Polish Style Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

There are certain dishes that bring families together, dishes that are passed down through generations, and those recipes that instantly feel like home. For me, that dish is Polish-Style Stuffed Cabbage Rolls (known as Gołąbki in Polish). This hearty, comforting meal has been a household favorite for years, all thanks to my Polish aunt who taught me the recipe. The combination of tender cabbage leaves stuffed with seasoned meat, rice, and vegetables, topped with a rich tomato sauce, is the kind of meal that makes you feel cozy and content with every bite.

These stuffed cabbage rolls have become a go-to meal in my home. Whether for a family dinner, special gathering, or just a comfort food craving, they never fail to please. In this blog post, we’ll dive into how to make this delicious dish, why it’s so special, and how to make it your own. If you’re ready for a true taste of Polish tradition, grab your ingredients and let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love Polish Stuffed Cabbage Rolls (Gołąbki)

Comfort Food at Its Finest
The warm, soft cabbage, the savory filling, and the rich tomato sauce come together to create the perfect comforting meal. Gołąbki are a true classic.

Simple Yet Flavorful
Despite the seemingly long list of ingredients, this dish is surprisingly easy to make and packed with flavor from start to finish.

Versatile
Stuffed cabbage rolls are great for any occasion. You can serve them for dinner, make them ahead for a busy week, or even freeze them for later.

Great for Meal Prep
Make a big batch, and you’ll have leftovers for days. These cabbage rolls actually taste even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld together.

A Taste of Tradition
This recipe has been passed down in my family, and I’m excited to share it with you. There’s something special about cooking a dish with such a rich heritage that brings family traditions to life.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Polish-Style Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

For the Stuffed Cabbage Rolls (Gołąbki), you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Cabbage Rolls:

1 large head of cabbage (about 12-14 large leaves)

1 lb ground beef (you can also use a mix of ground beef and pork for a more traditional taste)

½ cup cooked rice (white rice or even brown rice will work)

1 small onion, finely chopped

1 large egg

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon pepper

1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

For the Tomato Sauce:

1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 tablespoon vinegar (apple cider or white vinegar)

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon pepper

1 tablespoon olive oil

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Gołąbki (Polish Stuffed Cabbage Rolls)

Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage

Start by preparing the cabbage. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove the leaves from the head of cabbage (you’ll need about 12-14 large leaves). It’s easier to do this if you cut out the hard stem at the bottom of the cabbage.

Blanch the cabbage leaves by placing them in the boiling water for 2-3 minutes until they become tender and easy to roll. Once the leaves are softened, remove them from the water and set them aside to cool. Be sure to keep the larger, outer leaves intact to avoid tearing them when you roll them.

Step 2: Make the Meat Filling

While the cabbage is cooling, make the meat filling. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, egg, salt, pepper, and optional thyme and parsley. Mix everything together until well combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Cabbage Rolls

Once the cabbage leaves are cool enough to handle, cut out the tough stem from each cabbage leaf to make rolling easier.

Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the meat filling in the center of each cabbage leaf. Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling, then roll it up tightly, securing the stuffing inside. Repeat the process until all the filling and cabbage leaves have been used.

Step 4: Prepare the Tomato Sauce

In a separate pot, combine the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, brown sugar, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Allow the sauce to cook for about 5 minutes, giving the flavors time to meld together. Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more salt, pepper, or vinegar as needed.

Step 5: Cook the Cabbage Rolls

In a large, deep pot or Dutch oven, arrange the stuffed cabbage rolls tightly together. Pour the prepared tomato sauce over the rolls, making sure they are covered in sauce. If there is extra sauce, pour it on top, ensuring the cabbage rolls are completely immersed.

Cover the pot with a lid and simmer on low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the cabbage rolls are fully cooked and the flavors have melded together. Every 30 minutes, check the rolls and baste them with the tomato sauce.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the cabbage rolls are cooked through, serve them hot with extra sauce from the pot. You can garnish with a bit of fresh parsley if desired. Gołąbki are perfect on their own or served alongside mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or a fresh salad.

Tips for Making the Perfect Gołąbki (Polish Stuffed Cabbage Rolls)

Blanch the Cabbage Leaves Carefully: Don’t skip the blanching step! It’s important for making the cabbage leaves tender enough to roll. If you skip it, the leaves may tear or be too stiff to roll up easily.

Use a Mix of Meats: For a more traditional flavor, you can use half ground beef and half ground pork. Pork adds richness and flavor to the filling.

Don’t Overstuff: When rolling the cabbage leaves, be sure not to overstuff them. Too much filling can cause the rolls to burst open while they cook. A couple of tablespoons of filling per roll is just the right amount.

Slow and Low Cooking: The key to perfectly tender stuffed cabbage rolls is slow cooking. Let the cabbage rolls simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours to allow the flavors to develop and the cabbage to become soft and tender.

Make Ahead: These stuffed cabbage rolls are perfect for making ahead. You can prepare them up to the point of cooking and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or freeze them for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, simply heat them in a covered pot with the tomato sauce.

Variations to Try

While Gołąbki are a classic Polish dish, there are many variations that you can try to make this dish your own. Here are a few ideas:

Vegetarian Gołąbki: Instead of meat, try stuffing the cabbage rolls with a mix of rice, lentils, mushrooms, and spices for a hearty vegetarian version.

Spicy Gołąbki: Add a little heat to your tomato sauce by incorporating red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños into the sauce.

Smoked Meat Version: Try adding smoked sausage or ham to the filling for a unique flavor twist.

Rice-Free: If you prefer to skip the rice, you can use quinoa, couscous, or even cauliflower rice as a substitute.

Serving Suggestions

Gołąbki are a meal in themselves, but you can serve them with a variety of sides to create a complete, satisfying meal:

Mashed Potatoes: The creamy, buttery potatoes pair beautifully with the rich tomato sauce of the cabbage rolls.

Bread: A fresh loaf of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.

Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps balance out the rich flavors of the stuffed cabbage rolls.

Conclusion

Polish-Style Stuffed Cabbage Rolls (Gołąbki) are a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious. The combination of tender cabbage leaves, savory meat filling, and rich tomato sauce creates a meal that’s perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or even meal prepping. This recipe, passed down from my Polish aunt, is a true family favorite, and it’s easy to see why it has stood the test of time. Whether you’re new to Polish cuisine or a seasoned pro, these stuffed cabbage rolls are sure to win over your heart and your taste buds.

So, grab a head of cabbage, roll up some goodness, and enjoy a comforting meal that’s been loved for generations!

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