Who’s ready to cozy up with a big bowl of comfort? Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup is basically like getting a hug from your grandma—but in soup form. It’s hearty, it’s flavorful, and the best part?
You don’t have to break a sweat making it! We’re talking all the classic cabbage roll vibes—savory beef, tender cabbage, rich tomato goodness—minus the whole rolling part, because honestly, who has time for that?
This recipe is perfect for those lazy days when you just want to toss everything into one pot and forget about it until dinner.
Plus, it’s one of those meals that somehow tastes even better the next day—if you have leftovers, that is!
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just meal-prepping for the week, this soup is about to become your new go-to. Grab your slow cooker, and let’s make some magic happen!
Why You’ll Enjoy This Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup
This soup brings all the great flavors of cabbage rolls without the hassle of rolling them up. Here’s why it’s a great choice:
- Comforting and Hearty – This soup is rich and satisfying, full of tender beef, rice, and soft cabbage.
- Hands-Off Cooking – Toss the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do the work while you focus on other things.
- Perfectly Balanced Flavors – The tomato base, seasonings, and savory beef combine to create a flavorful and hearty meal.
- Easy to Make – No complicated steps, just layer everything in the slow cooker, and let it simmer away.
It’s a one-pot wonder that’s both simple and delicious. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare, and the flavors that develop while it cooks are second to none.
Key Ingredients for Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup
This recipe uses a few key ingredients that come together to create the heartiness of cabbage rolls in soup form:
- Ground Beef – The foundation of the soup, providing savory richness.
- Cabbage – Adds texture and flavor while absorbing all the seasonings in the broth.
- Rice – A classic addition to cabbage rolls, the rice makes the soup hearty and filling.
- Tomato Sauce – Provides the tangy base for the soup and ties all the flavors together.
- Onion and Garlic – These aromatics add depth and fragrance to the soup.
- Herbs and Spices – Thyme, oregano, and bay leaves contribute to the soup’s savory profile.
These ingredients blend to create a comforting, satisfying soup that will warm you up from the inside out.
How to Make Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup
Making this soup is incredibly simple. Just follow these steps:
- Prepare the Beef – Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Layer the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker – Add the browned beef to the slow cooker along with chopped cabbage, rice, onion, garlic, and tomato sauce.
- Season the Soup – Add chicken broth, bay leaves, oregano, and thyme. Stir to combine everything.
- Slow Cook – Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the cabbage is tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Taste and Adjust – Before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking.
- Serve – Ladle the soup into bowls, and enjoy hot, maybe with a slice of crusty bread on the side.
It’s as easy as that! The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, leaving you with a flavorful, hearty meal.
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup
This soup is filling on its own, but here are some great sides to complete the meal:
| Side Dish | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Garlic Bread | A warm, crusty bread that pairs perfectly with the soup. |
| Roasted Vegetables | Roasted carrots or brussels sprouts add a healthy side with a bit of sweetness. |
| Green Salad | A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps cut through the richness of the soup. |
| Rice Pilaf | A side of rice pilaf enhances the soup’s texture while complementing the flavors. |
| Cheese Biscuits | Soft, buttery cheese biscuits add an extra level of indulgence to the meal. |
How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup
This soup makes great leftovers and stores well for future meals.
How to Store Leftovers
- Let the soup cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container.
- It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How to Reheat
- Stovetop: Reheat the soup in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a little more broth if needed to adjust the consistency.
- Microwave: Reheat in individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring between each interval.
- Slow Cooker: You can reheat the soup in the slow cooker on low for 1 hour.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup
Follow these tips to make your soup even better:
- Use lean ground beef or turkey for a lighter version.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a dollop of sour cream when serving to add brightness and creaminess.
- Add extra veggies like bell peppers or carrots to increase the veggie content.
- Freeze leftovers for later use. The soup freezes beautifully and can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can use ground turkey or pork for a lighter version. You can also use sausage for a more flavorful, spicy kick.
2. Can I use instant rice?
Yes, you can use instant rice, but add it during the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent it from becoming too soft.
3. Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the ground beef with lentils or beans, and use vegetable broth for a satisfying vegetarian version.
4. How can I make the soup spicier?
Add some diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a splash of hot sauce to the soup for an extra kick.
5. Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes, this soup actually tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
This slow cooker cabbage roll soup is a hearty, comforting meal that’s incredibly easy to make. Whether you serve it on a chilly evening or need to feed a crowd, this soup will warm you up and leave you satisfied. Give it a try, and it might just become your go-to comfort food.
Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup
Equipment
- Slow Cooker For slow cooking the chicken and soup
- Large Skillet For searing chicken (optional)
- Wooden Spoon For stirring the soup
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 12 ounces egg noodles or your preferred pasta
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups carrots sliced
- 2 cups celery sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms sliced
- 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts, carrots, celery, garlic, and mushrooms in the slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper.
- Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Once the chicken is cooked, shred it with two forks and return it to the slow cooker.
- Add the egg noodles to the slow cooker and cook for an additional 20-30 minutes until the noodles are tender.
- Stir well and serve hot. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use low-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt.
- Add spinach or peas for extra veggies.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated easily on the stove or microwave.
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