Golumpki Soup

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Rich, hearty, and brimming with old-world comfort, Golumpki Soup is your shortcut to traditional stuffed cabbage rolls without all the rolling and fuss. This one-pot wonder takes all the classic Polish flavors—savory beef, sweet cabbage, and tangy tomato—and brings them together in a warm, soul-soothing bowl. Each spoonful captures the essence of slow-cooked Eastern European goodness with much less time in the kitchen.

Perfect for chilly evenings, cozy gatherings, or easy weeknight dinners, this soup transforms humble ingredients into a meal that feels both nostalgic and nourishing. Whether you grew up with Golumpki or it’s your first taste of this classic, this soup version is sure to become a new favorite.

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Why You’ll Love This Golumpki Soup

This soup delivers all the flavor of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls in a fraction of the time. It’s hearty, affordable, and reheats like a dream. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and packed with protein and fiber, making it a filling meal all on its own. No need to fuss with rolling cabbage leaves—just chop, simmer, and serve!

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Can I Use a Different Kind of Cabbage?

Absolutely! While green cabbage is traditional and gives that sweet mellow flavor as it cooks down, feel free to try Savoy cabbage or even Napa cabbage if you want a softer texture. Just keep in mind that different varieties may cook a bit faster, so watch your simmering time.

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Ingredients for the Golumpki Soup

To build that classic Golumpki taste in soup form, every ingredient plays a specific role:

• Ground beef: This is the hearty base of the soup, providing richness and protein.
• Green cabbage: A signature ingredient, it brings that slightly sweet earthiness and soft texture after simmering.
• Onion: Adds savory depth to balance the sweetness of the cabbage and tomatoes.
• Garlic: Infuses the broth with aromatic warmth.
• Diced tomatoes: Provide acidity and body, making the broth rich and flavorful.
• Tomato sauce: Helps thicken the soup while enhancing the tomato base.
• Beef broth: The savory liquid that binds it all together.
• Uncooked white rice: Adds bulk and makes the soup feel like a full meal.
• Bay leaf: Adds a subtle herby aroma and depth.
• Salt, pepper, and paprika: Simple seasonings that round out the profile with just the right touch.

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How To Make the Golumpki Soup

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until fully browned. Drain any excess fat to keep the soup from being greasy.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Add chopped onions and garlic to the beef and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Vegetables and Liquids

Stir in the chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, and seasonings. Add the bay leaf now too. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 4: Add the Rice

Once the soup reaches a boil, stir in the uncooked rice. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer gently for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the cabbage has softened.

Step 5: Taste and Adjust

Remove the bay leaf, taste the soup, and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired.

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How to Serve and Store Golumpki Soup

This comforting bowl of Golumpki Soup makes 6 generous servings, perfect for feeding the family or stocking up for easy lunches. Serve it hot with crusty bread or a light cucumber salad for contrast. It stores wonderfully in the fridge for up to 4 days and also freezes well—just portion it into containers and reheat on the stove or microwave when needed.

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What to Serve With Golumpki Soup?

Cucumber Dill Salad

A crisp, tangy cucumber salad cuts through the richness of the soup and keeps the meal feeling light.

Rye Bread or Crusty Rolls

A dense rye or sourdough roll is perfect for soaking up the savory tomato broth.

Roasted Root Vegetables

Add an earthy, caramelized side with oven-roasted carrots, parsnips, or potatoes.

Pierogi

A few cheese or potato pierogi served on the side make for a hearty Polish-inspired dinner.

Sour Cream Dollop

Add a swirl of tangy sour cream to each bowl for a creamy contrast.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, Golumpki Soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Store in an airtight container and reheat gently.

Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Absolutely. Let it cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When reheating, you might need to add a splash of broth or water as the rice will continue absorbing liquid.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Definitely. Ground turkey makes a great lighter alternative. You can even try ground pork or a mix for more flavor depth.

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Want More Soup Ideas with Hearty Comfort?

If this Golumpki Soup hit the spot, try these other warm, satisfying meals next:

• Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup
• A Hearty and Comforting Tuscan Bean Soup
• Easy Vegetable Beef Soup
• Hearty Potato Kielbasa Soup
• Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

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Save This Pin For Later

Save this recipe to your Pinterest soup board so you can find it again on a chilly evening.
Have you tried this with ground turkey or thrown in leftover rice instead? Let me know in the comments! Your kitchen twists inspire others to make it their own. And as always, if you’re craving daily inspiration, visit me over on Pinterest at Nora Nosh Recipes.

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