Golabki (Polish Stuffed Cabbage Rolls)

If you’re in the mood for a hearty, comforting meal that’s packed with rich flavors and a touch of tradition, then Golabki—Polish Stuffed Cabbage Rolls—are calling your name! This iconic Polish dish is the perfect combination of savory ground meat, rice, and aromatic spices, all wrapped up in tender cabbage leaves and smothered in a luscious tomato sauce. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll wonder why you hadn’t made them sooner!

The beauty of Golabki lies not just in its comforting flavors, but also in the process of making them. The cabbage rolls might seem like a bit of a labor of love at first, but once you have that delicious filling tucked into those soft cabbage leaves, you’ll be so proud of yourself. Plus, they’re great for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week!

Let’s get rolling—literally and figuratively—into this Polish favorite!

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

Comfort Food at Its Best:

There’s something so soothing about digging into a plate of Golabki. The soft, tender cabbage with its savory filling, drenched in a rich tomato sauce, is the definition of comfort food. It’s filling, hearty, and just downright delicious.

A Make-Ahead Meal:

This dish is great for meal prepping! The cabbage rolls freeze beautifully, so you can make a large batch and have them on hand for a busy week ahead. Plus, they taste even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld together.

Versatile & Customizable:

You can tweak the filling to your liking. Whether you prefer beef, pork, or a combination of both, the filling is entirely customizable. Want to sneak in some extra veggies or herbs? Go ahead! The beauty of Golabki is that it can be adjusted to suit your personal taste.

Perfect for Special Occasions:

This is one of those dishes that’s great for family dinners, holiday feasts, or gatherings. It’s impressive without being overly complicated, and it’s bound to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, everyone loves the satisfying, flavorful bites!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these comforting, delicious Polish Stuffed Cabbage Rolls:

For the Cabbage Rolls:

• Large Cabbage: The heart of this dish. You’ll need whole cabbage leaves to wrap around the filling, so choose one with a good number of large, tender leaves.
• Ground Beef: The star of the filling. Use a good-quality ground beef for a juicy, flavorful result. If you like, you can also mix in ground pork for a richer flavor.
• Rice: Adds heartiness and texture to the filling, making these cabbage rolls even more satisfying.
• Onion: For a hint of sweetness and depth of flavor in the filling.
• Garlic: Adds that perfect savory punch to the filling.
• Egg: Helps bind everything together and gives the filling a nice, cohesive texture.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, bringing the savory elements of the filling together.

For the Tomato Sauce:

• Canned Tomatoes: The base for the sauce. Choose whole peeled tomatoes for a chunkier sauce, or crushed tomatoes for a smoother consistency.
• Onion: Adds flavor and sweetness to the sauce.
• Garlic: A touch of garlic adds savory depth.
• Bay Leaves: Classic in many Polish dishes, bay leaves bring a subtle herby flavor to the sauce.
• Sugar: A pinch of sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.
• Vegetable or Chicken Broth: Adds richness to the sauce, making it perfect for simmering the cabbage rolls.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s walk through the steps to make these Golabki! The process may take a little time, but I promise, it’s worth every minute.

Prepare the Cabbage:

1. Boil the Cabbage: Start by removing the core of the cabbage. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and carefully lower the whole cabbage into the water. Let it boil for about 5-10 minutes, just enough to soften the leaves. As the cabbage softens, gently peel off the outer leaves one by one. Set the leaves aside to cool.
2. Trim the Thick Veins: Once the leaves are cool enough to handle, carefully trim out the thick vein along the center of each cabbage leaf. This will help the leaves roll up more easily.

Make the Filling:

3. Cook the Rice: In a separate pot, cook the rice according to package instructions. Once cooked, set it aside to cool slightly.
4. Prepare the Meat Filling: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef (and pork if using), cooked rice, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, beaten egg, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined. If the mixture feels too dry, add a splash of broth or water to bring it together.

Assemble the Cabbage Rolls:

5. Stuff the Cabbage Leaves: Place a cabbage leaf on a flat surface. Add a generous scoop of the meat and rice mixture to the center of the leaf. Roll it up by folding in the sides, then rolling it tightly from the bottom to the top. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
6. Arrange the Rolls: Line a large baking dish with the cabbage rolls, seam-side down, packing them tightly together. You want them to hold their shape while they cook.

