If you're looking to spice up dinner with something cozy and delicious, you've landed in the right spot! Cabbage roll soup is a fantastic way to enjoy those classic flavors in a warm bowl. With five tasty Irish-inspired recipes, you can impress your family while keeping things simple. From hearty beef to zesty vegetarian options, there's a little something for everyone. Ready to uncover these mouthwatering variations? Let's get started!
Classic Irish Cabbage Roll Soup
Classic Irish Cabbage Roll Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of traditional cabbage rolls with the convenience of a soup. This recipe features tender cabbage, seasoned ground meat, and aromatic vegetables simmered in a flavorful broth, making it perfect for chilly evenings or a cozy family meal.
It's an easy way to enjoy the beloved taste of cabbage rolls without the fuss of rolling each one individually.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chopped green cabbage
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cups beef or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent, then add the ground beef or turkey, cooking until browned and crumbled.
Stir in the diced carrots and chopped cabbage, cooking for an additional 5 minutes until the cabbage begins to wilt. Next, add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), broth, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Extra Tips:
For added depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of hot sauce to the soup.
You can also customize the recipe by incorporating other vegetables like bell peppers or corn, or by using different types of ground meat, such as chicken or pork.
If you have leftovers, this soup stores well in the refrigerator for a few days and can be easily reheated, making it a great option for meal prep.
Enjoy garnished with fresh parsley and a side of crusty bread for a complete meal!
Beef and Guinness Cabbage Roll Soup

Beef and Guinness Cabbage Roll Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines the rich, savory taste of ground beef with the deep, malty notes of Guinness beer. This comforting soup is perfect for chilly nights, offering all the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls in a warm, inviting bowl. The addition of vegetables and seasonings improves the complete taste, making it a satisfying meal for the whole family.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.9 oz) Guinness beer
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup uncooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 small head of cabbage, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
To start making the Beef and Guinness Cabbage Roll Soup, heat a large pot over medium heat and add the ground beef, cooking until browned.
Drain any excess fat and then add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent.
Stir in the Guinness beer, scraping any brown bits from the bottom of the pot.
Next, add the beef broth, diced tomatoes, rice, chopped cabbage, carrots, celery, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the vegetables are tender.
When cooking this dish, feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste.
You can also add other vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition.
If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer longer without a lid, allowing some of the liquid to evaporate.
For a bit of a kick, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
Don't forget to garnish with fresh parsley before serving for added freshness!
Irish Sausage and Cabbage Roll Soup
Irish Sausage and Cabbage Roll Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that brings together the savory flavors of Irish sausage with the tender goodness of cabbage rolls. This soup is perfect for chilly evenings, combining fresh vegetables and rich broth for a warm and satisfying meal. With its easy preparation, it's the ideal choice for busy weeknights or a family gathering.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound Irish sausage, casings removed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups cabbage, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the removed casings of the Irish sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent. Stir in the chopped cabbage and sliced carrots, cooking for another 5 minutes until they start to soften.
Pour in the broth and diced tomatoes, then season with thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to become tender.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Extra Tips:
For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or some Worcestershire sauce to the broth while it simmers.
You can also customize this recipe by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or potatoes. If you prefer a thicker soup, you can blend a portion of it and then stir it back in.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days and often taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
Vegetarian Irish Cabbage Roll Soup

Vegetarian Irish Cabbage Roll Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that brings the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls into a warm and nourishing soup form. This dish is perfect for chilly evenings or as a delicious meal prep option for the week. Packed with nutritious vegetables, tender cabbage, and fragrant herbs, this soup is both filling and satisfying while being entirely plant-based.
It's an easy recipe that allows for customization based on your favorite ingredients or what you have on hand.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 medium bell pepper, diced
- 1 small head of green cabbage, chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
In a large pot, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and bell pepper, sautéing until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Next, add the chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, tomato paste, thyme, oregano, and bay leaf.
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and remove the bay leaf before serving.
Extra Tips:
For added flavor, consider incorporating some cooked lentils or beans into the soup for protein and texture.
You can also adjust the seasonings according to your taste preferences—add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat or some lemon juice for brightness.
This soup can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to four days, making it an excellent option for meal prep. If you have leftovers, they can be frozen for future meals; just reheat on the stove when you're ready to enjoy!
Spicy Irish Cabbage Roll Soup
Spicy Irish Cabbage Roll Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines the comforting elements of traditional cabbage rolls with a zesty twist. This soup brings together ground meat, tender cabbage, and a blend of spices that will warm your soul and tantalize your taste buds. It's perfect for chilly evenings or any time you crave a fulfilling meal that's easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cups beef or chicken broth
- 1 small head of cabbage, chopped
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions:
In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground meat with the diced onion and minced garlic until the meat is cooked through and the onion is translucent.
Drain excess fat if necessary, then stir in the diced tomatoes, broth, chopped cabbage, cooked rice, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the cabbage to become tender.
Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving, garnished with fresh parsley.
Extra Tips:
For an even spicier kick, feel free to add additional crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the soup.
If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with lentils or a meat alternative and use vegetable broth.
This soup can be made ahead of time and tastes even better the next day, as the flavors deepen.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for later enjoyment.