Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup: A Hearty and Flavorful Comfort Dish

Indulge in the comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the hassle with this Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup recipe. This hearty and wholesome dish combines all the savory goodness of cabbage rolls into a warm and comforting soup that’s perfect for chilly evenings or lazy weekends. With simple ingredients and the convenience of a slow cooker, you can enjoy the flavors of a classic dish with minimal effort. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to make this soul-warming soup that will become a family favorite in no time.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, finely diced
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped
• 1 (16-ounce) jar marinara sauce
• 5 cups water
• ½ head cauliflower, riced
• 1 small cabbage, sliced

Instructions:

1. Saute Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
2. Brown Ground Beef: Add ground beef to the skillet with the sautéed onion and garlic. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks.
3. Season Beef Mixture: Stir in dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley, ensuring the beef is evenly seasoned.
4. Transfer to Slow Cooker: Transfer the cooked beef mixture to a slow cooker.
5. Add Remaining Ingredients: Add marinara sauce, water, riced cauliflower, and sliced cabbage to the slow cooker, stirring to combine all ingredients.
6. Cook Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, until the cabbage is tender and flavors have melded together.
7. Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt and pepper as desired.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the unstuffed cabbage roll soup into bowls and serve hot, garnishing with additional fresh parsley if desired.

Cook’s Notes and Variations:

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or your favorite meat alternative for a vegetarian version of this soup.
• Extra Veggies: Enhance the soup’s nutritional value by adding additional vegetables such as diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers.
• Spice it Up: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.

Keto and Low Carb Versions:

• Keto-Friendly Swaps: Replace the marinara sauce with a low-carb tomato sauce or diced tomatoes with no added sugar. Increase the amount of cauliflower and cabbage to add bulk without adding carbs. Serve with a dollop of sour cream or grated cheese for extra fat.
• Low Carb Hack: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner option. Skip the riced cauliflower and reduce the amount of cabbage to lower the carb content further.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: Can I freeze leftovers of this soup? A: Yes, this unstuffed cabbage roll soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Q: Can I make this soup on the stovetop instead of using a slow cooker? A: Absolutely! Simply follow the same instructions but cook the soup in a large pot on the stove over medium heat. Simmer until the cabbage is tender, stirring occasionally.

Q: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef? A: Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a substitute for ground beef in this recipe. Adjust cooking times as needed, and make sure the meat is fully cooked before adding it to the soup.

In conclusion, Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup is a delicious and comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for satisfying your cravings on a chilly day. With its hearty combination of ground beef, cabbage, and aromatic herbs and spices, it’s a soup that’s sure to warm you from the inside out. Whether you’re following a keto lifestyle, looking for a low-carb option, or simply craving a comforting bowl of soup, this recipe is a winner. So gather your ingredients, set up your slow cooker, and get ready to enjoy the cozy goodness of this unstuffed cabbage roll soup!