Golumpki Soup is a hearty, comforting dish inspired by traditional Polish stuffed cabbage rolls. This easy one-pot version captures all the classic flavors — seasoned ground beef, tender cabbage, rice, tomatoes, and warm spices — without the time-consuming rolling process. Ready in about 45 minutes, this cozy soup delivers rich, home-style comfort perfect for family dinners or cold-weather meals.
Key Takeaways
• Inspired by classic Polish stuffed cabbage rolls
• One-pot, beginner-friendly recipe
• Hearty and filling comfort food
• Ready in about 45 minutes
• Great for meal prep and leftovers
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This soup transforms the beloved flavors of golumpki into a simple, approachable meal. The cabbage becomes tender and flavorful while rice and beef make the soup satisfying and nourishing. It’s comforting, budget-friendly, and perfect when you want a homemade meal without complicated preparation.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 small yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups green cabbage, chopped
1 cup uncooked white rice
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
4 cups beef broth
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon brown sugar
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish)
Equipment
Large soup pot or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon
Knife and cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons
Ladle
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the beef
Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook for 5–6 minutes, breaking it apart until browned. Drain excess fat if needed. - Cook aromatics
Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. - Add cabbage and seasoning
Stir in chopped cabbage, paprika, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes to begin softening the cabbage. - Add liquids and rice
Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, and uncooked rice. Stir well to combine. - Simmer the soup
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes until rice is tender and cabbage is soft. - Balance flavor
Stir in brown sugar to balance acidity. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. - Serve warm
Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Tips & Variations
Use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter option.
Add smoked paprika for deeper flavor.
Use brown rice but increase cooking time slightly.
Add a splash of vinegar for traditional stuffed cabbage tang.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with crusty bread, rye bread, or buttered rolls. A dollop of sour cream on top adds extra richness and traditional flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding broth if thickened.
Freeze for up to 3 months for easy future meals.
Nutrition (Approx.)
Calories: 390 per serving
Protein: 22g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fat: 16g
Fiber: 5g
FAQs
What does Golumpki mean?
It refers to traditional Polish stuffed cabbage rolls filled with meat and rice.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, the flavor improves after resting overnight.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, replace beef with lentils and use vegetable broth.
Why add brown sugar?
It balances the acidity from tomatoes.
Does the rice absorb liquid later?
Yes, add extra broth when reheating if needed.
Conclusion
Golumpki Soup delivers all the comforting flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls in a simple, cozy one-pot meal. Hearty, flavorful, and easy to prepare, this Polish-inspired soup is perfect for warming up with a satisfying homemade dinner.