Hearty Golumpki Soup Recipe – A Comforting Polish-Inspired Classic

by

Hearty Golumpki Soup Recipe – A Comforting Polish-Inspired Classic

If you’re craving robust, soul-warming flavors that pay homage to traditional Eastern European cuisine, this Golumpki Soup is your new go-to. Inspired by the beloved Polish stuffed cabbage rolls (Gołąbki), this soup transforms the classic dish into a one-pot meal that is rich, savory, and incredibly satisfying. It’s ideal for chilly evenings, large family dinners, or meal prep for the week.

Packed with ground beef, sweet onion, hearty cabbage, tomato-rich broth, and nutty brown rice, every spoonful delivers depth and comfort. Let’s dive into this flavorful recipe that combines tradition with convenience.

What Is Golumpki Soup?

Golumpki Soup is a deconstructed version of Polish cabbage rolls, also known as Gołąbki. Instead of individually rolling cabbage leaves around a meat and rice filling, all the ingredients are cooked together in a flavorful tomato broth. The result? A hearty, stew-like soup that captures the essence of the original dish with significantly less effort.

Ingredients for Golumpki Soup

Fats & Aromatics

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 large sweet onion, diced

Protein

  • 1 pound lean ground beef

Liquids & Base

  • 3 cups water
  • 1 (28-ounce) can tomato puree
  • 3 (15.7-ounce) cans condensed tomato soup

Vegetables & Grains

  • 1 head cabbage, chopped into bite-size pieces
  • 1 cup long-grain brown rice

Flavor Enhancers

  • 2 beef bouillon cubes
  • Worcestershire sauce, to taste
  • Salt and ground black pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the Onion and Beef

In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced sweet onion and cook until translucent and fragrant, about 5–7 minutes.

Add the ground beef to the pot and cook until fully browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

2. Add Cabbage and Simmer

Stir in the chopped cabbage, and cook for 5 minutes until it starts to soften. This step allows the cabbage to absorb the beef flavor and begin breaking down.

3. Pour in the Tomato Base

Add the tomato puree, condensed tomato soup, and water to the pot. Stir well to combine. Toss in the beef bouillon cubes, allowing them to dissolve and enrich the broth with umami depth.

4. Add Rice and Seasoning

Add the long-grain brown rice, and season the soup with Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper to taste. For authentic flavor, use 3–4 dashes of Worcestershire sauce to add depth and tang.

5. Simmer to Perfection

Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 45–60 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the cabbage has reached your desired texture. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Pro Tips for the Best Golumpki Soup

Use Brown Rice for a Nutty Texture

Brown rice not only adds fiber and nutrition but also provides a more toothsome bite compared to white rice, making this soup hearty enough to be a full meal.

Go for Sweet Onion

Sweet onion balances the acidity of the tomato base and enhances the natural flavor of the beef and cabbage.

Add Worcestershire for Umami

A few splashes of Worcestershire sauce deepen the savory notes of the broth, imitating the complexity of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls.

Make Ahead for Maximum Flavor

This soup is even better the next day. The flavors continue to develop and blend, making leftovers something to look forward to.

Serving Suggestions

Golumpki Soup is hearty on its own, but here are a few ways to serve it:

  • With crusty rye bread or sourdough rolls
  • Topped with a dollop of sour cream and fresh dill
  • With a side of pickled vegetables or cucumbers
  • Sprinkle fresh parsley or a few red pepper flakes for garnish

Storage and Reheating

Refrigeration

Store cooled soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days.

Freezing

Freeze in individual portions or large containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently over the stove on medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. Microwave in 1–2 minute intervals, stirring in between.

Make It Your Own – Customization Tips

  • Add diced carrots or bell peppers for extra color and nutrients.
  • Use ground turkey or pork as an alternative to beef.
  • Add a pinch of paprika or allspice for deeper Eastern European flair.
  • Make it spicy with a few dashes of hot sauce or red pepper flakes.

Why This Golumpki Soup Belongs in Your Recipe Rotation

This Golumpki Soup recipe delivers everything you love about classic Polish cabbage rolls, without the labor of rolling and baking. It’s rich, comforting, economical, and packed with whole food ingredients that nourish and satisfy. Perfect for batch cooking, freezing, or feeding a crowd, it’s a flavorful nod to tradition that’s also family-friendly and weeknight easy.

Leave a Comment