If you adore the warmth and nostalgia of traditional cabbage rolls but dread the fuss of rolling each one, you are going to fall head over heels for this Crockpot Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe. It captures every comforting note of the classic dish—tender ground beef, soft cabbage, savory tomato, and that subtle hint of spice—all mingling in a rich, hearty broth that simmers to perfection with minimal effort. This soup promises to be your new go-to comfort meal, especially on chilly days when you want something wholesome, filling, and finger-free.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows an arrangement of ingredients on a white marbled surface, all neatly placed in white bowls except the largest bowl containing ground meat, which has a white base with blue floral patterns. The center bowl holds browned ground meat with a crumbly texture. Above, a large white bowl contains torn pale green cabbage leaves. To the right of the meat bowl, a clear glass container filled with brown liquid is visible. Around this main setup, smaller white bowls and a glass bowl hold various ingredients: bright yellow powder, white uncooked rice, finely chopped white onions, chunky red tomatoes, a dollop of thick red paste, and a dark brown sauce. Another small white bowl has mixed dry spices and a bay leaf. The lighting is bright and natural, making the colors clear and vibrant, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create a bowl packed with flavor, texture, and color. Each component plays a key role—whether it’s the sweetness of the tomatoes, the earthiness of the cabbage, or the tender bite of the rice, making this soup a complete comfort experience.

Lean ground beef (1 pound, browned and drained): Adds hearty protein and rich flavor to build a robust base.
Small onion (diced): Offers aromatic depth and subtle sweetness when cooked down.
Green cabbage (4 cups, chopped): Provides tender, slightly crunchy texture and earthy freshness.
Tomato sauce (1 15-ounce can): Brings smooth, tangy tomato richness to the broth.
Diced tomatoes (1 14.5-ounce can): Adds bursts of juiciness and vibrant color.
Beef broth (4 cups): Creates a savory, comforting liquid base that ties all flavors together.
Long-grain white rice (½ cup, uncooked): Absorbs the broth to add hearty substance and a tender bite.
Tomato paste (2 tablespoons): Intensifies the tomato flavor with concentrated umami.
Brown sugar (2 tablespoons): Balances acidity with a hint of sweetness.
Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds depth and a subtle tangy complexity.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances every flavor in the soup.
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Gives a warm, savory undertone.
Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds mild heat and spice complexity.
Paprika (1 teaspoon): Contributes smokiness and vibrant red color.
Dried thyme (½ teaspoon): Offers herbal fragrance and subtle earthiness.
Bay leaf (1 leaf): Imparts aromatic depth during the slow cooking process.
Chopped parsley (for garnish): Brightens each serving with fresh herbal notes and color.

How to Make Crockpot Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef and Prepare Ingredients

Start by browning the lean ground beef in a skillet until no longer pink, then drain any excess fat to keep the soup from getting greasy. While the beef cooks, dice your onion and chop the green cabbage finely, making sure the cabbage pieces are bite-sized for ease of eating. Gathering and prepping all your ingredients now ensures a smooth cooking process later.

Step 2: Combine Everything in the Crockpot

Into your slow cooker, add the browned beef, diced onion, chopped cabbage, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with their juices, beef broth, uncooked rice, and tomato paste. Sprinkle in your brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, paprika, dried thyme, and tuck in the bay leaf. Give it all a good stir to make sure every ingredient is well distributed, which helps the flavors meld together beautifully during cooking.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover your slow cooker and set it on Low for 7 to 8 hours or High for 4 to 5 hours. This long, gentle cooking softens the cabbage and rice perfectly, while allowing the beef to soak up those delicious spices and tomato flavors. Your kitchen will start smelling heavenly as the soup thickens into a rich, hearty meal that’s bursting with the essence of classic cabbage rolls—without any tedious rolling or fuss.

Step 4: Final Taste and Serving Prep

Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the bay leaf and give your soup a good stir. Taste it and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if you wish. Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for that beautiful pop of green and a fresh herbal finish. Now it’s ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Crockpot Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe

A white bowl filled with a thick stew-like dish that has a rich orange-red color from the tomato sauce. The dish has visible pieces of cooked ground meat mixed with soft yellow cabbage pieces and chunks of tomatoes. Small bits of green herbs are sprinkled on top, adding a touch of freshness. The bowl sits on a cloth with light and dark checkered patterns, and the background shows a white marbled surface with a wooden pepper grinder slightly out of focus. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple garnish of chopped fresh parsley adds visual appeal and a bright, peppery note that cuts through the richness of the soup. For extra comfort and creaminess, a dollop of sour cream on top can be divine. If you like a little heat, a dash of crushed red pepper flakes works wonders too.

Side Dishes

This soup is substantial on its own, but pairing it with crusty bread or soft dinner rolls is a no-brainer. The bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of the flavorful broth. Alternatively, a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the warm, hearty soup.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the Crockpot Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe in rustic stoneware bowls for an inviting farmhouse vibe, or use colorful ceramic bowls to brighten your table. For an interactive dinner, present the soup with a toppings bar featuring sour cream, shredded cheese, and chopped fresh herbs so everyone can customize their bowl just the way they like it.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers from this Crockpot Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe should be cooled completely and transferred to airtight containers before refrigerating. Stored properly, the soup stays flavorful and fresh for up to 4 days, making it a perfect meal prep option for busy weeknights.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space at the top for expansion. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup is too thick after refrigeration or freezing, simply add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up while warming. Heating it slowly preserves the textures and flavors that make this Crockpot Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe so comforting.

FAQs

Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative and will still yield a delicious and hearty soup. Just be mindful that poultry cooks slightly faster, so keep an eye on the texture.

Is it possible to make this soup without rice?

Yes, if you prefer a lower-carb version, you can omit the rice. The soup will still be flavorful and satisfying, though slightly less thick. You could also swap the rice for cauliflower rice added toward the end of cooking.

How spicy is this Crockpot Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe?

This soup has mild warmth from the black pepper and paprika but isn’t spicy hot. You can easily adjust the heat by adding cayenne pepper or chili flakes when combining ingredients or at the table.

Can I prepare this recipe in an Instant Pot?

Definitely! Use the sauté function to brown the beef and sauté the onion first, then add all ingredients and cook on Manual/Pressure Cook mode for about 15 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release.

What can I do if the cabbage is too crunchy after cooking?

If your cabbage still feels too firm, just cover and cook on low for an extra 30 minutes to an hour. The slow cooker’s gentle heat will soften it nicely without sacrificing texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly wonderful about a meal that tastes like it took hours of love and effort, yet comes together with just a few simple steps. This Crockpot Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe is exactly that kind of magic—comforting, rich, and satisfying all at once. Give it a try on your next chilly day and watch it quickly become a beloved favorite in your kitchen. Trust me, once you taste that perfect blend of savory, tender cabbage and beef in a luscious tomato broth, you won’t want to go back to traditional cabbage rolls again!