Name: Mexican Cabbage Roll Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken); 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce; 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies; 4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth); 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup cooked rice (optional, for extra heartiness); Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish); Lime wedges (optional, for serving)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comforting and Hearty: This soup is packed with vegetables, meat, and savory broth, making it a filling and satisfying meal.
Mexican Flavor: With ingredients like cumin, chili powder, and tomatoes, this soup has a delicious Mexican flair that takes it beyond the usual cabbage roll recipe.
Easy to Make: No need to roll individual cabbage leaves—everything cooks in one pot, making this dish a breeze to prepare.
Customizable: Adjust the level of heat by adding more or less chili powder, or substitute ground beef with turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)
1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup cooked rice (optional, for extra heartiness)
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Lime wedges (optional, for serving)

Directions

Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
Cook the Meat: Add the ground beef (or turkey/chicken) to the pot. Cook until browned, breaking up the meat with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if needed.
Add the Vegetables: Stir in the chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and green chilies. Cook for 2-3 minutes to combine the flavors.
Add the Broth and Spices: Pour in the beef broth (or chicken broth), then add cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil.
Simmer the Soup: Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the flavors have melded together.
Optional Add-in: If you’d like to make the soup heartier, stir in 1 cup of cooked rice and allow it to warm through.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges for an added burst of flavor.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with a combination of beans (black beans, pinto beans) and additional vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers.
Spicy Kick: Add extra chili powder or a jalapeño pepper for more heat.
Make it Low-Carb: Skip the rice and serve the soup as is, or add cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stove over medium heat until warmed through. If the soup thickens too much upon storing, add a little more broth when reheating.

FAQs

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, this soup freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or even ground pork can be used instead of beef.

Is this soup spicy?

It has a mild to medium spice level due to the chili powder and green chilies. You can adjust the heat by adding more chili powder or fresh chilies if desired.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can brown the meat and sauté the onion and garlic first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Can I skip the rice?

Absolutely! The rice is optional and can be omitted for a lower-carb version of the soup.

How can I thicken the soup?

If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add more rice or use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup to your desired consistency.

Can I use chicken broth instead of beef broth?

Yes, chicken broth can be substituted if you prefer a lighter flavor, but beef broth gives the soup a richer taste.

What toppings can I add to this soup?

This soup is great topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado slices, or a sprinkle of tortilla chips for some crunch.

Can I add beans to this soup?

Yes, adding beans like black beans or kidney beans can increase the soup’s protein content and make it more filling.

How long will the leftovers last?

The soup can last in the fridge for up to 4 days and freezes for up to 3 months. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container.

Conclusion

Mexican Cabbage Roll Soup is a flavorful and easy-to-make twist on traditional cabbage rolls. With its combination of savory ground beef, tender cabbage, and zesty spices, this soup is the perfect comfort food for any season. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a hearty meal to serve guests, this soup is sure to be a hit.