1-Gathering and Prepping Ingredients: First, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. This sets the stage for building flavors in your savory soup.

2-Cooking the Base: Add the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned, which takes about 4-5 minutes while breaking up the meat. Then, stir in the diced onion and garlic, cooking for another 2-3 minutes to add depth. If you want a lighter option, think about trying a similar recipe like our turkey carcass soup for ideas on substitutions.

3-Adding Vegetables and Liquids: Next, mix in the cabbage, carrots, beef broth, tomato sauce, rice, bay leaf, and brown sugar. Season with more salt and pepper if needed, then bring everything to a simmer. Let it cook for about 25 minutes until the rice is tender, stirring occasionally to keep things even.

4-Finishing Touches: Once done, remove the bay leaf and sprinkle with parsley before serving. This method keeps the soup’s tangy tomato broth front and center, making it a go-to for a quick cabbage roll soup with savory meat.