Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup

Introduction

If you love the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls but don’t have the time or patience to make them, this Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup is the perfect alternative. Packed with all the delicious flavors of cabbage rolls, this hearty and comforting soup is easy to make and requires minimal effort. With the convenience of a slow cooker, you can simply toss in the ingredients, set it, and forget it until it’s time to enjoy a warm and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups cabbage, shredded
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces)
• 1 can tomato sauce (8 ounces)
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Sour cream

Steps

1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
3. Transfer the cooked ground beef, onion, and garlic mixture to a slow cooker.
4. Add the shredded cabbage, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, cooked rice, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
5. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours. The longer the soup cooks, the more flavorful it will become.
6. Once the soup is ready, taste and adjust the seasonings if necessary.
7. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and a dollop of sour cream.
8. Serve hot and enjoy this delicious and comforting Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup!

Variations

This recipe can easily be customized to suit your taste preferences:

Vegetarian:

Replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or omit it altogether for a vegetarian version of this soup. You can also add additional vegetables like carrots and bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.

Low Carb:

If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, you can substitute the rice with cauliflower rice or simply omit it. This will reduce the carbohydrate content while still maintaining the delicious flavors of the soup.

Spicy:

If you like a bit of heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup for a spicy kick.

Tips

• For a richer flavor, you can brown the ground beef with some diced bacon.
• If you prefer a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup before serving.
• This soup freezes well, so you can make a larger batch and freeze the leftovers for later. Just thaw and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy it.
• Feel free to add additional seasonings and spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning to enhance the flavors even more.

Conclusion

Satisfy your cabbage roll cravings with this easy and delicious Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup. With the convenience of a slow cooker, you can enjoy all the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the hassle. This soup is hearty, comforting, and packed with wholesome ingredients. Customize it to suit your taste preferences and enjoy a warm and satisfying meal that will keep you coming back for more.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, you can definitely use ground turkey instead of ground beef if you prefer a leaner protein option. The soup will still be delicious!

Can I make this soup on the stovetop instead of using a slow cooker?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe to cook on the stovetop. Simply follow the steps as instructed but use a large pot instead of a slow cooker. Simmer the soup on low heat for about 1-2 hours or until the flavors have melded together.

How long can I store the leftovers?

You can store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Alternatively, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it thoroughly before reheating.