When it comes to meals that bring comfort and warmth, few dishes hold up to the beloved slow cooker cabbage roll soup. This rich, flavorful dish pairs beautifully with a range of side options that can elevate your dining experience. Here are a few recommendations you might want to try:
1. Crusty Bread: A warm loaf, fresh out of the oven, can be the perfect companion. The robust flavors of the soup mingle with the bread, allowing you to savor every drop.
2. Homemade Cornbread: Sweet, fluffy cornbread is a delightful addition. Its sweetness balances the savory elements of the soup, adding another layer to the meal.
3. Garden Salad: A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast. The crisp vegetables cleanse the palate effectively between spoonfuls.
4. Pickles: A side of pickles or pickled vegetables can add a tangy crunch. This acidity cuts through the heartiness of the soup, giving your taste buds a little zing.
Let’s take a trip down memory lane. Think back to those cold evenings when all you wanted was something warm and hearty to fill your belly. That’s the essence of slow cooker cabbage roll soup. It embodies warmth, comfort, and nostalgia, reminding us of home-cooked meals filled with love. I remember the first time I tried cabbage rolls; they were the pinnacle of cozy culinary comforts. Now, imagine all that goodness transformed into a soup that cooks effortlessly in a slow cooker!
Cabbage rolls are staples in various cuisines, from Polish to Hungarian. They consist of cabbage leaves rolled around a mixture of filling—often meat and rice. Transforming this classic dish into a soup makes it not only simpler to prepare but also perfect for batch cooking. Trust me, once you make this soup, you’ll find yourself returning to it again and again.
What is Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup?
Slow cooker cabbage roll soup is a delightful transformation of cabbage rolls into a cozy soup. It combines all the classic flavors—ground meat, rice, and cabbage—cooked in a rich broth.
The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, letting the flavors mingle beautifully while you go about your busy day. This dish has the same comforting vibe as traditional cabbage rolls but without the fuss of individually rolling each cabbage leaf.
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Why This Recipe Works?
Here are four powerful reasons why this slow cooker cabbage roll soup stands out:
1. Easy Preparation: There’s no rolling of cabbage leaves involved. You simply chop the ingredients, toss everything into the slow cooker, and let it do its magic. This means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal.
2. Full of Flavor: The slow cooking process allows all the ingredients to meld together beautifully. The savory, smoky flavors from the bacon and paprika infuse the soup, creating a depth that’s hard to beat.
3. Nutrient-Rich: Packed with vegetables like cabbage, tomatoes, and onions, this soup is a nutritional powerhouse. Cabbage is low in calories and high in vitamins C and K—great for anyone looking to eat healthily without sacrificing flavor.
4. Versatile: This soup is incredibly flexible. You can easily adjust the ingredients based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. Need to switch out the meat? No problem! Want a vegetarian version? Just increase the veggies.
Ingredients You’ll Need to Make This Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup
To whip up this delightful dish, here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound thick-cut smoked bacon, diced
- 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2/3 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 6 to 8 cups chopped green cabbage
- 28 ounces fire-roasted diced tomatoes with juices (1 can)
- 10.75 ounces condensed tomato soup (1 can)
- 2 tablespoons concentrated tomato paste
- 5–6 cups beef stock
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable juice (e.g., V8 or fresh blend)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish
How To Make This?
Here’s a detailed guide on how to create this comforting soup, step by step.
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
Start by cooking the diced bacon in a skillet over medium heat. You want it crispy, with some fat rendered out. This fat adds incredible flavor to your soup. Once it’s done, use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to the slow cooker.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until they’re soft and fragrant, about 3 to 5 minutes. The residual bacon fat will impart a smoky flavor, enhancing your soup even further. Once ready, add this mixture to the slow cooker.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
In the same skillet, cook the lean ground beef until browned. This should only take about 5 to 7 minutes. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks, ensuring no clumps remain. Once thoroughly cooked, add it to the slow cooker with the bacon and onion.
Step 4: Add in the Seasonings
Now, it’s seasoning time! Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, sweet paprika, and dried thyme. Stir this mixture well to ensure the beef and vegetables are nicely coated with flavor.
Step 5: Mix in the Rice and Cabbage
Next up, add in the uncooked rice and chopped cabbage. Don’t worry if it seems like a lot—cabbage will cook down considerably. Give everything a good stir to combine the ingredients evenly.
Step 6: Incorporate the Tomato and Broth
Pour in the fire-roasted diced tomatoes (along with their juices), condensed tomato soup, tomato paste, beef stock, and vegetable juice into the slow cooker. Add the Worcestershire sauce and season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Stir this all together beautifully.
Step 7: Slow Cook
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for about 6 to 8 hours or high for 4 to 5 hours. The longer, the better, as the flavors deepen and the cabbage softens.
Step 8: Serve and Garnish
When it’s done, ladle the soup into bowls, and don’t forget to add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives on top for that fresh touch. Enjoy!
Tips for a Perfect Soup
- Variations: Feel free to swap out the meat; ground turkey or chicken works just as well.
- For a Vegetarian Version: Replace the meat with extra vegetables or beans for added protein.
- Cabbage Prep: Use a sharp knife to chop the cabbage for the best texture.
- Make-Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day, so don’t hesitate to make it in advance.
- Storage: If you want leftovers, make sure you follow proper storage guidelines to keep the soup fresh and flavorful.
