Hearty Golumpki Soup Recipe

Golumpki Soup is a comforting and hearty dish inspired by the classic Polish stuffed cabbage rolls, but in a much simpler, more accessible soup form. This recipe combines ground beef, cabbage, tomato puree, rice, and rich seasonings into a flavorful, filling soup that is perfect for cold nights. Packed with nutrients and flavors, it’s a family-friendly dish that will quickly become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Golumpki Soup brings the hearty flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls into a simple, one-pot meal. It has all the elements you love – tender cabbage, savory ground beef, and a rich tomato broth. The addition of brown rice adds a perfect texture and makes the soup even more filling. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a warm, satisfying meal. Plus, it’s versatile and can be adjusted to suit your tastes, whether you like it more tangy, salty, or spicy.

Ingredients

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

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6-8
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes – 1 hour 30 minutes (including simmering time)

Variations

Rice: If you prefer a quicker-cooking grain, you can substitute the long-grain brown rice with white rice. However, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
Meat: You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version of the soup.
Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce if you prefer a spicier soup.
Vegetarian: To make this soup vegetarian, use vegetable broth, omit the beef bouillon cubes, and replace the ground beef with plant-based protein or lentils.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: Golumpki Soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and heat on the stove until warmed through.
Reheating: Reheat on the stove over medium heat, adding a little extra water or broth if the soup has thickened too much during storage.

FAQs

1. Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?

Yes, you can substitute white rice for brown rice. However, white rice cooks faster, so be sure to adjust the simmering time accordingly (about 25-30 minutes should be sufficient).

2. Can I make Golumpki Soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker. After sautéing the onion and beef, transfer everything to the slow cooker, including the cabbage, tomato puree, soup, water, rice, and seasonings. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the rice is tender and the soup has reached your desired consistency.

3. Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, this soup is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure that the tomato soup you are using is gluten-free. Some canned tomato soups may contain gluten, so be sure to check the label.

4. Can I add other vegetables to this soup?

Absolutely! You can add carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini for more vegetables and extra flavor. Just chop them into small pieces and add them when you add the cabbage.

5. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato puree?

Yes, you can substitute fresh tomatoes for tomato puree, though it will require more preparation. You will need to peel, chop, and cook down the tomatoes before adding them to the soup.

6. How can I make the soup thicker?

If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a bit more rice or allow the soup to simmer uncovered for a little longer to reduce the liquid. You can also mash some of the cabbage or rice for extra thickness.

7. How do I know when the rice is done cooking?

The rice is done when it’s tender and fully cooked. You can taste a small spoonful of rice to check its texture. If it’s soft and chewy, it’s ready.

8. Can I use ground sausage instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground sausage can be used in place of ground beef for a different flavor profile. You might want to adjust the seasoning, as sausage is typically more flavorful and spiced than beef.

9. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld together. You can make it ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

10. Can I make this soup spicier?

For a spicier version, you can add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or even some diced jalapeños or chili peppers when cooking the soup.

Conclusion

Hearty Golumpki Soup is the perfect dish to warm you up on a cold day. With its rich flavors, tender cabbage, savory ground beef, and hearty rice, this soup is both comforting and satisfying. It’s a flexible recipe that you can easily adjust to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. Whether you’re serving it to a crowd or enjoying leftovers throughout the week, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite.