Description
Polish Stuffed Cabbage Soup is a hearty, comforting dish inspired by traditional stuffed cabbage rolls. This flavorful soup combines ground beef, tender cabbage, and rice simmered in a rich tomato and beef broth seasoned with Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and thyme. Perfect for a cozy family meal, it offers all the deliciousness of classic stuffed cabbage in an easier-to-make soup form.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ head green cabbage, chopped
Liquids and Canned Goods
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 6 cups beef broth
Grains and Seasonings
- ½ cup uncooked white rice
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until they become soft and fragrant.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it up into smaller pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat to keep the soup from becoming greasy.
- Cook Cabbage: Stir in the chopped cabbage and cook for about 5 minutes to allow it to soften slightly while mixing flavors.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, uncooked rice, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all components evenly.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for 30-35 minutes until both the cabbage and rice are tender and flavors meld together.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, pairing it with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or pork for a different flavor.
- Use brown rice instead of white rice, but add extra cooking time to ensure tenderness.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Adding a splash of vinegar or lemon juice before serving can brighten the flavors.
