Welcome to a culinary journey that promises warmth, comfort, and effortless deliciousness: our Easy Crockpot Cabbage Roll Soup with Kielbasa. This recipe transforms the beloved flavors of traditional cabbage rolls into a convenient, hearty soup, perfect for those days when you crave a soul-satisfying meal without the fuss. Imagine walking through your door to the inviting aroma of a perfectly cooked dinner, ready to be ladled into a bowl. That’s the magic of this slow cooker wonder, a true comfort food masterpiece that effortlessly fits into your busy lifestyle.
Hearty & Easy Crockpot Cabbage Roll Soup with Kielbasa
There’s an undeniable allure to slow cooker meals. They promise convenience, incredible flavor development, and the delightful experience of a home filled with tantalizing aromas. This Crockpot Cabbage Roll Soup is a prime example, delivering all the rich, savory notes of classic cabbage rolls—tender cabbage, savory meat, and flavorful rice—all simmered to perfection in a luscious broth. What makes this recipe truly special is the addition of smoky kielbasa, which adds a distinct depth of flavor and a delightful texture that elevates the entire dish.
One of the greatest benefits of preparing this soup in a slow cooker is its incredible versatility for meal planning. You can simply set it and forget it, allowing the ingredients to meld and tenderize over several hours while you go about your day. The result is a generous batch of soup, much of which can be easily frozen for future meals. Imagine those busy weeknights when cooking feels like a monumental task; simply pull a container of this homemade soup from the freezer, reheat, and enjoy a nourishing, comforting dinner in minutes. It’s truly a dream come true for anyone seeking delicious, stress-free meals.
Why This Cabbage Roll Soup is a Weeknight Champion
Traditional cabbage rolls, while incredibly delicious, can be time-consuming to prepare. This soup offers all the beloved flavors and textures in a much simpler format. There’s no rolling, no intricate assembly—just a straightforward process of combining ingredients in your slow cooker and letting time do the work. It’s a hearty, filling meal that satisfies the appetite and warms the soul, making it an ideal choice for chilly evenings or any time you need a comforting hug in a bowl.
The star ingredients—cabbage and kielbasa—work in perfect harmony. Cabbage, often overlooked, becomes wonderfully tender and sweet when slow-cooked, absorbing the rich flavors of the broth and seasonings. Kielbasa, a smoked sausage, contributes a robust, savory, and slightly smoky profile that complements the tang of the cabbage beautifully. Together with rice, onions, and aromatic spices, they create a symphony of flavors that is both familiar and exciting.
The Irresistible Allure of Kielbasa
For those who appreciate the distinctive taste of kielbasa, this soup is a must-try. Kielbasa, a versatile and flavorful sausage, brings an incredible depth to any dish it graces. Its smoky, garlicky notes infuse the entire soup, transforming it from a simple cabbage soup into something truly extraordinary. Whether you’re already a fan or looking for a delicious way to introduce kielbasa into your cooking, this recipe showcases its best qualities. If you love cooking with kielbasa, explore our extensive collection of Kielbasa Recipes for even more culinary inspiration!
Beyond its fantastic flavor, kielbasa is also incredibly convenient. It’s typically pre-cooked, meaning you only need to dice it and add it to the slow cooker. This saves valuable prep time and ensures a consistent, delicious result every time. The tender, smoky chunks of kielbasa throughout the soup provide a delightful textural contrast to the soft cabbage and rice, making each spoonful an adventure in taste.
Essential Ingredients for Your Crockpot Cabbage Roll Soup
Crafting this comforting soup requires a selection of readily available ingredients, each playing a crucial role in developing its rich flavor profile. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:
- Sour Cabbage or Sauerkraut: This is the backbone of the “cabbage roll” flavor. Sour cabbage offers a more intense, fermented flavor, while sauerkraut provides a similar tang that is easier to find in most grocery stores. Both work wonderfully, so choose what’s accessible.
- Kielbasa: As discussed, this smoked sausage adds incredible depth and savoriness. Opt for a good quality kielbasa for the best flavor.
- Rice: Cooked rice adds body and starch to the soup, mimicking the filling of traditional cabbage rolls. Any medium-grain or long-grain white rice works well.
- Chicken Stock: The liquid base for our soup. Chicken stock provides a rich, savory foundation. For a deeper, heartier flavor, beef broth can be used as an alternative.
- Dill: Dried dill weed is a classic herb pairing with cabbage and Eastern European flavors. It adds a fresh, aromatic note that brightens the soup. Feel free to adjust the amount to your preference.
- Onion & Green Onion: These provide essential aromatic bases. Diced yellow or white onion brings sweetness and depth, while green onion adds a mild, fresh oniony finish.
- Bacon: Crispy, diced bacon adds a layer of smoky, salty richness that beautifully complements the kielbasa and cabbage.
- Black Pepper: A simple seasoning to enhance all the other flavors.
- Garlic: Minced garlic is indispensable for its pungent aroma and savory flavor, tying all the ingredients together.
