Polish Stuffed Cabbage Soup (Golabki Soup) – A Hearty Bowl of Old-World Comfort

There’s something magical about recipes that trace their roots through generations — the kind that tell stories through aroma, flavor, and warmth. Polish Stuffed Cabbage Soup (Golabki Soup) is exactly that. A comforting, old-world dish that captures the essence of traditional golabki — Polish stuffed cabbage rolls — but with all the coziness of a one-pot soup.

This soup takes all the beloved flavors of classic stuffed cabbage — tender cabbage, savory ground beef, aromatic rice, and rich tomato broth — and turns them into a hearty, soul-warming bowl you’ll want to make again and again. It’s easy, comforting, and perfect for chilly evenings when you crave something that feels like home.

The best part? You get all the satisfaction of traditional golabki without the effort of rolling each leaf. Just chop, simmer, and enjoy.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (or half beef and half pork for richer flavor)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups green cabbage, chopped (about half a medium head)
• 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for lighter flavor)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried marjoram (or oregano)
• ½ teaspoon caraway seeds (optional, for authentic Polish flavor)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, balances acidity)
• Fresh dill or parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Brown the meat:
   Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add ground beef (and pork, if using), breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Add aromatics:
   Stir in the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
3. Add tomato base:
   Stir in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Mix well to coat the meat and onions in the tomato mixture.
4. Simmer with broth and cabbage:
   Pour in the beef broth, then add chopped cabbage, paprika, marjoram, caraway seeds (if using), and brown sugar. Stir to combine everything.
5. Cook until tender:
   Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer for 30–35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and the broth is rich and flavorful.
6. Add rice:
   Stir in cooked rice and simmer another 5–10 minutes to blend the flavors. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve and garnish:
   Ladle into bowls, sprinkle with fresh dill or parsley, and serve with crusty bread. Enjoy your cozy bowl of golabki soup!

Tips & Tricks:

• For extra depth, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika.
• If you prefer thicker soup, use less broth or add a slurry of cornstarch and water near the end.
• Substitute cauliflower rice for a lower-carb version.
• Add diced carrots or celery for extra texture and sweetness.

Variations:

• Vegetarian Version: Use lentils instead of ground beef and vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or a spoonful of hot paprika.
• Creamy Golabki Soup: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or sour cream at the end for a silky texture.

Polish Stuffed Cabbage Soup (Golabki Soup)

A hearty and comforting tomato-based soup filled with cabbage, rice, and ground beef — all the beloved flavors of traditional Polish golabki without the rolling.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 6 bowls

Course: Main Course, Soup

Cuisine: Eastern European, Polish

Calories: 280

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb ground beef (or half beef, half pork)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chopped cabbage
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 14 oz crushed tomatoes
• 8 oz tomato sauce
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried marjoram or oregano
• 0.5 tsp caraway seeds (optional)
• 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh dill or parsley for garnish

Equipment

• Large soup pot
• Wooden spoon
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife

Method

 

1. In a large soup pot, heat olive oil and brown ground beef.
2. Add onion and garlic; sauté until fragrant.
3. Add tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and tomato sauce; stir well.
4. Pour in broth and add cabbage, rice, and seasonings. Simmer for 30–35 minutes until tender.
5. Adjust seasoning, garnish with dill, and serve hot.

Notes

Classic Polish comfort in a bowl — rich, hearty, and satisfying with all the flavors of stuffed cabbage rolls.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with crusty rye bread or soft dinner rolls for soaking up the flavorful broth.
• Pair with a dollop of sour cream for a tangy finish.
• Sprinkle with extra fresh herbs for color and freshness.

Storage Information:

• Refrigerator: Keeps up to 4 days in an airtight container. The flavors deepen with time, making it even better the next day.
• Freezer: Cool completely and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
• Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until steaming hot.

FAQ:

Q: Can I use uncooked rice?
A: You can, but it will absorb more liquid as it cooks. Add an extra cup of broth and simmer longer until the rice is tender.

Q: What kind of cabbage works best?
A: Standard green cabbage holds up beautifully, but savoy cabbage adds a delicate texture if you prefer.

Q: Can I make it in a slow cooker?
A: Absolutely! Brown the meat first, then add all ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.

History & Fun Facts:

Golabki (pronounced “go-WOMP-kee”) literally translates to “little pigeons” — a term of endearment for the stuffed cabbage rolls beloved across Poland and Eastern Europe. Traditionally, families made them for holidays and celebrations, filling cabbage leaves with rice and seasoned meat before simmering in a rich tomato sauce.

The soup version became a practical, everyday twist — all the flavors of golabki with none of the rolling. It’s hearty, humble, and heartwarming — a dish that speaks of family gatherings, long winters, and the comfort of home-cooked food.

If you grew up with Polish roots, one spoonful might just bring back a flood of memories from your grandmother’s kitchen — and if not, this bowl might make you feel like you did.