is tender and rice is fully cooked.
3. Stir occasionally if possible to ensure rice doesn’t stick to the bottom.

Doneness Check for Perfect Cabbage Roll Soup

Your soup is ready when:

• Cabbage is tender but not mushy
• Rice is fully cooked with no hard centers
• Broth has thickened slightly
• Flavors have melded together

Final Touches for Cabbage Roll Soup

1. Remove bay leaves before serving.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
3. If soup is too thick, add additional broth to reach desired consistency.
4. For a richer flavor, stir in 1-2 tablespoons of butter just before serving.

Looking for more comforting slow cooker recipes? Check out my Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Curry for another weeknight dinner solution!

Pro Tips for Perfect Cabbage Roll Soup

Avoiding Common Mistakes

• Don’t skip browning the meat – this develops essential flavor compounds
• Cut cabbage uniformly for even cooking
• Check rice doneness before serving – different varieties may require adjustment to cooking time
• If using brown rice, consider pre-cooking it halfway before adding to the slow cooker

Tool Recommendations

• 6-quart slow cooker is ideal for this recipe
• Sharp chef’s knife for efficient cabbage chopping
• Heavy-bottomed skillet for browning meat
• Measuring cups and spoons for accurate seasoning

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate cooled soup in airtight containers for up to 4 days
• Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months
• When reheating, add a splash of broth if needed as the rice will continue to absorb liquid
• Reheat on stovetop over medium-low heat or microwave until steaming hot

For another hearty one-pot comfort meal, try my Healthy Crockpot Turkey Chili that’s perfect for meal prep!

Flavor Variations for Cabbage Roll Soup

Herb & Spice Enhancements

• Mediterranean: Add 1 teaspoon dried oregano and finish with lemon zest
• Eastern European: Include 1/4 teaspoon caraway seeds and a pinch of allspice
• Smoky: Add 1 teaspoon smoked paprika and a dash of liquid smoke

Dietary Adaptations

• Vegetarian: Replace beef with 2 cups cooked lentils and use vegetable broth
• Low-Carb: Substitute riced cauliflower for the rice (add in final 30 minutes)
• Extra Protein: Add 1 can of white beans, drained and rinsed

Regional Inspirations

Find more quick and easy recipes on my Pinterest board for endless mealtime inspiration!

Serving Suggestions for Cabbage Roll Soup

• Crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping
• Simple side salad with vinaigrette
• Dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Fresh herbs such as dill or parsley
• Squeeze of lemon for brightness

This hearty soup is a meal in itself but pairs beautifully with a light sandwich for a complete dinner. For a refreshing side, try my Easy Chicken Salad with Grapes that complements the rich flavors of the soup.

FAQs About Cabbage Roll Soup

Can I make this cabbage roll soup on the stovetop?

Yes! Brown the meat in a Dutch oven, add remaining ingredients, and simmer covered for about 45-60 minutes until cabbage is tender and rice is cooked.

Can I use pre-shredded cabbage?

Absolutely. Pre-shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix (without dressing) works well and saves prep time.

My rice soaked up too much liquid. How can I fix this?

Add more broth until you reach your desired consistency. For future batches, you can cook rice separately and add it to individual servings.

Can I add other vegetables to this soup?

Yes! Carrots, celery, bell peppers, and parsnips all work well. Add them with the other ingredients at the beginning of cooking.

Conclusion

This Easy Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup transforms a traditional labor-intensive dish into a simple, satisfying meal that captures all the comfort of the original. With just 15 minutes of prep and hands-off cooking, you’ll have a nutritious, flavorful soup perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Give this recipe a try and enjoy the convenience of serving a complete, hearty meal from one pot! Remember, the flavors develop even further overnight, making leftovers something to look forward to. Happy cooking!