Ingredient Substitutions and Enhancements
Feel free to customize this soup to your taste. If you prefer a richer flavor, use beef broth instead of chicken stock. For a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added. If fresh dill is available, use a tablespoon or two for an even more vibrant flavor. Don’t be afraid to experiment with other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for added nutrition and color.
Kitchen Tools for a Seamless Cooking Experience
Making this Crockpot Cabbage Roll Soup is wonderfully straightforward, especially with the right kitchen tools. The star of the show, of course, is your slow cooker.
- Slow Cooker: A reliable slow cooker is essential. We highly recommend one with a digital timer that automatically switches to a “warm” setting once the cooking time is complete. This ensures your soup cooks perfectly without overdoing it, giving you peace of mind throughout the day.
- Frying Pan: Necessary for cooking the bacon until crispy before adding it to the soup.
- Vegetable Chopper: While optional, a good vegetable chopper can be a huge time-saver for dicing onions and other vegetables quickly and uniformly.
- Soup Bowls: Because a delicious soup deserves a great bowl to be enjoyed in!
The Recipe: Crockpot Cabbage Roll Soup
Get ready to create a truly unforgettable meal with minimal effort. This recipe is designed for simplicity without compromising on the rich, complex flavors you crave.
Crockpot Cabbage Roll Soup
This hearty and comforting Crockpot Cabbage Roll Soup with Kielbasa is an easy slow cooker meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep. Loaded with tender cabbage, savory kielbasa, and fluffy rice, it’s a flavorful twist on a classic dish.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 520 kcal
Author: Tammilee Tips
Ingredients
- 4 Cups Sour cabbage (shredded, can use sauerkraut here if you can’t find sour cabbage)
- 6 oz Kielbasa (diced)
- 2 Cups Rice (cooked)
- 4 Cups Chicken Stock
- 1 Tablespoon Dill Weed (dried. use more if you like the herb)
- ½ Onion (diced)
- 1 Green onion (diced)
- 4–5 slices Bacon (cooked and diced)
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 2 teaspoon Garlic (minced)
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients (sour cabbage, diced kielbasa, cooked rice, chicken stock, dill weed, diced onion, diced green onion, cooked and diced bacon, black pepper, and minced garlic) directly into your slow cooker pot.
- Stir gently to ensure all ingredients are well combined and submerged in the stock.
- Cover your slow cooker and cook on high for approximately 2 ½ hours, or until the cabbage is tender and flavors have melded. Alternatively, cook on low for 4-6 hours.
- Once cooked, stir well and serve hot.
- Garnish with extra fresh dill or a dollop of sour cream, if desired. Serve with crackers or crusty bread for dipping.
Kitchen Tools
- Slow cooker
- Frying Pan (for bacon)
- Vegetable Chopper (optional, for quick dicing)
Nutrition Facts
Calories from Fat 216
Tips for the Perfect Cabbage Roll Soup
While this recipe is incredibly forgiving, a few tips can help you achieve the best possible results:
- Don’t Overcook the Rice: Ensure your rice is cooked before adding it to the slow cooker. If you add uncooked rice, it can absorb too much liquid and become mushy, or not cook properly within the soup’s timeframe.
- Drain Sauerkraut (or Sour Cabbage): If using sauerkraut, drain it well and rinse briefly under cold water if you prefer a less intense sour flavor. This helps balance the overall taste of the soup.
- Pre-Cook Bacon Until Crispy: Cooking the bacon beforehand not only renders out fat but also adds a fantastic crispy texture and depth of flavor that can’t be achieved by simply adding raw bacon to the slow cooker.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed. The sodium content from kielbasa and stock can vary, so taste and tailor to your preference.
- Slow Cooker Size Matters: Use a slow cooker that’s appropriately sized for the batch. A 6-quart slow cooker is usually ideal for this recipe to prevent overcrowding and ensure even cooking.
Serving Suggestions and Delicious Pairings
This Crockpot Cabbage Roll Soup is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a few simple accompaniments to enhance the experience.
- Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty loaf of bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of this savory broth.
- Crackers: Classic oyster crackers or simple saltines are always a hit with soup. For an extra treat, try our Crockpot Ranch Oyster Crackers, which are fantastic in soup!
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt on top adds a creamy tang that perfectly complements the rich flavors of the soup.
- Fresh Dill: A sprinkle of fresh dill just before serving will brighten the flavors and add a beautiful touch of greenery.
- Side Salad: A light, fresh green salad with a simple vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.
More Slow Cooker Favorites to Explore
If you love the ease and deliciousness of slow cooker meals, you’re in for a treat! Our collection of crockpot soups offers a variety of comforting options. Don’t miss these other hearty bowls:
- Crockpot Gumbo Recipe
- Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
- Crockpot French Onion Soup
- Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup
- Crockpot Beer and Cheese Soup
- Crockpot Stuffed Pepper Soup
And for those seeking the perfect accompaniments, check out our favorite sides for vegetable soup, many of which would pair beautifully with this cabbage roll soup.
Discover more delicious creations by exploring our general copycat recipes, delightful dessert recipes, and our entire Crock Pot Recipes category for endless inspiration.
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Recipe originally shared on October 5, 2016. Updated on March 26, 2020.