Polish Stuffed Cabbage Soup (Golabki Soup): A Comforting Taste of Tradition

There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of warm, hearty soup on a chilly day — and if you’re looking for a recipe that delivers rich flavor, wholesome ingredients, and cultural warmth, Polish Stuffed Cabbage Soup (Golabki Soup) is the perfect choice.

This beloved Eastern European dish captures all the cozy flavors of traditional Golabki (pronounced “go-womp-kee”), or Polish stuffed cabbage rolls, in a soul-satisfying, one-pot soup. It’s hearty, tomato-rich, and filled with tender cabbage, seasoned ground beef, and rice — without the time-intensive rolling and baking of the classic version.

🥣 What Is Golabki Soup?

“Golabki” literally translates to “little pigeons” in Polish, referring to the shape of traditional cabbage rolls stuffed with a mixture of meat and rice. In this soup version, the same beloved flavors are deconstructed into a cozy, family-style dish that’s easier to prepare — no cabbage leaves to roll, no fuss, just pure comfort.

Imagine spoonfuls of tender cabbage mingling with perfectly cooked rice and juicy bits of ground beef, all swimming in a tangy tomato broth infused with onion, garlic, and gentle spices. It’s the taste of home in every bite.

🇵🇱 A Little Cultural Background

Golabki is a dish deeply rooted in Polish cuisine and Eastern European cooking. Traditionally served at family gatherings, weddings, and Sunday dinners, cabbage rolls symbolize prosperity and good fortune. While the traditional version is wrapped and baked, the soup variation became popular among Polish-American families looking for the same flavor with less preparation time.

Over generations, this soup has become a comfort food classic — hearty, budget-friendly, and wonderfully adaptable to any season.

🧄 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One Pot, No Rolling: All the flavors of cabbage rolls in a simple soup.
• Family Friendly: Kids and adults alike love its savory, comforting taste.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Stores beautifully for several days — tastes even better the next day!
• Nutritious & Filling: Loaded with protein, fiber, and vitamins.
• Traditional Yet Easy: A shortcut version of a beloved Polish classic.

🥬 Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups cabbage, chopped (about ½ head)
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup cooked white rice (or ¾ cup uncooked if cooking directly in soup)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• 1 teaspoon sugar (balances acidity)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Sour cream, for serving (optional but traditional)

🥘 Instructions

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Heat olive oil or butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant and lightly golden, about 3–4 minutes.

Step 2: Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Add the Cabbage
Stir in the chopped cabbage, coating it in the beef mixture. Let it cook for 5 minutes until slightly wilted.

Step 4: Build the Broth
Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, paprika, thyme, and sugar. Stir well and bring to a boil.

Step 5: Add the Rice

• If using uncooked rice, add it now and simmer the soup for about 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until rice is tender.
• If using cooked rice, add it during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Step 6: Simmer and Season
Simmer the soup uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until the cabbage is soft and the flavors meld beautifully. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Ladle into bowls, top with a dollop of sour cream, and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread or rye toast.

Polish Stuffed Cabbage Soup (Golabki Soup)

All the comforting flavors of traditional Polish stuffed cabbage rolls transformed into a hearty, tomato-rich soup with beef, rice, and tender cabbage.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 6 bowls

Course: Main, Soup

Cuisine: Eastern European, Polish

Calories: 290

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Soup Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 4 cups cabbage chopped
• 15 oz tomato sauce
• 15 oz diced tomatoes
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup cooked rice or ¾ cup uncooked rice
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1 tsp sugar
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
• sour cream optional, for serving

Equipment

• Large soup pot
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Wooden spoon

Method

 

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot and sauté onion and garlic until golden.
2. Add ground beef, cook until browned, and drain excess fat.
3. Stir in chopped cabbage and cook for 5 minutes until wilted.
4. Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, broth, paprika, thyme, salt, pepper, and sugar. Stir well.
5. Add rice (uncooked or cooked, depending on preference). Simmer for 30–35 minutes.
6. Taste and adjust seasonings. Garnish with parsley and serve with sour cream.

Notes

This soup tastes even better the next day as flavors meld. Freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.

💡 Recipe Tips

1. Use Lean Beef: Keeps the soup from becoming greasy while still rich and flavorful.
2. Cabbage Options: Green cabbage is traditional, but savoy or napa cabbage can work beautifully.
3. Add Smoky Flavor: Mix in a bit of smoked paprika or chopped bacon for depth.
4. Make It in a Slow Cooker: Brown the beef and aromatics first, then cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
5. Freezes Well: Store cooled soup in containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

This soup is hearty enough to stand on its own, but pairing it makes it even better:

• Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping into the tomato broth.
• Rye Rolls or Garlic Toast: Complements the Polish flavor profile.
• Side Salad: A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness.
• Pierogi Night: Serve a small bowl alongside cheese or potato pierogi for a complete Polish-inspired meal.

🕒 Storage and Reheating

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if it thickens.

For freezing, cool completely before storing. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat and enjoy — the flavors only get better over time.

🔄 Variations

1. Turkey Golabki Soup: Substitute ground turkey for a lighter version.
2. Vegetarian Twist: Use lentils or plant-based crumbles instead of beef.
3. Rice-Free Option: Replace rice with cauliflower rice or barley for a low-carb or fiber-rich twist.
4. Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes or a diced jalapeño if you like a little heat.

❤️ Why FoodieMoms Love This Recipe

At FoodieMoms, we’re all about comfort with simplicity. This Polish Stuffed Cabbage Soup brings that classic home-cooked feel to your table without the time or effort of making full cabbage rolls.

It’s a meal that warms both the belly and the heart — a nostalgic taste of tradition, adapted for busy weeknights. The rich tomato base, tender cabbage, and seasoned meat come together in harmony, reminding us that some of the best recipes are the ones passed down — or reinvented — through generations.

🧠 Fun Fact

Cabbage rolls are found in many cuisines — from golabki in Poland to sarma in the Balkans and holubtsi in Ukraine. What makes Golabki distinct is its slightly sweet tomato base and the comforting simplicity that defines Polish home cooking. The soup version is a testament to how traditional recipes evolve with modern kitchens while keeping their heart intact.