Description
A hearty and nutritious soup that captures the comforting flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls with a healthy, weight-loss-friendly twist. This easy-to-make, deconstructed version is packed with lean protein, fiber-rich vegetables, and whole grains, making it perfect for a satisfying meal or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 small head of cabbage, shredded
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups low-sodium beef or vegetable broth
- 1 cup brown rice or quinoa
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the meat: In a large pot, cook the ground meat over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Sauté vegetables: Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5–7 minutes.
- Add cabbage and tomatoes: Stir in the shredded cabbage and diced tomatoes. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the cabbage to wilt slightly.
- Add broth and rice: Pour in the broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Add the rice, thyme, and oregano.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat and let it simmer, covered, for 30–40 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the flavors are well combined.
- Season and serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle the healthy cabbage roll soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, use lentils or plant-based meat substitute instead of ground meat.
- For a lower-carb option, use cauliflower rice instead of brown rice.
- Adjust herbs and spices to your preference.
- A splash of lemon juice can enhance the flavors.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Soup
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1-1.5 cups
- Calories: Approx. 250-300
- Sugar: Approx. 8-12g
- Sodium: Low-sodium broth recommended
- Fat: Approx. 8-12g
- Saturated Fat: Approx. 3-5g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approx. 5-7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 25-35g
- Fiber: Approx. 5-8g
- Protein: Approx. 15-20g
- Cholesterol: Low