Description

There’s something incredibly comforting about a plate of homemade Polish stuffed cabbage rolls. Known as Gołąbki (pronounced guh-WOMP-kee), these tender cabbage leaves are wrapped around a delicious filling of ground beef, pork, and rice, then simmered in a rich tomato sauce. This dish has been passed down through generations in my family, and each time I make it, it brings back warm memories of my grandmother humming in the kitchen while preparing these little parcels of love.

Not only are these stuffed cabbage rolls hearty and satisfying, but they’re also surprisingly easy to prepare. They’re perfect for family gatherings, cozy dinners, or meal prep since they taste even better the next day! Serve them with creamy mashed potatoes or fresh bread to soak up the delicious sauce, and watch them disappear in no time.

Ingredients

• Cabbage Rolls:
• 1 large head of green cabbage (Savoy cabbage is a good substitute)
• 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
• ½ lb ground pork (or substitute with ground turkey for a lighter option)
• 2 cups cooked rice (short-grain or jasmine rice works best)
• 1 egg
• ½ grated onion
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Tomato Sauce:
• 28 oz crushed tomatoes
• ½ grated onion
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ cup water
• 1 tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Optional Garnish:
• Fresh dill or parsley
• Sour cream for serving

Preparation Method

1. Core the cabbage and boil in salted water for 10-15 minutes until softened. Cool and separate the leaves, trimming the thick stem from each.

2. In a bowl, mix ground beef, ground pork, grated onion, minced garlic, cooked rice, lemon zest, egg, salt, and pepper until combined.

3. In a saucepan, heat olive oil and sauté grated onion and minced garlic for 3-4 minutes. Add crushed tomatoes, water, salt, and pepper, and simmer for 15 minutes.

4. Place 2-3 tablespoons of filling on each cabbage leaf, fold sides inward, and roll tightly. Arrange rolls seam-side down in a baking dish and pour tomato sauce over them.

5. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 50-60 minutes until tender. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

6. Garnish with fresh dill or parsley and serve with sour cream, mashed potatoes, bread, or salad.

Tips and Conclusion

If you want to prepare these in advance, assemble the rolls and refrigerate them overnight. They can also be frozen for up to three months—just thaw and bake when needed. For a twist, add some chopped mushrooms or a handful of fresh herbs to the filling for an extra layer of flavor.

Stuffed Polish cabbage rolls are more than just a meal—they’re a culinary experience full of nostalgia and heartwarming flavors. With their tender cabbage leaves, savory filling, and rich tomato sauce, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your household. Try this recipe today and discover why my family calls them “comfort food at its finest.”

Looking for more hearty, traditional recipes? Check out our other dishes and bring a taste of old-world charm to your table. Don’t forget to share your creations with us—we’d love to see how they turn out! 😊