Nutrition Information
Let’s break down the nutrition. A typical serving of slow cooker cabbage roll soup, about 1.5 cups, contains:
- Calories: Approximately 350
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 17g
- Fiber: 6g
This soup is not only filling but also provides a healthy balance of macronutrients.
How to Store the Leftovers?
Storing leftovers can be quite straightforward:
- Refrigerate: Place the cooled soup into airtight containers. It should last in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days.
- Freeze: For longer preservation, you can freeze the soup. Portion it into freezer-friendly bags or containers, leaving space for expansion. It should last for about 3 months in the freezer.
- Reheat: When ready to enjoy again, reheat in a pot on the stove over medium heat or in a microwave until heated through.
Recommended Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup
Beyond the initial pairings, here are additional sides you might enjoy:
1. Garlic Bread: Spread with butter and garlic, it’s a perfect way to scoop up the delightful soup.
2. Coleslaw: A crisp, tangy slaw brings a crunchy contrast that complements the soup’s texture beautifully.
3. Cheesy Flatbreads: These warm, gooey delights can add an extra layer of comfort and fun to the meal.
4. Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad can balance the flavors well, providing a nice texture variance.
Ingredient Substitutes
If you’re missing some ingredients, don’t worry! Here are some ideas for substitutes:
1. Ground Meat Alternatives: If you don’t have beef, consider turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat substitutes for a vegetarian option.
2. Rice Options: You can swap the long-grain white rice with brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
3. Vegetables: Don’t have cabbage? Kale, Swiss chard, or even spinach can work beautifully in its place.
4. Stock Variations: If beef stock isn’t available, chicken stock, vegetable stock, or water with seasoning can do the trick.
Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup
Equipment
- skillet
Ingredients
- 1 pound thick-cut smoked bacon diced
- 1 large yellow onion finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced or pressed
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2/3 cup long-grain white rice uncooked
- 6 to 8 cups chopped green cabbage
- 28 ounces fire-roasted diced tomatoes with juices 1 can
- 10.75 ounces condensed tomato soup 1 can
- 2 tablespoons concentrated tomato paste
- 5 –6 cups beef stock
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable juice e.g., V8 or fresh blend
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
- Start by cooking the diced bacon in a skillet over medium heat. You want it crispy, with some fat rendered out. This fat adds incredible flavor to your soup. Once it’s done, use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to the slow cooker.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
- In the same skillet, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until they’re soft and fragrant, about 3 to 5 minutes. The residual bacon fat will impart a smoky flavor, enhancing your soup even further. Once ready, add this mixture to the slow cooker.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
- In the same skillet, cook the lean ground beef until browned. This should only take about 5 to 7 minutes. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks, ensuring no clumps remain. Once thoroughly cooked, add it to the slow cooker with the bacon and onion.
Step 4: Add in the Seasonings
- Now, it’s seasoning time! Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, sweet paprika, and dried thyme. Stir this mixture well to ensure the beef and vegetables are nicely coated with flavor.
Step 5: Mix in the Rice and Cabbage
- Next up, add in the uncooked rice and chopped cabbage. Don’t worry if it seems like a lot—cabbage will cook down considerably. Give everything a good stir to combine the ingredients evenly.
Step 6: Incorporate the Tomato and Broth
- Pour in the fire-roasted diced tomatoes (along with their juices), condensed tomato soup, tomato paste, beef stock, and vegetable juice into the slow cooker. Add the Worcestershire sauce and season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Stir this all together beautifully.
Step 7: Slow Cook
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for about 6 to 8 hours or high for 4 to 5 hours. The longer, the better, as the flavors deepen and the cabbage softens.
Step 8: Serve and Garnish
- When it’s done, ladle the soup into bowls, and don’t forget to add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives on top for that fresh touch. Enjoy!
Notes
- Variations: Feel free to swap out the meat; ground turkey or chicken works just as well.
- For a Vegetarian Version: Replace the meat with extra vegetables or beans for added protein.
- Cabbage Prep: Use a sharp knife to chop the cabbage for the best texture.
- Make-Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day, so don’t hesitate to make it in advance.
- Storage: If you want leftovers, make sure you follow proper storage guidelines to keep the soup fresh and flavorful.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen cabbage?
Yes, you can use frozen cabbage. However, I recommend thawing and draining it beforehand to avoid excess moisture in the soup.
2. Can this recipe be made on the stovetop?
Absolutely! Simply follow the same steps in a large pot, simmering on low for about 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
3. How do I make this soup spicier?
For added heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño when cooking the onions.
4. Is there a way to make this soup gluten-free?
Yes! The main concern would be your broth and any sauces used. Ensure they are labeled gluten-free or use homemade alternatives.
5. How can I use leftover cabbage roll soup in other dishes?
This soup can be a filling for stuffed peppers or used as a base for casserole dishes or pasta.
Conclusion
There you have it! The beauty of slow cooker cabbage roll soup lies in its simplicity, flexibility, and heartwarming goodness. You get the rich flavors of a beloved traditional dish without taking hours in the kitchen. Sharing meals like this offers not just culinary delight but a chance to gather around the table with loved ones.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or having a quiet night in, this soup is sure to bring comfort and smiles. So grab your slow cooker, assemble those ingredients, and let the magic happen. Trust me; you won’t regret it. Happy cooking!
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Hi! I'm Mary Lee. I love helping people eat yummy and healthy food. I live in Oregon. Cooking is my happy place. Let's make tasty dishes together!
