Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup

Get all the rich, nostalgic flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls without any of the fussy rolling with this easy Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup. Lean ground turkey, tender sweet cabbage, simmered rice, and savory bacon come together in a savory tomato broth that warms you to the core.

Why You’ll Love This Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup

• No-Fuss Comfort Food: Delivers classic cabbage roll flavors in one easy pot in under 45 minutes.
• Lean and Wholesome: Made with nutritious ground turkey and antioxidant-rich cabbage for a guilt-free dinner.
• Hearty One-Pot Meal: Contains protein, veggies, and grains all simmered together with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients and Substitutions

• Meat Options: Ground beef, pork, or bulk Italian sausage make equally flavorful substitutes.
• Rice Alternatives: Swap white rice for brown rice, cauliflower rice (for low carb), or cooked barley.
• Extra Greens: Add diced bell peppers or shredded carrots to boost the vegetable content.

How to Make Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: In a large pot, cook turkey bacon until crispy, then remove and set aside.

Step 2: Add ground turkey, onion, and garlic to the pot and cook until turkey is browned.

Step 3: Stir in cabbage, tomatoes, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.

Step 4: Add rice, reduce heat, and simmer for 20 minutes until rice and cabbage are tender.

Step 5: Serve hot, garnished with crumbled turkey bacon.

Helpful Cooking Tips

• Chop cabbage into uniform bite-sized pieces so it softens evenly in the bubbling broth.
• If cooking ahead, consider cooking rice separately so it doesn’t absorb all the broth while stored.

Storage & Reheating

How to Store

Refrigerate leftover cabbage roll soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

How to Reheat

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth if the rice has soaked up liquid.

Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup

A nourishing, hearty soup featuring lean ground turkey, savory bacon, tender cabbage, sweet tomatoes, and simmered rice in an herb-seasoned broth.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 4 slices turkey bacon
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 head of cabbage, chopped
• 2 cups diced tomatoes
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup rice

Method

 

1. In a large pot, cook turkey bacon until crispy, then remove and set aside.
2. Add ground turkey, onion, and garlic to the pot and cook until turkey is browned.
3. Stir in cabbage, tomatoes, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
4. Add rice, reduce heat, and simmer for 20 minutes until rice and cabbage are tender.
5. Serve hot, garnished with crumbled turkey bacon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the turkey, bacon, and aromatics first, then place everything in the crockpot and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours.

Can I freeze unstuffed cabbage roll soup?

Yes, this soup freezes very well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop.

What type of cabbage works best?

Standard green cabbage is best as it holds its structure beautifully during simmering without turning to mush.

Can I use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice?

Absolutely. Stir in riced cauliflower during the final 5 to 7 minutes of simmering for a delicious low-carb alternative.

Final Thoughts

This unstuffed cabbage roll soup is wholesome, comforting, and packed with rustic homestyle goodness. It is an ideal dinner for busy weeknights and meal prep lunches alike.