Here’s a classic Polish Stuffed Cabbage Rolls recipe—hearty, comforting, and full of traditional flavors.
Polish Stuffed Cabbage Rolls (Gołąbki)
Why You’ll Love This
- Tender cabbage leaves wrapped around savory beef and rice filling
- Cooked in a flavorful tomato sauce
- Perfect for family dinners or holiday meals
- Freezer-friendly for make-ahead convenience
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork (optional)
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika (optional)
For the Cabbage Rolls
- 1 large head of cabbage
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 cup water or beef broth
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (optional, balances acidity)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar
- 2 tbsp butter or oil
Directions
Step 1: Prepare Cabbage
- Bring a large pot of water to boil.
- Core cabbage and carefully separate leaves.
- Boil leaves for 2–3 minutes until pliable, then drain and cool.
Step 2: Make the Filling
- In a bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, cooked rice, onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Mix thoroughly.
Step 3: Assemble Rolls
- Place about 2–3 tablespoons of filling on each cabbage leaf.
- Fold sides over filling and roll tightly from the stem end.
Step 4: Prepare Sauce
- In a baking dish or pot, combine tomato sauce, water or broth, brown sugar, lemon juice, and butter.
- Stir to mix well.
Step 5: Cook the Rolls
- Place cabbage rolls seam-side down in the sauce.
- Cover and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 60–75 minutes.
- Alternatively, simmer on the stovetop over low heat for 60–75 minutes.
Step 6: Serve
- Spoon sauce over rolls when serving.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or rye bread for a traditional meal.
Tips
- For extra flavor, sauté onions and garlic before adding to the filling.
- Freeze uncooked rolls for up to 3 months; bake directly from frozen, adding extra 15–20 minutes.
- Use a sharp knife to core cabbage to avoid tearing leaves.
Variations
- Vegetarian: Use rice, mushrooms, and lentils for filling
- Spicy: Add paprika or chili flakes to the filling
- Sweet & Tangy Sauce: Mix in a bit of tomato paste and a splash of vinegar
