Polish Stuffed Cabbage Soup (Gołąbki Soup)

A Hearty Bowl of Comfort Inspired by Traditional Polish Cabbage Rolls

There’s something undeniably comforting about a steaming bowl of Polish Stuffed Cabbage Soup, also known as Gołąbki Soup (pronounced “go-womp-kee”). Inspired by the traditional Polish cabbage rolls — tender leaves stuffed with rice, meat, and aromatic tomato sauce — this soup captures all the classic flavors in an easier, one-pot version.

Perfect for chilly evenings or cozy family dinners, Gołąbki Soup is hearty, nourishing, and deeply satisfying. You get the same beloved combination of cabbage, ground meat, and rice simmered in a tomato-rich broth — but without the fuss of rolling and baking. This rustic, simplified version keeps all the heritage and heart of the original Polish dish while offering convenience for modern kitchens.

A Brief Taste of Polish Heritage

The word gołąbki translates to “little pigeons,” a charming nickname for the beloved stuffed cabbage rolls found across Poland. Traditionally, they’re served during holidays, Sunday dinners, and family celebrations, symbolizing warmth, care, and home.

Turning these rolls into a soup likely started as a clever way to use leftover filling or simplify the dish for everyday cooking. Over time, this stuffed cabbage roll soup became a Polish-American favorite, especially in regions with strong Eastern European roots. Each family has its own variation — some add pork, others turkey; some prefer more tomato flavor, others a touch of sweetness or tang.

No matter how it’s made, one thing remains constant: Gołąbki Soup tastes like home.

Why You’ll Love This Gołąbki Soup Recipe

• All the flavor, none of the fuss — no rolling or baking required!
• Hearty and wholesome — filled with lean protein, fiber, and comforting carbs.
• Perfect for meal prep — the flavors deepen beautifully as it sits.
• Freezer-friendly — ideal for make-ahead meals or batch cooking.
• Authentic taste — captures the soul of Polish cuisine in every spoonful.

Whether you’re Polish by heritage or simply love cozy comfort food, this soup will quickly earn a spot in your regular rotation.

Ingredients

For the Gołąbki Soup:

• 1 lb ground beef (or half beef and half pork for traditional flavor)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium head of green cabbage, cored and chopped (about 6 cups)
• 1 cup uncooked white rice (long-grain or basmati)
• 1 large carrot, diced
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 6 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

For Garnish:

• Fresh parsley or dill, chopped
• A dollop of sour cream (optional but highly recommended)

Instructions

1. Sauté the Aromatics
   Heat olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Stir in garlic and cook another 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Brown the Meat
   Add ground beef (or pork mixture) and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
3. Add Vegetables and Rice
   Stir in chopped cabbage, diced carrot, and uncooked rice. Let everything mix together so the rice and cabbage start to absorb some of the flavor.
4. Build the Broth Base
   Pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Add Worcestershire sauce, paprika, thyme, bay leaf, and brown sugar if using. Stir well to combine.
5. Simmer to Perfection
   Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and the cabbage is soft.
6. Adjust Seasoning
   Taste and adjust with additional salt, pepper, or a touch more Worcestershire if desired. For a creamier texture, you can stir in a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of sour cream directly into the pot.
7. Serve and Enjoy
   Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or dill. Add a dollop of sour cream on top if you like, and serve with crusty bread on the side.

Polish Stuffed Cabbage Soup (Gołąbki Soup)

A hearty, tomato-based soup inspired by traditional Polish cabbage rolls — filled with ground beef, cabbage, and rice for ultimate comfort.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 6 bowls

Course: Dinner, Soup

Cuisine: Eastern European, Polish

Calories: 290

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Soup Base

• 1 lb ground beef or half beef and pork mix
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion chopped
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 6 cups green cabbage chopped
• 1 cup white rice uncooked
• 1 carrot diced
• 28 oz crushed tomatoes
• 15 oz tomato sauce
• 6 cups beef broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tbsp brown sugar optional
• salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

• Large soup pot
• Wooden spoon
• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board

Method

 

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot. Sauté onions until translucent, then add garlic.
2. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
3. Stir in chopped cabbage, diced carrot, and uncooked rice.
4. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Mix in Worcestershire, paprika, thyme, and bay leaf.
5. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 30–40 minutes until rice and cabbage are tender.
6. Adjust seasoning to taste and remove bay leaf before serving.

Notes

For deeper flavor, use half beef and half pork. The soup thickens as it sits — add broth when reheating.

Tips for the Best Gołąbki Soup

• Use both beef and pork for an authentic Polish depth of flavor.
• Don’t skip the cabbage core! Chopped small, it adds natural sweetness.
• Simmer slowly — the longer it cooks, the richer it gets.
• Rice matters: Use long-grain rice to prevent mushiness.
• Add acid: A small splash of vinegar or lemon juice at the end brightens the tomato base.

Variations

• Low-Carb Version: Skip the rice and add extra cabbage and veggies.
• Vegetarian Twist: Replace meat with lentils or plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth.
• Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño.
• Slow Cooker Option: Combine all ingredients and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
• Freezer Meal: Cool completely, store in airtight containers, and freeze for up to 3 months.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this cozy soup with:

• Crusty rye bread or a slice of sourdough.
• A side of buttery mashed potatoes (very Polish pairing!).
• A crisp cucumber salad to balance the richness.
• A dollop of sour cream for creaminess and tang.

Pair it with a cup of black tea or a light Polish beer for a complete Eastern European comfort meal.

How to Store and Reheat

• Refrigerate: Keep in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Portion into freezer-safe bags or jars for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stove over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen consistency.

Fun Fact: The Many Names of Gołąbki

Depending on where you are, Polish stuffed cabbage rolls (and their soup versions) go by different names — “golumpki,” “golabki,” or “gołąbki.” Despite the spelling differences, they all refer to the same beloved dish — one that’s found in countless Polish cookbooks and family traditions across generations.

This soup is the ultimate expression of Polish hospitality — simple ingredients, slow cooking, and a result that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

Conclusion

Polish Stuffed Cabbage Soup (Gołąbki Soup) is everything we love about old-world comfort cooking — hearty, wholesome, and full of tradition. It transforms humble ingredients into something rich, flavorful, and timeless. Each spoonful brings a taste of Polish heritage, proving that great food doesn’t need to be complicated — it just needs to be made with love.

Serve it on a frosty evening, share it with family, or freeze a batch for cozy nights ahead. Either way, this Gołąbki Soup is destined to become a favorite at your table.