Stuffed Cabbage Soup: A Hearty Twist on a Classic Comfort Food
Few dishes stir up nostalgia like stuffed cabbage—tender greens hugging a savory mix of meat and rice, all simmered in a rich tomato sauce. But who has time to roll each leaf by hand? That’s where Stuffed Cabbage Soup steps in. This simplified, deconstructed version delivers the same cozy flavors in a single pot, without the fuss.
Looking for a comforting weeknight dinner, a meal that freezes well, or just a smart way to use leftover cabbage? This soup has you covered. It’s hearty, budget-friendly, and packed with bold, smoky flavor. Best of all, it skips the labor-intensive prep of traditional cabbage rolls.
What Is Stuffed Cabbage Soup?
Stuffed Cabbage Soup draws inspiration from classic Eastern European and Middle Eastern dishes like Polish gołąbki and Lebanese malfouf. Instead of rolling meat and rice into cabbage leaves, you simply chop the ingredients, season them well, and simmer everything together in a savory tomato broth.
The result? A thick, stew-like soup loaded with flavor and comfort—without the extra work.
This flavorful soup usually includes:
- Ground meat
- Chopped green or Savoy cabbage
- Crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
- Aromatics like onion and garlic
- Spices like smoked paprika and oregano
- Cooked white or brown rice for extra heartiness
Enjoy It Year-Round
Though it’s especially satisfying in winter, this recipe makes a great meal any time of year. Its vibrant tomato base and hearty texture feel just as welcome in spring or fall. If you enjoy timeless recipes but prefer quicker cooking methods, this dish delivers old-school flavor in a modern, weeknight-friendly way.
Whether you’re new to cabbage dishes or you grew up eating them, this soup offers a comforting, easy-to-love option. Bookmark it. Batch it. Freeze it. And get ready to make Stuffed Cabbage Soup a staple in your rotation.
Special thanks to Souffle Bombay for the original recipe inspiration—check out her post for extra tips and tricks!
