Name: Hearty Golumpki Soup: 6 Reasons to Love This Polish Classic
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Polish
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 4 cups chopped green cabbage; 1 medium onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes; 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce; 4 cups beef broth (low-sodium); 1 cup cooked white rice; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon sweet paprika; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1 bay leaf; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Golumpki Soup is a delightful and hearty dish that captures the essence of traditional Polish stuffed cabbage rolls in a fraction of the time. This comforting bowl is filled with tender green cabbage, savory ground beef, tangy tomatoes, and rice, making it perfect for chilly days or when you need a satisfying meal. The blend of flavors creates a cozy atmosphere, reminding me of family gatherings and festive occasions. With this easy recipe, you can enjoy the warmth of a classic Polish dish right in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Golumpki Soup

This Golumpki Soup is not just delicious; it’s also incredibly versatile and easy to prepare. Here are a few reasons why you’ll adore it:

Quick and simple to make—perfect for busy weeknights.
Packed with protein and fiber, making it a healthy meal option.
Can be customized with different meats or vegetarian alternatives.
Great for meal prep; it stores well and tastes even better the next day.
Kid-friendly and perfect for family dinners.
Infused with traditional Polish flavors, it’s a taste of home.

This savory cabbage soup recipe is a wonderful way to introduce your family to different cuisines while keeping dinner exciting.

Hearty Golumpki Soup: 6 Reasons to Love This Polish Classic - Golumpki Soup - main visual representation

Ingredients for Golumpki Soup

Gather these items:

1 pound ground beef
4 cups chopped green cabbage
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
4 cups beef broth (low-sodium)
1 cup cooked white rice
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
1 teaspoon sugar
1 bay leaf
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

How to Make Golumpki Soup Step-by-Step

Step 1: In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 2: Add chopped onion and garlic to the beef. Cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
Step 3: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt, pepper, paprika, and sugar. Let simmer for 3–4 minutes.
Step 4: Pour in beef broth and add the bay leaf. Bring to a gentle boil.
Step 5: Stir in chopped cabbage. Cover and simmer for 25–30 minutes until the cabbage is tender.
Step 6: Add the cooked rice and stir. Let simmer uncovered for 5–10 minutes to thicken slightly.
Step 7: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Remove bay leaf before serving.
Step 8: Serve hot with chopped parsley on top and a slice of crusty bread.

Pro Tips for the Best Golumpki Soup

Keep these in mind:

This soup is perfect for chilly days.
It makes great leftovers that can be reheated without losing flavor.
You can adjust the spices to your preference for a more customized taste.
For a gluten-free Golumpki Soup recipe, substitute rice for quinoa or omit it entirely.

Best Ways to Serve Golumpki Soup

Here are some delicious ideas for serving this comforting dish:

Pair with crusty bread or rolls for dipping.
Serve alongside a light salad to balance the meal.
Top with a dollop of sour cream for added richness.

How to Store and Reheat Golumpki Soup

This soup is great for meal prep! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just remember to leave out the rice if you plan to freeze it, as it can become mushy when thawed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Golumpki Soup

What’s the secret to perfect Golumpki Soup?

The secret lies in the balance of flavors! Using fresh ingredients and allowing the soup to simmer helps meld the flavors beautifully, making for a rich and hearty cabbage roll soup that everyone will enjoy.

Can I make Golumpki Soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. You can easily make it ahead for a busy weeknight one-pot Golumpki Soup meal that saves time.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Golumpki Soup?

To avoid common mistakes, be sure to watch the cooking time for the cabbage—overcooking can make it mushy. Also, don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning throughout the cooking process.

Variations of Golumpki Soup You Can Try

If you’re feeling adventurous, here are some variations to consider:

For a vegetarian option, replace ground beef with lentils or a meat substitute.
Try adding different spices, like cumin or chili flakes, for a unique flavor twist.
Incorporate other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for added nutrition.

Whether you’re making a comforting bowl of Polish Golumpki Soup or a hearty stuffed cabbage soup, this recipe is sure to please.