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One-Pot Golumpki Soup: Stuffed Cabbage Flavor Without the Rolling

Close-up of a bowl of hearty Golumpki soup filled with cabbage, ground meat, rice, and tomatoes in a rich broth.

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Get the comforting taste of traditional Polish Gołąbki in a simple, hearty one-pot soup. This recipe delivers classic flavor without the time-consuming labor of rolling cabbage leaves, perfect for a busy weeknight.

Ingredients

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  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef or ground pork
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 medium head green cabbage, thinly sliced (about 6 cups)
  • 1 cup uncooked white rice, rinsed
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup water (for thinning, if needed)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or stockpot over medium heat. Add the ground meat and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
  2. Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir to combine with the meat mixture.
  4. Add the beef broth, sliced cabbage, rinsed rice, brown sugar, marjoram, salt, and pepper. Stir everything well.
  5. Bring the soup to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 45 to 60 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the cabbage is soft.
  6. Stir the soup occasionally during simmering to prevent sticking. If the soup becomes too thick, add a small amount of water until you reach your desired consistency.
  7. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed before serving.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use a mix of ground beef and ground pork.
  • If you prefer a tangier soup, add 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
  • Serve this easy golumpki recipe hot with a dollop of sour cream for authentic Polish comfort food flavor.

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