Craving the comforting taste of cabbage rolls but not up for the meticulous preparation? This Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup is your stress-free solution, delivering all the cozy flavors without the fuss. Perfect for those hectic weeknights or when you’re meal-prepping for the week ahead, this recipe promises a delicious, satisfying meal with minimal effort. And the best part? The flavors only get better overnight, making your leftovers something to look forward to.
Why You’ll Adore This Soup
This unstuffed cabbage roll soup brings a hearty, scrumptious experience to your dinner table. The combination of savory broth, tender cabbage, and the mild sweetness from tomatoes and brown sugar creates a rich, comforting dish. Ideal with a side of crusty bread, warm dinner rolls, or a sprinkle of cheese on top, this soup is bound to become a staple in your home cooking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb ground beef (or substitute turkey or chicken for a lighter touch)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 3 cups beef broth (essential for a rich, meaty base)
- 28 oz can diced tomatoes (with juices for extra tang)
- 15 oz can tomato sauce (for smooth, rich tomato flavor)
- 1/2 cup uncooked long grain white rice (adds great texture)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (to balance the tomatoes’ acidity)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (for depth)
- 1 tsp paprika (for a hint of warmth)
- 1 tsp dried thyme (for aromatic depth)
- 1 bay leaf (infuses a subtle, earthy flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Easy Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the beef until browned. Be sure to crumble it as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: In the same skillet, sauté onions and garlic until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Add the beef, sautéed onions and garlic, and all other ingredients to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine.
- Slow Cook: Set your slow cooker on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the cabbage and rice are tender.
- Final Seasoning: Remove the bay leaf, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
Customize Your Soup
- Switch the Protein: Use ground turkey, chicken, or pork as alternatives.
- Add More Vegetables: Bell peppers, celery, or zucchini make great additions.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños will add a kick.
- Thicken It Up: For a thicker broth, stir in a small can of tomato paste.
Helpful FAQs
- Making Ahead: Perfect for meal prep, this soup’s flavor improves with time.
- Storing Leftovers: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Cool the soup completely and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge.
- Using Pre-cooked Rice: Add during the last 30 minutes of cooking to avoid mushiness.
- Making It Gluten-Free: Ensure your beef broth and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this hearty soup with crusty bread or buttery rolls to soak up the delicious broth, or enjoy it with a light salad for a balanced meal. For a touch of luxury, top each bowl with shredded cheese right before serving.
Wrap-Up
This Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup is the epitome of comfort food, easy enough for any day of the week yet satisfying enough to feel like a treat. It’s a practical, delightful way to enjoy the essence of cabbage rolls with a fraction of the effort. Give it a try and savor the warm, comforting embrace of a well-made home-cooked meal.
