Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup is a delicious and hearty dish that brings the comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls into a simplified soup form. This recipe combines ground beef, tender cabbage, and a medley of spices, all simmered to perfection in a slow cooker. It’s a dish that not only warms you up on a chilly day but also provides a nutritious meal that the whole family can enjoy.
Why We Love This Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe
There are countless reasons to fall in love with this Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup recipe. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to prepare. You can brown the beef in a skillet, toss all the ingredients into your slow cooker, and let it work its magic while you go about your day. Secondly, this soup is a fantastic way to get your daily servings of vegetables. The cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers not only add color but also provide essential nutrients. Lastly, the flavors meld together beautifully over time; each spoonful is packed with warmth and satisfaction, making it perfect for cold evenings or family gatherings.
Ingredients about Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup
To make this comforting soup, gather the following ingredients:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning herbs
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 4 cups coarsely chopped green cabbage
- 1 carrot, peeled and diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 4 cups beef broth (low-sodium)
- 1 can (14-ounce) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14-ounce) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup white long-grain rice (uncooked)
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
How to Make Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup Directions
Making this fabulous soup is straightforward, even for novice cooks. Here’s how you can prepare it:
- Brown the Ground Beef: Start by heating a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned and no longer pink. Use a spatula to break it into small pieces. Once done, drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: In your slow cooker, combine the browned beef, diced onion, minced garlic, dried rosemary, Italian seasoning, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, chopped cabbage, diced carrot, and diced red bell pepper.
- Add Liquids and Seasoning: Pour in the low-sodium beef broth, along with the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes. Stir everything until well mixed.
- Incorporate Rice and Sugar: Add the uncooked white long-grain rice, bay leaf, and brown sugar to the mixture, making sure everything is evenly distributed.
- Cook the Soup: Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Set it to cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 8 hours. This slow cooking allows the flavors to develop beautifully.
- Adjust Seasonings: Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.
- Finish Up: Discard the bay leaf, and garnish your soup with fresh, chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness.
Enjoy the delightful aromas wafting through your kitchen as your cabbage roll soup is being prepared.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup
Serving Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup is as simple as it is satisfying. Here are a few tips to elevate your meal experience:
- Garnish: Once the soup is ready, ladle it into bowls and add a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top. This not only adds color but also enhances the flavor.
- Accompaniments: Serve the soup with crusty bread or warm rolls on the side. A slice of buttered bread is perfect for dipping into the hearty soup.
- Extra Toppings: Consider offering toppings like shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess and texture.
- Presentation: Use rustic bowls to serve this comforting soup, as it adds to the homey feel of the meal.
Expert Tips: Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup
To ensure your Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup turns out perfect every time, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Don’t Rush Browning: Properly browning the beef not only enhances the flavor but also adds depth to the soup. Take your time with this step.
- Cut Uniform Veggies: For even cooking, ensure that all your vegetables are chopped to a similar size. This will help them cook uniformly.
- Low-Sodium Broth: Using low-sodium beef broth is smarter for controlling the salty flavor in your soup. You can always add more salt to taste later.
- Flavor Enhancements: If you want to add more depth to your soup, consider adding a splash of vinegar or hot sauce just before serving.
- Cooking Time: Adjust the cooking time based on how hot your slow cooker runs. Every slow cooker is slightly different, so you may need to experiment a little.
How to Store Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup
If you find yourself with leftovers (though it’s hard not to finish every bowl), follow these easy steps for proper storage:
- Cool Before Storing: Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to storage containers. This prevents condensation and maintains the quality of your soup.
- Airtight Containers: Use airtight containers to store individual portions or the entire batch of soup.
- Refrigeration: The soup can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to label your containers with the date so you can track how long the soup has been stored.
- Freezing: For longer storage, this soup freezes well. Place it in freezer-safe containers and it will keep for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat until hot.
Variation of Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Here are some variations you might want to try:
- Different Proteins: You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option, or even use ground chicken for a lighter flavor.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to throw in other vegetables you may have on hand. Corn, green beans, or zucchini can add texture and additional nutrients.
- Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a little heat, toss in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to give your soup an extra kick.
- Vegetarian Version: For a meatless version, you can omit the ground beef altogether and replace beef broth with vegetable broth. Add beans like kidney or chickpeas for protein.
- Herb Alternate: Experiment with different herbs, like fresh dill or thyme, to put a unique twist on the flavor profile of your soup.
FAQ
What makes Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup different from regular cabbage rolls?
Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup offers all the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls but in a simpler, easier-to-prepare format. You eliminate the labor-intensive rolling of cabbage leaves and instead combine everything in a pot or slow cooker to simmer together.
Can I make Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup vegan?
Yes, you can make a vegan version by omitting the ground beef and using vegetable broth instead. You can also add lentils or beans for protein and texture.
How do I adjust the spice level of Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup?
You can adjust the heat level by adding crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for an extra kick. Start with a small amount and taste as you go to reach your desired spiciness.
Can I skip browning the beef?
Yes, you can skip browning the beef, but it’s recommended to enhance the flavor. If you choose to skip this step, simply add the raw ground beef directly to the slow cooker with the other ingredients, but be aware that the flavor may be less robust.
How do I know when the Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup is done?
The soup will be ready when the vegetables are tender, and all flavors have melded beautifully, typically after 4 hours on high or 8 hours on low. You can check the rice to ensure it’s cooked through.
Enjoy your cooking experience, and your Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup will surely become a beloved dish in your home!
Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20) Browned before adding to slow cooker
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning herbs
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 4 cups coarsely chopped green cabbage
- 1 carrot, peeled and diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 4 cups beef broth (low-sodium)
- 1 can (14-oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14-oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup white long-grain rice (uncooked)
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp parsley, chopped For garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
- In the slow cooker, combine the browned beef, diced onion, minced garlic, dried rosemary, Italian seasoning, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Add the chopped cabbage, diced carrot, and diced red bell pepper to the slow cooker.
- Pour in the low-sodium beef broth, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes. Stir until well mixed.
- Incorporate the uncooked rice, bay leaf, and brown sugar, ensuring everything is evenly distributed.
Cooking
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours.
- Before serving, taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.
- Discard the bay leaf and garnish with fresh, chopped parsley before serving.
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