Golumpki Soup is a comforting Polish-inspired dish that transforms traditional cabbage rolls (golumpki) into a hearty, flavorful soup. Instead of rolling individual cabbage leaves, this soup features ground meat, rice, and cabbage simmered in a tangy tomato broth, giving you all the flavors of classic golumpki in an easy-to-eat soup form.
This soup is perfect for cozy dinners, meal prep, or when you crave a hearty, satisfying dish full of rich flavor.
Ingredients
For the Soup
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1 pound ground beef or pork (or a mix)
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1 cup cooked rice
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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4 cups chopped cabbage
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4 cups beef or chicken broth
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1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
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1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
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1 tablespoon tomato paste
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1 teaspoon paprika
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1 teaspoon dried thyme
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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2 tablespoons olive oil
Optional Garnish
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Fresh parsley, chopped
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Sour cream
Instructions
1. Prepare the Meat and Rice Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well and set aside.
2. Sauté the Cabbage
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped cabbage and sauté for 5–6 minutes until slightly softened.
3. Build the Soup Base
Add beef or chicken broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and dried thyme to the pot. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle boil.
4. Form Mini Golumpki “Balls”
Take small portions of the meat and rice mixture and form them into bite-sized balls (about 1–2 tablespoons each).
Carefully drop the meatballs into the simmering soup.
5. Simmer
Reduce heat to low and simmer the soup for 25–30 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the cabbage is tender.
6. Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and a dollop of sour cream if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread or rolls.
Tips for Perfect Golumpki Soup
Use small meatballs
Bite-sized meatballs cook evenly and quickly.
Don’t overcook the cabbage
Keep it slightly tender for the best texture.
Flavor boost
Add a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to enhance the tanginess of the tomato broth.
Make ahead
This soup tastes even better the next day after flavors have melded.
Variations
Turkey or Chicken Version
Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
Vegetarian Golumpki Soup
Skip the meat and add more vegetables like carrots, zucchini, and mushrooms. Add lentils for protein.
Spicy Version
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne for heat.
Creamy Golumpki Soup
Stir in ½ cup of sour cream or cream at the end for a richer soup.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigeration:
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheating:
Reheat on the stovetop over low-medium heat until warmed through.
Freezing:
Golumpki soup freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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All the flavor of classic cabbage rolls without the fuss of rolling
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Tender meatballs and cabbage in a savory tomato broth
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Perfect for cold weather or comfort meals
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Quick, easy, and family-friendly
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Freezer-friendly for meal prep
Golumpki Soup is a delicious and convenient take on traditional Polish cabbage rolls. With tender meatballs, hearty cabbage, and a flavorful tomato broth, it’s a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, family meals, or anytime you crave homemade comfort food.