Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup
Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite weeknight hero! This Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup isn’t just a meal; it’s a culinary hug in a bowl. Here’s why you’ll be adding it to your regular rotation:
- Effortless Comfort, Maximum Flavor: Craving the rich, hearty taste of classic cabbage rolls but dreading the rolling and fuss? This soup delivers all that incredible flavor without any of the headache. Just dump, set, and forget!
- Wholesome & Healthy Goodness: Packed with lean ground beef and an abundance of vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and cauliflower rice, this soup is a nutritional powerhouse. It’s low in carbs and high in protein, making it perfect for mindful eating.
- Your Slow Cooker’s New Favorite Job: Let your slow cooker do all the heavy lifting! The low and slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a depth that tastes like you’ve been slaving away all day.
- Freezer-Friendly Meal Prep Dream: This recipe makes a generous batch, perfect for meal prepping. Enjoy it all week long or freeze individual portions for those nights when cooking just isn’t an option. Future you will thank you!
The Hearty Hug You Didn’t Know You Needed: Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup!
Picture this: a crisp autumn evening, a bustling weekday, or perhaps just a quiet desire for something truly comforting. Your stomach rumbles, dreaming of a meal that’s both deeply satisfying and wonderfully easy. Enter the legendary cabbage roll! A timeless dish loved for its savory beef, tender cabbage, and rich tomato sauce. But let’s be honest, those traditional rolls can be a bit of a project, right?
Well, what if we told you there’s a way to capture all that incredible flavor in a single, stress-free pot? Get ready to meet your new best friend: the Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup! This isn’t just a soup; it’s a genius culinary hack that transforms a beloved classic into an effortless, warming, and unbelievably delicious meal. Your slow cooker does all the magic, simmering everything to perfection while you go about your day. No rolling, no fuss, just pure, unadulterated comfort in a bowl. Let’s dive into making some magic!
Gather Your Goodies: Ingredients with Measurements
To whip up this delightful Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup, you’ll need the following:
- 🐄 2 pounds lean ground beef (85% or leaner)
- 🥬 1 small head cabbage, chopped
- 🍚 10-ounce bag frozen cauliflower rice
- 🧅 1/2 yellow onion, diced
- 🍅 28 ounces diced tomatoes (look for low-sodium or no-sugar-added)
- 🥣 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 🥕 1 medium carrot, chopped
- 🧄 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 🥫 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 🌿 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 🍃 1 bay leaf
- 🌶️ 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 🧂 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 🧂 1 teaspoon salt
- ⚫ 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Your Culinary Journey: Detailed Step-by-Step Directions
Making this Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup is a breeze! Follow these simple steps for a truly comforting meal:
- Brown the Beef: Grab a large skillet and place it over medium heat. Add your ground beef along with half of the specified salt (1/2 teaspoon). Cook the beef until it’s beautifully browned, using a spoon or spatula to break it up into crumbles as it cooks.
- Drain and Transfer: Once your ground beef is thoroughly browned, carefully drain off any excess fat from the skillet. This step ensures your soup isn’t overly greasy. Now, transfer the perfectly browned beef into your slow cooker insert.
- Layer the Aromatics & Spices: To the slow cooker with the beef, add your diced onions and minced garlic. Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, dried thyme, dried parsley, black pepper, and the remaining half teaspoon of salt. These ingredients will build the foundational flavors of your soup.
- Add the Hearty Veggies & Tomatoes: Next, add the diced tomatoes (undrained is fine!), tomato paste, and your chopped carrots. Gently incorporate the chopped cabbage, ensuring it settles into the pot. Don’t forget to tuck in the bay leaf!
- Pour in the Broth & Stir: Finally, pour in all 6 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Give everything a good, thorough stir to combine all the delicious ingredients. Make sure the seasonings are well distributed throughout the mixture.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover your slow cooker with its lid. You have two cooking options: cook on HIGH for 3.5 hours, or on LOW for 6.5 hours. Set it and let the magic happen!
- The Final Touch: During the last 30 minutes of your chosen cooking time, add the entire bag of frozen cauliflower rice to the slow cooker. Stir it in and let it cook until tender but not mushy.
- Serve It Up: Before dishing out your masterpiece, carefully locate and discard the bay leaf. It has imparted all its wonderful flavor! Ladle the warm soup into bowls. For an extra pop of color and fresh flavor, consider garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Serve warm and enjoy!
Presenting Your Masterpiece: Serving Suggestions
Your Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup is a star on its own, but here are some delightful ways to present and serve it, making every bowl an experience:
- Classic Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley (as suggested in the recipe) adds a vibrant color and fresh herb note that elevates the entire dish.
