Name: Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound extra lean ground beef; 1 medium yellow onion, chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 5 cups chopped green cabbage; 4 cups low sodium beef broth; 3 cups tomato sauce; 1 cup shredded carrots; 1/2 cup uncooked white or brown long grain rice; 2 dried bay leaves; 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice

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Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup is a healthy and delicious twist on traditional cabbage rolls, made easier and quicker without losing any of the flavor. This recipe is low-carb, gluten-free, and perfect for meal prep. With high protein content and fiber-rich ingredients, it’s a great option for those looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle, support weight loss, or simply enjoy a comforting bowl of soup.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup

This Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup is packed with goodness! It offers a healthy version of the classic cabbage roll without the hassle of rolling each cabbage leaf. The combination of lean ground beef, fresh vegetables, and savory broth delivers a satisfying high-protein meal while being low in calories. Its hearty nature makes it perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy leftovers throughout the week. Best of all, it’s diabetic-friendly, gluten-free, and supports your weight loss goals.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

Large Soup Pot

A large soup pot is essential for cooking this soup evenly. It allows space for all the ingredients to meld together perfectly and gives you room to stir without mess.

Wooden Spoon

A wooden spoon is great for breaking up the ground beef and stirring the ingredients together. It’s gentle on your pot and won’t scratch non-stick surfaces.

Measuring Cups and Spoons

Using measuring cups and spoons ensures accurate measurements of ingredients, helping you achieve the perfect balance of flavors in your soup.

INGREDIENTS

1 pound extra lean ground beef

Using extra lean ground beef adds a good source of protein while keeping the soup low in fat. It’s a heart-healthy choice that enhances the dish without adding excess calories.

1 medium yellow onion, chopped

Onions provide a natural sweetness and depth of flavor to the soup. They also contain antioxidants and support heart health, making them a great addition.

3 garlic cloves, minced

Garlic adds a punch of flavor and has numerous health benefits, including improved immune function and lower blood pressure.

5 cups chopped green cabbage

Cabbage is rich in fiber and low in calories, making it ideal for weight loss. It adds bulk to the soup without adding many calories.

4 cups low sodium beef broth

Choosing low sodium broth keeps the soup heart-healthy, reducing the risk of high blood pressure while still providing deep, savory flavor.

3 cups tomato sauce

Tomato sauce adds a rich, tangy flavor while being a good source of vitamins A and C. It also helps increase the soup’s antioxidant levels.

1 cup shredded carrots

Carrots add sweetness and vibrant color to the soup. They are high in beta carotene, which is beneficial for eye health and rich in fiber.

1/2 cup uncooked white or brown long grain rice

Rice serves as a hearty filler for the soup. Opting for brown rice boosts the fiber content, making it a healthier choice.

2 dried bay leaves

Bay leaves bring a unique depth of flavor to the broth, enhancing the overall taste of the soup.

3 tablespoons packed brown sugar

Brown sugar balances the acidity from the tomatoes and contributes to the overall flavor of the soup.

1 teaspoon salt

Salt enhances the flavors of all the ingredients, but it’s wise to control the amount to keep the dish heart-healthy.

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves

Oregano adds a delicious herbaceous note to the soup. It’s also known for its anti-inflammatory properties.

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Black pepper adds warmth and a slight kick to your soup, enhancing all the flavors.

1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice

Lemon juice brightens up the soup and adds a refreshing tang. It’s also rich in vitamin C, supporting immune health.

HOW TO MAKE Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup

Step 1: Cook the Beef and Onion

In a large soup pot, add the ground beef and place it over medium-high heat. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat apart as it cooks. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 8 minutes until the beef is browned. This step ensures a rich base for your soup. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Add Garlic

Once the beef is browned, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. This will infuse the dish with a robust flavor.

Step 3: Combine Vegetables and Broth

Next, add chopped cabbage, low sodium beef broth, tomato sauce, shredded carrots, uncooked rice, bay leaves, brown sugar, salt, oregano, and black pepper to the pot. This combination of ingredients creates a flavorful and healthy base for your soup.

Step 4: Bring to a Boil

Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, you’ll see the rich colors and aromas blend beautifully together.

Step 5: Simmer

After the soup reaches boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Cook until the rice is tender—about 25 minutes for white rice and 45 minutes for brown rice. This long, slow cooking lets the flavors develop beautifully.

Step 6: Add Lemon Juice

Once the rice is cooked, remove the pot from the heat and stir in the lemon juice. The lemon juice will brighten the soup, enhancing its freshness.

Step 7: Let It Rest

Let the soup rest uncovered for 10 minutes. This period helps the soup to thicken up. Make sure to remove the bay leaves before serving.

TIPS AND TRICKS

Healthy Substitutes: For a lighter option, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef.
Meal Prep: This soup is great for meal prep! It stores well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and freezes nicely for up to 3 months. Simply reheat on the stovetop or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy.
Variations: Customize your soup by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrients and flavor.
Spice It Up: If you like heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños while cooking for a spicy kick.

Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup FAQ

Is this soup suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This soup is a great option for meal prep, as it can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for longer storage.

Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free beef broth and ensure all your other ingredients are gluten-free.

How can I make this soup vegetarian?

To make the soup vegetarian, substitute ground beef with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Does this soup support weight loss?

Yes! It’s low in calories, high in protein, and rich in fiber from the vegetables, making it a filling option that supports weight loss goals.

CONCLUSION

Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup is an incredibly healthy option that offers all the flavors of cabbage rolls in a simple, quick format. With its balance of protein, fiber, and low calorie content, it’s a perfect choice for anyone focused on health. Try this hearty soup for your next meal, and you’ll enjoy a comforting dish that’s both delicious and nutritious. We’d love to hear about your experience or any variations you tried—share in the comments below!