This Golumpki Soup Recipe brings all the comforting flavors of traditional Polish stuffed cabbage rolls into an easy one-pot soup. Ground beef, tender cabbage, rice, tomatoes, and savory seasonings simmer together in a rich broth for a hearty meal that’s perfect for chilly days.
Why This Recipe Works
- Easy one-pot meal: No stuffing or rolling cabbage leaves.
- Hearty and filling: Ground beef, rice, and cabbage make this soup satisfying.
- Rich tomato flavor: Tomatoes and tomato sauce create a delicious base.
- Perfect comfort food: Warm, savory, and ideal for fall and winter dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 cups chopped green cabbage
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 5 cups beef broth
- ¾ cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
How to Make Golumpki Soup
1. Brown the Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart as it browns. Drain excess grease if needed.
2. Add the Onion and Garlic
Stir in the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the Cabbage
Add the chopped cabbage to the pot and cook for about 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to soften.
4. Add the Soup Ingredients
Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, beef broth, uncooked rice, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, paprika, thyme, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
5. Simmer
Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice and cabbage are tender.
6. Finish the Soup
Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Stir in the fresh parsley and let the soup rest for a few minutes before serving.
7. Serve
Ladle the hot golumpki soup into bowls and serve with crusty bread or your favorite side.
Tips for the Best Golumpki Soup
Use a flavorful ground beef with enough fat to add richness, but drain excess grease after browning. You can also use a combination of ground beef and ground pork for a more traditional stuffed-cabbage flavor.
Keep an eye on the rice as the soup cooks because it will continue absorbing liquid as the soup sits. Add extra beef broth when reheating if the soup becomes too thick.
Final Thoughts
This Golumpki Soup Recipe is a simple way to enjoy the classic flavors of Polish stuffed cabbage rolls without all the extra preparation. Tender cabbage, savory beef, rice, and tomato broth come together in a cozy soup that’s perfect for a comforting family dinner.
