There’s something about the smell of simmering cabbage, garlic, and tomatoes that makes a kitchen feel like home. Especially when it’s cold outside and everyone’s noses are a little red. Golumpki Soup isn’t just a meal. It’s the kind of pot you leave on the stove for folks to keep dipping into. That’s how you know it’s good.
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What is Golumpki Soup?
Golumpki Soup is a warm, comforting twist on traditional Polish gołąbki — stuffed cabbage rolls. Instead of rolling each leaf, we’ve tucked all that cozy flavor into one big pot. Same ingredients. Less work.
The name “golumpki” is the Americanized version of gołąbki. It’s packed with ground sausage, soft cabbage, hearty rice, and a rich tomato broth. This version comes together in just about 45 minutes and makes enough to feed eight hungry folks.
It’s the ultimate weeknight soup for fall or winter. Just grab a spoon and maybe a slice of crusty bread.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First, it’s a one-pot wonder. No rolling. No layering. Just toss, stir, and simmer.
Second, the flavors get even better the next day. This soup was made for leftovers.
Third, it freezes beautifully. Make a big batch now, then stash some away for later.
It’s family-friendly, satisfying, and smells like someone’s Polish grandma is visiting. You’ll come back to this one again and again.
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
The heart of this soup starts with simple, affordable ingredients. Here’s what to gather:
- Cabbage: Go for green cabbage, finely diced. The smaller the better for even cooking.
- Sausage: Italian turkey sausage keeps things lighter, but pork works too.
- Rice: Uncooked white rice gives the soup body and a soft chew.
- Tomato base: Tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and V8 juice build a rich, tangy broth.
- Flavor builders: Onion, garlic, thyme, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
If you’re watching your sodium, use reduced-sodium broth, tomatoes, and V8 juice. It still turns out hearty and flavorful.
How to Make Golumpki Soup (Step-by-Step)
Start with the Sausage and Vegetables
Grab a large stock pot and set it over medium heat.
Brown the sausage until it’s fully cooked. Break it into small crumbles.
Next, toss in the chopped onion. Let it soften for about 3–4 minutes.
Then add the diced cabbage. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until it starts to wilt a little.
Push everything to the sides of the pot and make a well in the center.
Build the Tomato Base
Add the tomato paste right in the middle. Let it toast for a minute or two. You’ll know it’s ready when it turns a deep, brick red. That step adds a sweet, roasted depth.
Then stir in the diced tomatoes, V8 juice, and beef broth.
Add the garlic, Worcestershire, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir.
Simmer and Finish
Pour in the uncooked rice.
Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then lower the heat to a simmer.
Cover the pot and let it cook for 25–30 minutes. The cabbage should be soft and the rice tender.
If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of warm broth to loosen it.
Taste and adjust salt or seasonings if needed.
Cooking Tips & Variations
- Dice cabbage small: This helps it cook evenly and quickly.
- Toast the tomato paste: That quick step makes a big difference in flavor.
- Watch the rice: Add it uncooked, but not too early. You want it to be tender, not mushy.
- Too thick? Thin with broth.
- Too thin? Simmer uncovered for a few minutes to reduce.
Want to try the slow cooker method? Brown your sausage first, then add everything to the slow cooker and let it go on low until the cabbage softens and the rice is fully cooked.
Make it ahead and refrigerate overnight. The next day? Even better.
This soup also freezes well. Just let it cool, portion it out, and store for up to 3 months. Reheat gently with broth as needed.
Serving Suggestions
We love this soup with:
- Warm, crusty bread
- Buttered rolls
- A bright, crispy salad
It also pairs beautifully with something creamy, like this Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew for Cozy Nights, or even a side of Buttery Herb Stuffing – A Hearty Side.
FAQ About Golumpki Soup
What are golumpki made of?
Traditional golumpki (stuffed cabbage rolls) are made with cabbage leaves filled with a mixture of ground meat, rice, onion, and spices, then baked in a tomato sauce. This soup version uses all the same ingredients in a much simpler form.
What country is golumpki from?
Golumpki comes from Poland. It’s a classic comfort food in many Polish households and has been passed down through generations.
What are the 4 ingredients in cabbage soup?
Basic cabbage soup usually includes cabbage, tomato (or tomato juice), broth, and aromatics like onion or garlic. This version includes more for a richer, heartier flavor.
What is the famous soup in Italy?
Minestrone is one of Italy’s most famous soups. It’s packed with vegetables, beans, and pasta or rice in a tomato-based broth.
Golumpki Soup Recipe Card
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Golumpki Soup – Simple, Hearty, and Amazing Comfort
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
A warm and comforting soup inspired by Polish stuffed cabbage rolls (gołąbki). This one-pot version is packed with savory sausage, tender cabbage, hearty rice, and a rich tomato broth—ready in just 45 minutes.
Ingredients
1 lb ground Italian turkey sausage (or pork)
1 medium onion, chopped
1 small to medium green cabbage, finely diced
1/2 cup uncooked rice
2–3 tbsp minced garlic
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes (reduced sodium preferred)
1.5 cups V8 juice (low sodium preferred)
4 cups beef broth (homemade or store-bought, low sodium)
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp thyme
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
Instructions
1. In a stock pot over medium heat, brown the sausage until fully cooked.
2. Add chopped onions and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
3. Stir in the cabbage and cook 2–3 minutes until slightly softened.
4. Push ingredients to the sides of the pot, creating a space in the center.
5. Add the tomato paste in the center and toast 1–2 minutes until brick red.
6. Stir in diced tomatoes, V8 juice, broth, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
7. Add the uncooked rice and stir well.
8. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer.
9. Cover and cook for 25–30 minutes until rice and cabbage are tender.
10. Stir occasionally, and thin with broth if needed before serving.
Notes
To deepen flavor, toast tomato paste before adding liquids.
Dice cabbage small for quicker, even cooking.
Use low-sodium versions of broth and tomatoes if reducing salt.
Soup thickens as it sits—add a splash of broth when reheating.
Freezes well; great for leftovers and meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup Recipes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Polish-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 214
- Sugar: 9
- Sodium: 1211
- Fat: 5
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Unsaturated Fat: 4
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 26
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 16
- Cholesterol: 42
More Such Recipes
If you enjoy hearty soups and easy meals like this one, check out these favorites:
- One-Pot Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole
- Slow Cooker Crack Chicken – Comfort Food Classic
- Creamy Tomato White Bean Stew for Cozy Nights
Final Thoughts
Golumpki Soup makes comfort food simple. It brings old-school flavor into your weeknight routine without any fuss.
It’s one of those recipes that fills the house with warmth and feeds everyone with love. So if you’re looking for a hearty, affordable meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for leftovers, this soup’s waiting for you.
For more kitchen inspiration and cozy meals, follow along on Pinterest and Facebook.