Make the Tomato Sauce:

7. Prepare the Sauce: In a separate saucepan, sauté the chopped onion and garlic in a bit of oil until softened and fragrant. Add the canned tomatoes, bay leaves, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
8. Pour Over the Rolls: Once the sauce is ready, pour it over the cabbage rolls, making sure they’re completely covered. Add enough vegetable or chicken broth to ensure there’s some liquid around the rolls as they cook.

Cook the Golabki:

9. Simmer: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the cabbage is tender and the flavors have melded. You can also simmer the rolls on the stovetop in a covered pot if you prefer.

Serve and Enjoy:

10. Serve: Once the Golabki are ready, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve them hot with some of the tomato sauce spooned over the top.

How to Serve Golabki (Polish Stuffed Cabbage Rolls)

These cabbage rolls are delicious on their own, but here are a few ideas to elevate the meal:

With a Side of Mashed Potatoes:

Serve Golabki with creamy mashed potatoes to soak up that delicious tomato sauce. It’s the ultimate Polish comfort food combo.

With Rye Bread:

A nice, hearty slice of rye bread pairs perfectly with these cabbage rolls, especially when you want to scoop up the extra sauce.

With Sauerkraut:

If you’re feeling particularly traditional, serve these cabbage rolls with some tangy sauerkraut on the side for a delicious contrast in flavor.

With a Simple Salad:

A light, crisp salad dressed with a vinaigrette can balance the richness of the Golabki and add a refreshing crunch to your meal.

Additional Tips

Make It Ahead:

You can make Golabki ahead of time! Prepare the rolls and tomato sauce, then refrigerate them overnight. Simply bake or reheat when you’re ready to eat.

Freeze for Later:

These stuffed cabbage rolls freeze wonderfully. After baking, let them cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw and reheat in the oven or on the stovetop.

Try a Different Meat:

While the traditional filling is made with ground beef and pork, you can easily use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this dish.

For a Smoky Flavor:

Add a bit of smoked paprika or smoked sausage to the filling to give your Golabki a subtle smoky flavor.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use other vegetables in the filling?

A1: Yes! You can add grated carrots, finely chopped mushrooms, or even some spinach to the filling for added texture and flavor.

Q2: Can I use a slow cooker to make Golabki?

A2: Absolutely! You can cook these cabbage rolls in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. It will yield a super tender result.

Q3: Can I make Golabki without rice?

A3: Yes, you can leave out the rice if you prefer. You could substitute it with breadcrumbs, or simply increase the amount of meat and vegetables in the filling.

Q4: How can I make this dish spicier?

A4: If you like a bit of heat, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling or the sauce for a spicy kick.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?

A5: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to

3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.

Q6: Can I use frozen cabbage?

A6: While fresh cabbage is best for making rolls, you can use frozen cabbage if necessary. Just make sure to thaw it fully before using it.

Q7: Can I skip the tomato sauce?

A7: If you prefer a dry version, you can skip the sauce, but the rolls may dry out. I highly recommend using the sauce for extra flavor and moisture.

Q8: Can I make Golabki without the bay leaves?

A8: Yes, bay leaves are optional, but they add a lovely herby flavor to the sauce. You can skip them if you prefer a simpler taste.

Q9: Can I use a different type of meat for the filling?

A9: Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even lamb would work well in the filling. Just be sure to adjust seasoning accordingly.

Q10: How can I make this dish healthier?

A10: To make Golabki healthier, use leaner meat (like ground turkey or chicken), opt for brown rice instead of white rice, and cut down on the sugar in the tomato sauce.

Conclusion

There you have it! Golabki (Polish Stuffed Cabbage Rolls) are the ultimate comfort food—hearty, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re preparing them for a special family gathering or a cozy weeknight meal, these cabbage rolls will always impress with their savory filling, tender cabbage, and rich tomato sauce. With a few simple ingredients and a little love, you’ve created something truly delicious that’s sure to be cherished by everyone who tastes it. So, roll up those sleeves and get ready to make a dish that’s not only a culinary treat but also a beautiful part of Polish culinary tradition. Your family (and your taste buds) will thank you! Enjoy!

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