Name: Polish Cabbage Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Polish
Ingredients: 1 large green cabbage; 1 lb ground beef; 1/2 cup uncooked rice; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 large egg; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 2 cups tomato sauce; 1 tsp sugar; 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar

There’s something undeniably heartwarming about Polish cabbage rolls, or “golabki.” These bundles of tender cabbage leaves filled with savory meat and rice are the kind of dish that makes you feel wrapped in tradition and love. Whether you grew up with them or are tasting them for the first time, they offer a comforting, old-world flavor that just feels like home.

This recipe captures the essence of traditional Polish cooking: simple, wholesome ingredients, slowly cooked to perfection. The rolls are nestled in a tangy tomato sauce and baked until the flavors meld into something truly special. It’s the kind of meal that feeds the soul as much as the stomach.

Why You’ll Love This Polish Cabbage Rolls Recipe

These cabbage rolls are the perfect combination of hearty and healthy. The filling is rich and satisfying, but it’s all tucked into cabbage, making it naturally gluten-free and packed with fiber. The tomato sauce adds a touch of acidity that balances the richness, and every bite is flavorful without being heavy. Plus, they reheat beautifully, making them great for leftovers or meal prep.

What Kind of Cabbage Should I Use for Cabbage Rolls?

You want a head of green cabbage that’s large and firm, with loose outer leaves. Savoy cabbage is also a great option since it has a softer texture and is easier to roll when blanched. Avoid red cabbage as it tends to be tougher and its color can bleed into the filling. The key is to blanch the leaves just enough so they’re flexible but still strong enough to hold the filling without tearing.

Ingredients for the Polish Cabbage Rolls Recipe

The ingredients for these classic Polish cabbage rolls are humble but work together beautifully to create something deeply flavorful. You’ll need just a few pantry staples, plus a good head of cabbage and some ground meat to get started.

Green cabbage: The star of the dish, providing the wrap for the filling. Choose a large, firm head.
Ground beef: Adds a rich and savory flavor to the rolls.
Uncooked rice: Helps bulk up the filling and adds a nice texture once cooked.
Onion: Brings in sweetness and depth to the meat mixture.
Garlic: A must for enhancing the savory profile.
Egg: Binds the filling together.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the filling to taste.
Tomato sauce: The comforting, slightly tangy blanket that ties it all together.
Sugar: Just a pinch to balance the acidity of the tomato sauce.
Lemon juice or vinegar: Enhances the brightness of the sauce.

How To Make the Polish Cabbage Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage Leaves

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Core the cabbage and carefully peel off the leaves. Blanch each leaf for about 2 minutes until pliable. Drain and set aside to cool.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, uncooked rice, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well until evenly combined.

Step 3: Roll the Cabbage

Place a spoonful of filling onto each cabbage leaf. Fold the sides over the filling and roll tightly like a burrito. Set each roll seam-side down in a baking dish.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In a separate bowl, mix the tomato sauce with a pinch of sugar and a splash of lemon juice or vinegar. Pour the sauce evenly over the cabbage rolls in the baking dish.

Step 5: Bake

Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour, until the rolls are cooked through and the sauce is bubbly and rich.

How to Serve and Store Polish Cabbage Rolls

Polish cabbage rolls are best served warm right out of the oven, with a generous ladle of the tangy tomato sauce poured over the top. These rolls are filling and satisfying on their own, but they also pair well with mashed potatoes or crusty bread for soaking up the sauce.

This recipe yields about 6 to 8 servings, depending on the size of your cabbage leaves and how full you pack them. Leftovers keep beautifully and even taste better the next day. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage; just place them in a freezer-safe container and reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to enjoy.

What to Serve With Polish Cabbage Rolls?

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

A buttery, fluffy mash is the perfect comfort pairing for cabbage rolls. It catches all that savory tomato sauce.

Rye Bread or Crusty Sourdough

Slices of warm bread help scoop up the filling and sauce, and the sourness complements the rolls perfectly.

Dill Pickles

Add a tangy crunch on the side. The contrast in texture and acidity is a traditional and refreshing touch.

Cucumber Salad

Light and crisp, a cucumber salad with vinegar dressing cuts through the richness of the rolls.

Roasted Carrots

A sweet, earthy side that complements the tomato and beef without overpowering them.

Sauteed Mushrooms

Earthy mushrooms cooked with a bit of butter and garlic are a wonderful warm side dish.

Sour Cream

A dollop on the side adds creaminess and a cool contrast, especially if your sauce is on the tangier side.

Beet Salad

This earthy and slightly sweet dish is a nod to Eastern European cuisine and balances well with the savory rolls.

Want More Comfort Food Dinner Ideas?

If you love these Polish cabbage rolls, there are more cozy recipes that bring hearty flavors to the table:

• Try the Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini for a Tex-Mex twist that’s both creamy and bold.

• Enjoy a bowl of Cajun Potato Soup when you’re craving something spicy and satisfying.

• Dig into the comforting goodness of Mom’s Signature Macaroni Salad, especially great as a chilled side dish.

• For a heartier baked meal, you can’t go wrong with Creamy Chicken and Broccoli, a creamy casserole full of flavor.

• Looking for more soups and stews? Check out the Delicious Texas-Style Chili for something smoky and robust.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

Let me know in the comments how your cabbage rolls turned out. Did you go with ground beef, pork, or a mix? Maybe you added a pinch of smoked paprika or tucked in a surprise herb?

I always love hearing your tweaks and tips. If you have questions, feel free to ask. We’re all in this kitchen together.

Explore more feel-good meals, traditional comforts, and easy dinner inspirations over at Zoe Recipes on Pinterest: Zoe Recipes on Pinterest

Conclusion

Polish cabbage rolls are one of those timeless meals that carry stories with every bite. Whether you’re honoring a family tradition or discovering them for the first time, this dish delivers warmth, flavor, and plenty of love. With a little care and a few basic ingredients, you can create a meal that’s as comforting as it is delicious.