When you're craving the comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls but don’t have time to roll, stuff, and bake, Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup is the ultimate solution. This easy, one-pot wonder delivers all the rich, meaty, tomatoey goodness of cabbage rolls—without the fuss. It’s a nourishing and filling meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or meal prep for the week ahead.
Why You’ll Love This Cabbage Roll Soup
-
No rolling or stuffing required
-
Full of protein, fiber, and rich tomato flavor
-
Perfect for slow cookers and meal prepping
-
Freezes beautifully for future meals
-
Made with simple pantry ingredients
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup
This hearty soup is made from classic ingredients found in traditional cabbage rolls but adapted for slow cooking ease.
Main Ingredients:
-
1½ pounds ground beef (or use ground turkey for a leaner version)
-
1 small onion, diced
-
3 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 medium head green cabbage, chopped
-
1½ cups cooked white rice (or cauliflower rice for low-carb)
-
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
-
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
-
4 cups beef broth
-
2 tablespoons tomato paste
-
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
-
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
-
1 teaspoon dried oregano
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: Add 1–2 teaspoons of brown sugar or a sugar substitute to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
How to Make Cabbage Roll Soup in the Slow Cooker
1. Brown the Meat
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with diced onion until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Tip: Browning the beef before adding it to the slow cooker builds flavor and keeps the soup from becoming too greasy.
2. Load the Slow Cooker
Add the cooked beef mixture to the slow cooker along with:
-
Chopped cabbage
-
Crushed tomatoes
-
Tomato sauce
-
Tomato paste
-
Beef broth
-
Cooked rice
-
Worcestershire sauce
-
Smoked paprika
-
Oregano
-
Salt and pepper
3. Let It Simmer
Cover and cook on:
-
Low for 6–8 hours, or
-
High for 3–4 hours, until the cabbage is tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.
4. Adjust and Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning before serving. For a richer flavor, let the soup sit for 10 minutes before ladling into bowls.
Serving Suggestions
-
Top with a dollop of sour cream for creamy contrast
-
Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley for brightness
-
Serve with crusty bread or keto rolls on the side
-
Pair with a light salad for a balanced meal
Make It Your Way: Variations and Substitutions
Low-Carb Version
Swap cooked rice with cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly and grain-free option.
Vegetarian Version
Omit the meat and use lentils or beans and vegetable broth for a hearty meatless soup.
Spicy Cabbage Roll Soup
Add crushed red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or use spicy Italian sausage for a fiery twist.
Cabbage Roll Stew
Reduce broth by 1 cup and add more tomato sauce for a thicker, stew-like consistency.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. The flavors get better over time!
Freezer:
Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat from frozen.
Reheating:
Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave in 1-minute intervals until heated through.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)
-
Calories: 280
-
Protein: 18g
-
Fat: 12g
-
Carbohydrates: 22g
-
Fiber: 4g
-
Net Carbs: 18g
Macros may vary based on ingredients and serving size.
Tips for Success
-
Don’t skip browning the meat—it makes a huge difference in depth of flavor.
-
Use lean ground beef or turkey to keep the soup from becoming greasy.
-
Add rice near the end if you prefer a firmer texture.
-
Double the batch and freeze half for easy future meals.
Why This Recipe Works
This Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup transforms a labor-intensive dish into a one-pot meal that’s rich in flavor and loaded with nutrition. It’s a budget-friendly, family-approved recipe that’s as comforting as it is convenient. With minimal prep and all-day simmering, your kitchen will be filled with the savory aroma of a true comfort classic.
Final Thoughts
If you're looking for a hearty, nourishing, and low-effort meal, this Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup checks every box. It’s a game-changing recipe that gives you all the satisfaction of traditional cabbage rolls without the hassle. Whether you're feeding a family or prepping for the week, this soup will quickly become a staple in your home.
