Description
Cozy, comforting, and packed with traditional flavor, these Polish Stuffed Cabbage Rolls (Gołąbki) are the perfect go-to for a hearty family dinner. Tender cabbage leaves envelop a savory blend of ground beef, pork, and rice, simmered gently in a tangy tomato sauce. This easy recipe is ideal for anyone looking for quick dinner ideas, comforting food ideas, or meal prep for busy weeks. It’s naturally gluten-free and perfect for fans of wholesome, old-world cuisine. Great for lunch or dinner, it also freezes beautifully—perfect for batch cooking!
Ingredients
1 large green cabbage
1 pound ground beef
1/2 pound ground pork
1 cup cooked white rice
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large egg
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
2 cups crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice or vinegar
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Gently remove cabbage leaves and blanch for 2–3 minutes until softened. Set aside to cool.
2. In a large bowl, mix ground beef, ground pork, rice, onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and paprika until fully combined.
3. Place 2–3 tablespoons of filling in each cabbage leaf. Fold in sides and roll tightly like a burrito.
4. In a separate pot, combine crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10–15 minutes.
5. Line the bottom of a large pot or casserole with extra cabbage leaves. Place the rolls seam-side down. Layer as needed.
6. Pour the tomato sauce over the rolls. Cover and simmer over low heat for 1 to 1.5 hours until tender.
7. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley and extra sauce.
Notes
Make sure cabbage leaves are fully softened to prevent tearing during rolling.
You can freeze uncooked or cooked rolls for up to 3 months.
For a vegetarian version, substitute meat with cooked lentils and mushrooms.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop, Simmer
- Cuisine: Polish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 rolls
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 510mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Polish stuffed cabbage rolls, Gołąbki, easy dinner recipe, comfort food, cabbage recipes