- Creamy Indulgence: For those who love a bit of tang and creaminess, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt swirled into each serving bowl works wonders. It adds a lovely contrast to the rich tomato base.
- Cheesy Goodness: A sprinkle of shredded sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a mild mozzarella cheese over the top just before serving melts beautifully into the hot soup, adding another layer of comfort.
- Crusty Companion: Serve alongside a slice of crusty bread or warm dinner rolls for dipping. (If you’re not strictly low-carb, this is a fantastic addition!)
- For a Bit of Heat: If you like a little kick, offer a dash of your favorite hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes at the table.
- Green Sidekick: A simple, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette can be a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.
- Alternative Carbs: For those who aren’t low-carb, a small side of fluffy white rice or even mashed potatoes can be a satisfying accompaniment.
Store It Right: Keeping Your Soup Fresh
This Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup is not just delicious fresh; it’s also fantastic for leftovers and meal prepping! Here’s how to store it:
- Refrigeration: Once the soup has cooled down to room temperature, transfer it into airtight containers. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
- Freezing: This soup freezes exceptionally well! Allow the soup to cool completely. Divide it into individual freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags (lay them flat to save space). It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Reheating from Frozen: To reheat, simply transfer a frozen portion to the refrigerator overnight to thaw, then warm on the stovetop or in the microwave. For a quicker option, you can reheat directly from frozen in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally, or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
FAQs About Your New Favorite Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup
Got questions? We’ve got answers to help you master this delicious Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup!
- Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken (preferably 93% lean or higher to prevent dryness) works wonderfully as a leaner alternative. Just brown it as instructed.
- What if I don’t have cauliflower rice? Can I use regular rice?
Yes, you can! If using regular white rice, add about 1/2 to 3/4 cup uncooked long-grain white rice during the last 45-60 minutes of cooking. Adjust liquid if needed as regular rice absorbs more. For a strict low-carb option, you can simply omit the cauliflower rice.
- Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Definitely! Bell peppers (any color), zucchini, or even a handful of spinach (added in the last 15 minutes) would be delicious additions. Feel free to customize with what you have on hand.
- Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Yes, it’s fantastic for meal prep! It tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Portion it out into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or dinners.
- Why add the cauliflower rice towards the end of cooking?
Adding it later prevents it from becoming overly soft or mushy. Cauliflower rice cooks quickly, so adding it in the last 30 minutes ensures it retains a pleasant texture.
- How can I make this soup spicier?
If you like a kick, add a pinch or two of red pepper flakes along with the other spices, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce when serving.
- What if I don’t have a slow cooker? Can I make this on the stovetop?
You can! Brown the beef as instructed. Add all ingredients (except cauliflower rice) to a large pot or Dutch oven. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat, cover, and cook for 45-60 minutes, or until cabbage is tender. Add cauliflower rice for the last 10-15 minutes.
- Can I use a different type of cabbage?
Green cabbage is traditional and works best, but you could experiment with savoy cabbage for a slightly different texture.
- Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup recipe is naturally gluten-free, assuming your broth and diced tomatoes do not contain any hidden gluten ingredients.
- How can I thicken the soup if I prefer a heartier consistency?
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can remove a cup or two of the soup liquid, whisk in 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch (or arrowroot powder for low-carb), and then stir it back into the slow cooker for the last 30 minutes of cooking. Alternatively, a few minutes before serving, you can mash some of the cooked cabbage and carrots against the side of the pot to naturally thicken it.
Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Large skillet
Ingredients
- 2 pounds lean ground beef (85% or leaner)
- 1 small head cabbage chopped
- 10 ounce bag frozen cauliflower rice
- 1/2 yellow onion diced
- 28 ounces diced tomatoes (look for low-sodium or no-sugar-added)
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 medium carrot chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Start by browning your ground beef. Heat a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and half of the salt. Cook until it’s nicely browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Once browned, carefully drain any excess fat and transfer the beef into your slow cooker insert.
- Add the diced onions and minced garlic to the slow cooker. Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, dried thyme, dried parsley, black pepper, and the remaining salt.
- Next, add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and chopped carrots. Gently stir in the chopped cabbage, bay leaf, and pour in the chicken broth.
- Give everything a good stir to combine all the ingredients. Cover and cook on HIGH for 3.5 hours, or on LOW for 6.5 hours.
- Make sure to add the frozen cauliflower rice during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Before serving, carefully remove and discard the bay leaf. If you like, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for an extra touch of flavor, then serve warm!