ChatGPT Image Jul 9 2026 10 19 25 PM

Slow Cooker 6-Ingredient Cabbage Roll Soup

by

Slow Cooker 6-Ingredient Cabbage Roll Soup

Description

Slow Cooker 6-Ingredient Cabbage Roll Soup is a comforting, budget-friendly meal that captures all the delicious flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the time-consuming rolling and stuffing. Tender cabbage, savory ground beef, tomatoes, rice, and simple seasonings slowly cook together, creating a hearty soup that’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or chilly days.

This recipe uses only six main ingredients, making it easy, affordable, and beginner-friendly while still delivering rich, homemade flavor.

Preparation Time

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time:
    • Low: 6–8 hours
    • High: 3–4 hours
  • Total Time:
    • Low Setting: About 6 hours 15 minutes
    • High Setting: About 3 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients (6 Main Ingredients)

  • 1 pound (450 g) lean ground beef
  • 1 small green cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups)
  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Optional Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Step 1

Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess grease.

Step 2

Transfer the cooked beef to the slow cooker.

Step 3

Add:

  • Chopped cabbage
  • Crushed tomatoes
  • Beef broth
  • Worcestershire sauce

Stir well.

Step 4

Cover and cook:

  • LOW for 6–8 hours
  • HIGH for 3–4 hours

Step 5

About 30–40 minutes before serving, stir in the uncooked rice.

Cover again and cook until the rice becomes tender.

Step 6

Taste and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika if desired.

Step 7

Serve hot with fresh parsley and crusty bread if desired.

Recipe Notes

  • Add the rice near the end to prevent it from becoming mushy.
  • Browning the beef first provides deeper flavor.
  • If reheating leftovers, add a little extra broth because the rice absorbs liquid.
  • For a thicker soup, use slightly less broth.
  • For a thinner soup, add more broth before serving.

Tips for Success

  • Chop cabbage into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
  • Lean ground beef keeps the soup less greasy.
  • Rinse the rice before adding for a cleaner texture.
  • Stir once after adding the rice to prevent sticking.
  • Fresh parsley brightens the finished dish.
  • Make it ahead—it tastes even better the next day.

Variations

Turkey Version

Replace ground beef with ground turkey.

Low-Carb Version

Skip the rice or substitute cauliflower rice (add during the last 10–15 minutes).

Spicy Version

Add:

  • Crushed red pepper flakes
  • Hot sauce
  • Diced jalapeños

Extra Vegetable Version

Add:

  • Carrots
  • Celery
  • Bell peppers
  • Spinach

Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

  • Crusty artisan bread
  • Garlic bread
  • Buttered dinner rolls
  • Green salad
  • Roasted vegetables
  • Sour cream on top

Storage

Refrigerator

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze (preferably before adding the rice) for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Warm on the stovetop or microwave, adding extra broth as needed.

Servings

Makes 6 hearty servings

Approximate Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 310
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 720 mg
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
  • Vitamin A: 8% DV
  • Vitamin C: 55% DV
  • Calcium: 8% DV
  • Iron: 18% DV

Nutrition values are estimates and will vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Health Benefits

  • High in Protein: Ground beef helps support muscle growth and repair.
  • Rich in Vitamin C: Cabbage provides vitamin C, supporting immune health.
  • Good Source of Fiber: Cabbage and tomatoes aid digestion and promote fullness.
  • Heart-Healthy Option: Using lean beef helps reduce saturated fat.
  • One-Pot Convenience: Minimal cleanup and easy meal preparation.
  • Budget-Friendly: Uses inexpensive pantry staples and stretches into multiple servings.
  • Meal Prep Friendly: Keeps well for several days and freezes nicely.

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

1. Can I use brown rice?

Yes. Brown rice takes longer to cook, so add it about 1 to 1½ hours before serving, or cook it separately and stir it in at the end.

2. Can I use cooked rice?

Absolutely. Stir cooked rice into the soup during the last 5–10 minutes of cooking, just long enough to heat through.

3. Can I freeze this soup?

Yes. For the best texture, freeze it without the rice and add freshly cooked rice after reheating.

4. Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes. Replace the ground beef with lentils or a plant-based ground alternative, use vegetable broth, and omit or replace the Worcestershire sauce with a vegetarian version.

5. Why is my soup too thick?

The rice continues to absorb liquid as it sits. Simply stir in additional beef broth or water until you reach your preferred consistency.

6. What type of cabbage works best?

Green cabbage is the classic choice because it becomes tender and mildly sweet during slow cooking. Savoy cabbage also works well for a softer texture.

7. Can I cook everything together from the beginning?

You can, but the rice may become overly soft and absorb much of the broth. Adding it near the end gives the best texture.

8. Can I make this on the stovetop?

Yes. Brown the beef, combine all ingredients except the rice in a large pot, simmer for about 30–40 minutes, then add the rice and cook until tender, about 15–20 minutes.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker 6-Ingredient Cabbage Roll Soup is a simple, hearty, and family-friendly recipe that delivers the comforting taste of classic cabbage rolls with a fraction of the effort. It’s ideal for busy schedules, meal prepping, and cozy dinners, offering wholesome ingredients, satisfying flavor, and excellent leftovers.

Leave a Comment