Stuffed cabbage rolls, known as ‘gołąbki’ in Polish, are a comforting dish that brings a taste of old-world tradition to your home. These cabbage rolls are tender, covered in a savory tomato sauce, and filled with flavorful meat and rice. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, they have been a staple for generations, often served during festive gatherings and enjoyed by all ages. Making these cabbage rolls is a wonderful way to explore Polish culinary heritage, and they offer a warm and satisfying meal that your family will ask for again and again.
Polish stuffed cabbage rolls pair beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or freshly baked bread to soak up the savory sauce. A light cucumber salad or some tangy sauerkraut can add a refreshing crunch to the meal. Don’t forget a dollop of sour cream on the side for a cool, creamy contrast. A slice of warm apple pie or a simple fruit salad could make for a delightful dessert after such a hearty dish.
Polish Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Servings: 6
Ingredients
1 large head of cabbage
1 pound ground beef
1/2 pound ground pork
1 cup cooked rice
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 egg
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups tomato sauce
1 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (optional)
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and carefully place the whole cabbage in the pot. Boil for about 10 minutes until the leaves are tender. Remove from the water and let it cool.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
4. Carefully separate the cabbage leaves from the head. Take a leaf and place about 1/4 cup of the meat mixture in the center. Fold the sides over the filling and roll it up. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
5. In a large baking dish, pour a bit of tomato sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking. Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish.
6. In a separate bowl, mix together the tomato sauce, beef broth, sugar, and lemon juice. Pour this sauce over the cabbage rolls.
7. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the cabbage is tender and the meat is cooked through.
8. Sprinkle with fresh dill before serving, if using.
Variations & Tips
For a leaner option, use ground turkey instead of beef and pork. Add more vegetables by mixing grated carrots or chopped mushrooms into the filling. For a spicy twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some finely chopped jalapeño to the meat mixture. If you have picky eaters, try making a small batch with just rice and vegetables as a filling. For a gluten-free version, ensure your beef broth and tomato sauce are gluten-free, and serve with gluten-free sides.