Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup

This Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup transforms the beloved classic dish of stuffed cabbage rolls into a warm, hearty, and incredibly easy-to-make meal. With tender beef, rich tomato broth, fresh cabbage, and rice all slow-cooked to perfection, it offers the same comfort and flavor of the original but with far less effort. The convenience of the slow cooker makes it ideal for busy weeknights or chilly weekends when you want a satisfying meal ready without standing over a stove.

Whether you grew up eating cabbage rolls or are discovering them for the first time, this soup version is a delicious reinterpretation. The cabbage becomes perfectly soft, the rice tender, and the beef richly seasoned with garlic, herbs, and a savory tomato base. Served with a slice of crusty bread or even on its own, it’s an affordable, nourishing dish that brings comfort in every spoonful. Great for freezing and meal prepping too!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 head green cabbage, chopped

• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes

• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce

• 1/2 cup uncooked white rice

• 4 cups beef broth

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• Optional: 1 tablespoon brown sugar (to balance acidity)

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

1. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.

2. Add chopped onions and garlic to the skillet, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.

3. Transfer the beef, onion, and garlic mixture into the slow cooker.

4. Add chopped cabbage, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, rice, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

5. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until cabbage is tender and rice is fully cooked.

6. Optional: Stir in 1 tablespoon of brown sugar if desired to cut tomato acidity.

7. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 6 hours (on LOW)
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Kcal: 310 kcal
Servings: 6 servings

A Classic Dish, Reimagined for Simplicity

Few dishes evoke the same sense of warmth, tradition, and nostalgia as cabbage rolls. For many, they are a comfort food staple, layers of tender cabbage leaves carefully rolled around seasoned ground meat and rice, then simmered in a rich tomato sauce. While undeniably delicious, making traditional cabbage rolls can be a time-consuming process that not everyone has the time or patience for, especially on busy weeknights. That’s where the magic of Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup comes in.

This soup is everything you love about cabbage rolls, savory beef, soft cabbage, tender rice, and flavorful tomato broth but in a deconstructed, soupified version. Best of all, it’s made in a slow cooker, so you can enjoy the hearty flavors of this classic meal with just a fraction of the effort. Simply brown the beef, throw everything in the slow cooker, and walk away. Come back a few hours later to a simmering pot of comfort food ready to be ladled into bowls.

A Budget-Friendly, Family-Pleasing Meal

One of the best things about this dish is its affordability. Ground beef and cabbage are two of the most budget-friendly ingredients around, but don’t let the price fool you, this soup is packed with flavor and nutrition. A single pot can feed a family of six generously, with leftovers to spare. The recipe also scales easily, making it a smart option for meal prepping or for feeding a crowd.

For families with kids or picky eaters, this recipe is a win. The simple flavors are familiar and comforting, and the soft texture of the cooked cabbage melts right into the soup. It’s mild enough for children, but still satisfying for adults, especially when paired with a warm slice of crusty bread or a dollop of sour cream.

Nutritional Benefits and Ingredient Highlights

While this soup may be comfort food at heart, it offers a surprising number of nutritional benefits. Cabbage is high in fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants. It’s also naturally low in calories, making it an ideal ingredient for those looking to eat healthily without sacrificing flavor.

The ground beef adds protein and richness, while the rice provides healthy carbohydrates for sustained energy. For a lighter version, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken, and for those following a grain-free diet, cauliflower rice works well too.

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional highlights:

• Cabbage: Rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. It’s also anti-inflammatory and great for digestion.

• Tomatoes: Provide lycopene, an antioxidant known for supporting heart health.

• Garlic and Onion: Add depth of flavor and offer immune-boosting properties.

• Rice: A hearty filler that balances the dish and keeps it satisfying.

• Ground Beef: High in protein and essential B vitamins.

Why the Slow Cooker?

The slow cooker (or Crockpot) is truly the unsung hero of the modern kitchen. It allows for deep, developed flavors without constant supervision. In this cabbage roll soup, the slow cooker gently breaks down the cabbage until it’s tender and sweet, while also allowing the rice to absorb the broth’s rich flavor.

Slow cooking also lets the beef and tomatoes mingle beautifully, infusing the entire pot with a savory umami richness that would normally require hours on the stove. It’s a one-pot wonder that gives you more free time while still delivering an exceptional home-cooked meal.

Versatility: Make It Your Own

This soup is incredibly versatile and customizable, which is perfect for accommodating different dietary needs or preferences. Here are some ideas:

• Low-Carb Version: Replace the white rice with riced cauliflower or omit it altogether.

• Vegetarian Option: Use lentils or beans in place of the ground meat and vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for heat.

• Creamy Twist: Stir in a splash of cream or milk before serving for a richer, silkier soup.

You can even toss in other vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or celery for added color and nutrients.

Perfect for Make-Ahead and Freezing

Cabbage Roll Soup is one of those dishes that gets better with time. The flavors continue to meld after cooking, making leftovers even more delicious the next day. It stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freezes well for up to 3 months.

For freezer meals, simply cool the soup completely and transfer it into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Be sure to leave space for expansion. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat from frozen over low heat on the stove or in the microwave.

What to Serve with Cabbage Roll Soup

This soup is hearty enough to be a standalone meal, but if you want to round out your dinner, here are a few ideas:

• Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up that rich tomato broth.

• Garlic Toast: Adds a savory crunch.

• Green Salad: A light side to balance the meal.

• Sour Cream or Yogurt: A dollop on top can add creaminess and tang.

Seasonal Favorite

While Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup is welcome any time of year, it’s especially comforting in the colder months. The combination of stewed vegetables, warm broth, and hearty beef is ideal for warming you from the inside out. It’s also a great way to use up that leftover cabbage from other fall or winter recipes.

And let’s not forget, it’s a fantastic dish for holiday recovery meals. After days of rich, heavy food, this nourishing soup helps you reset while still keeping the cozy vibes going.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup is more than just a clever spin on a classic, it’s a delicious, nutritious, and practical recipe that fits perfectly into modern life. It offers everything you want in a home-cooked meal: ease of preparation, budget-friendly ingredients, and heartwarming comfort in every bite.

Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a set-it-and-forget-it dinner, a cabbage roll lover in search of a shortcut, or just someone craving a hearty soup that satisfies, this recipe has you covered. Give it a try, and it might just become a staple in your cold-weather meal rotation.