Easy Golumpki Cabbage Roll Soup
All the comforting, savory flavors of traditional Polish stuffed cabbage rolls in a hearty, easy one-pot ground meat and tomato soup.
In a nutshell:This authentic polish-american easy golumpki cabbage roll soup comes together in just 50 minutes with simple ingredients. The chef's secret: standard green cabbage holds its tender ribbons without dissolving into mush over a long simmer. Perfect for home cooks seeking a dependable, restaurant-quality finish with minimal effort.
Riding Pinterest Predicts' massive 'Cabbage Crush' food trend, this Easy Golumpki Cabbage Roll Soup deconstructs traditional Polish stuffed cabbage rolls into a rich, soul-warming weeknight dinner. Tender ribbons of green cabbage simmer with browned beef, savory pork, rice, garlic, and a sweet-savory herbed tomato broth. Finished with a swirl of cool sour cream and fresh dill.
Key Equipment
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- Large 6-quart Dutch oven or soup pot
- Wooden spoon
- Ladle
Chef's Pro-Tips
- Use green savoy or green cabbage: Standard green cabbage holds its tender ribbons without dissolving into mush over a long simmer.
- 50/50 beef and pork blend: Combining lean beef with ground pork provides the authentic Polish flavor profile and juicy richness.
- Sweet-tangy tomato balance: Adding a splash of apple cider vinegar and brown sugar mirrors the classic sweet-sour Polish golumpki sauce.
Ingredients
8
servings
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1 lb lean ground beef (85/15), or ground chuck
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1 lb ground pork, for traditional Polish flavor
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1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 small head (about 6 cups) green cabbage, cored and chopped into bite-sized ribbons
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1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes, with juices
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1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce, for rich tomato broth
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4 cups low-sodium beef bone broth, or chicken broth
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1 cup long grain white rice, uncooked (or 2 cups cooked rice)
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2 tbsp brown sugar, balances tomato acidity
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1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, for signature Polish sweet-sour tang
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1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce and smoked paprika, for depth
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½ cup sour cream and fresh dill, for serving
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Brown Meats & Onion
In a large 6-quart Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook ground beef, ground pork, and chopped onion for 7-8 minutes, breaking meat into crumbles, until browned. Drain excess fat.
Add Garlic & Cabbage
Add minced garlic and chopped cabbage ribbons. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the cabbage begins to wilt down slightly.
Pour in Broth & Tomatoes
Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef bone broth, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly.
Simmer with Rice
Stir in the uncooked rice. Bring soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cabbage is tender and rice is cooked through.
Garnish & Serve
Ladle hot soup into bowls. Top each serving with a dollop of cold sour cream, freshly chopped dill, and black pepper. Serve with crusty rye bread!
Chef Clara's Kitchen Picks
Kitchen EssentialsAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nordic Ware Naturals Half Sheet, 2-Pack
Warp-resistant aluminum for even browning, from sheet-pan dinners to cookies.
View on AmazonVictorinox Fibrox Pro 8" Chef's Knife
Razor-sharp Fibrox Pro blade that home chefs and pros both reach for.
View on AmazonTILUCK Stainless Measuring Cups & Spoons, 10-Pc
Stainless steel cups and spoons that measure precisely and last.
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Locking tongs in two handy sizes for the stovetop and the grill.
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Non-stick paper for lining pans – easy release, easy cleanup.
View on AmazonWoodenhouse Teak Wooden Spoons, 10-Pc
Teak spoons gentle on cookware and built for daily stirring.
View on AmazonOXO Good Grips Silicone Whisk Set, 9" + 11"
Silicone whisks safe for nonstick pans, in two sizes.
View on AmazonUltra Cuisine Stainless Cooling Rack Set of 2
Stainless racks that fit half sheets – for cooling bakes and crisping roasts.
View on AmazonUmite Chef Stainless Mixing Bowls with Lids, 8-Pc
Nesting stainless bowls with airtight lids, from prep to storage.
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Six speeds with a snap-on storage case for the beaters.
View on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Yes! Brown the meats and onions first, then transfer all ingredients (except cooked rice) to a slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 6-7 hours. Stir in cooked rice 15 minutes before serving.
Yes! It freezes exceptionally well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth.
You can add raw rice to simmer directly in the broth, or stir in leftover cooked white rice during the final 5 minutes of simmering.