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Bowl of Golumpki Soup featuring cabbage, ground beef, and rice in a savory broth.

Golumpki Soup

A cozy soup that captures the flavors of stuffed cabbage without the fuss of rolling leaves. This warm, tangy dish is perfect for a comforting weeknight meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb Ground beef or ground turkey Use ground turkey for a lighter version.
  • 1 medium Onion, chopped
  • 2-3 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1/2 head Green cabbage, chopped Cut into bite-sized pieces.
  • 2 medium Carrots, sliced Optional, adds sweetness.
  • 14.5 oz Canned diced tomatoes
  • 8 oz Tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
  • 4 cups Beef broth or chicken broth
  • 1 cup Cooked rice Can add uncooked rice, adjust broth accordingly.
  • to taste Salt and black pepper
  • 1 tbsp Paprika Sweet paprika is traditional.
  • 1 leaf Bay leaf Optional, for added flavor.
  • to taste Vinegar or lemon juice, to finish Add a splash before serving.

Method
 

Cooking
  1. In a large pot, brown the ground beef or turkey over medium heat until fully cooked, ensuring it gets some color for flavor.
  2. Add chopped onions and garlic, sauté until the onions are translucent.
  3. Stir in chopped cabbage and cook for a few minutes until it begins to wilt.
  4. Add sliced carrots, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and bay leaf.
  5. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and let simmer for about 45 minutes until the flavors meld and the cabbage is tender.
  6. If using uncooked rice, add it in during the last 20 minutes of cooking and adjust liquid as necessary.
  7. Taste before serving and adjust seasoning if necessary. Stir in a splash of vinegar or lemon juice before serving.

Notes

This soup stores well in the fridge for about 4 days. It can be frozen without rice to maintain texture. Consider serving with crusty bread, a salad, or a sprinkle of fresh parsley.