Polish Cabbage Rolls Recipe

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Polish Cabbage Rolls, or “Gołąbki,” are the ultimate comfort food straight from Eastern European kitchens. These tender cabbage leaves are wrapped around a savory filling of seasoned ground meat and rice, then simmered in a rich tomato sauce until perfectly tender. Each bite is hearty, flavorful, and deeply nostalgic—the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out.

Whether you’re making them for a Sunday dinner, a family gathering, or simply because you’re craving something cozy, these cabbage rolls are always a hit. They freeze beautifully, reheat like a dream, and the combination of the soft cabbage with the juicy meat filling makes them irresistible to kids and adults alike.

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What Kind of Cabbage Should I Use?

Green cabbage is traditional for Polish cabbage rolls, and for good reason. Its broad, pliable leaves become tender and easy to roll after a quick blanching. If you’re in a pinch, savoy cabbage works too, offering a similar texture with a bit more ruffle.

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Ingredients for the Polish Cabbage Rolls Recipe

Green Cabbage: The star of the show. Its large, sturdy leaves make it perfect for wrapping.

Ground Meat: Typically a mix of pork and beef for a balance of flavor and richness.

Cooked Rice: Adds texture and helps bind the filling together.

Onion: Finely chopped and sautéed for a sweet aromatic base.

Garlic: Just a couple of cloves make a big impact in the filling.

Egg: Acts as a binder to hold the meat and rice together.

Tomato Sauce: Poured over the rolls for that signature tangy finish.

Salt & Pepper: Basic seasoning, but absolutely essential.

Paprika: Adds a warm, subtle depth to the filling.

Fresh Parsley: Brightens everything up at the end.

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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 green cabbage and gently peel off the leaves. Blanch them in the boiling water for 2–3 minutes until softened. Set aside to cool.

Step 2: Cook the Rice and Onion

Cook your rice according to package instructions. Meanwhile, sauté chopped onions in a bit of oil over medium heat until translucent. Let them cool slightly before mixing.

Step 3: Make the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, cooked rice, sautéed onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix well with your hands until everything is evenly incorporated.

Step 4: Assemble the Rolls

Place a cabbage leaf flat, add about 2 tablespoons of the filling near the stem end, and roll it up like a burrito—tucking in the sides as you go. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.

Step 5: Layer and Sauce

In a large baking dish or Dutch oven, add a thin layer of tomato sauce. Place the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish. Pour the rest of the tomato sauce over the top.

Step 6: Bake Until Tender

Cover tightly with foil or a lid and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the cabbage is tender and the flavors are fully developed.

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How to Serve and Store Polish Cabbage Rolls

Serve these rolls warm, right out of the oven, with extra tomato sauce spooned over the top and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. They’re great paired with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or even a cool dollop of sour cream on the side.

To store leftovers, let the rolls cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them individually for easy reheating—just thaw overnight and warm in the oven or microwave.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely. Brown rice works well and adds a slightly nuttier flavor and extra fiber. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before mixing into the filling.

Can I make cabbage rolls ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the rolls a day in advance, refrigerate them, and then bake when ready. They’re perfect for meal prep.

What meat is best for cabbage rolls?

A combination of ground pork and beef gives the best flavor and texture. You can also use turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

Can I cook these in a slow cooker?

Definitely. Layer the cabbage rolls and sauce in your slow cooker and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours.

Do I have to pre-cook the cabbage?

Yes, blanching the cabbage makes it pliable and easy to roll without tearing. Don’t skip this step!

What if I have leftover filling?

You can form it into meatballs and cook them in the same tomato sauce, or freeze it for future cabbage rolls.

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Want More Comfort Food Ideas?

If you love these Polish cabbage rolls, you’ll want to try these other hearty and delicious meals:

• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli is rich and packed with flavor.
• Deep Hamburger Sausage Pepperoni Pie for meat lovers who crave something indulgent.
• Garlic Parmesan Beef Spaghetti Pasta offers a cheesy twist on classic pasta.
• Funeral Potatoes bring creamy, cheesy comfort in every forkful.
• Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole is the perfect cozy side dish or meatless main.

For more family-style comfort food and Eastern European classics, follow me on Pinterest: Life with Nina.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

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

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you stick with the classic pork and beef or go lighter with turkey? Did you go spicy or keep it traditional?

I love seeing how others add their personal spin to these dishes. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook better and bolder.

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