Stuffed Cabbage Rolls (Traditional Golabki Style)

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a classic comfort food made with tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory filling of seasoned meat and rice, then slowly baked in a rich tomato sauce until perfectly tender.

Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: About 2 hours
Servings: 6–8

---

Ingredients

Cabbage Rolls

• 1 large green cabbage
• 1½ lbs (700 g) ground beef (or a beef and pork mix)
• 1 cup cooked white rice
• 1 large onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano

Tomato Sauce

• 2 cans (14–15 oz each) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional, balances acidity)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Toppings

• Sour cream
• Fresh parsley or dill
• Grated Parmesan cheese

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cabbage

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Remove the core from the cabbage.
3. Carefully place the cabbage in boiling water.
4. Peel off leaves as they soften, about 1–2 minutes per leaf.
5. Drain and let cool.
6. Trim the thick center vein from each leaf for easier rolling.

---

2. Make the Filling

1. In a large bowl, combine:
   • Ground beef
   • Cooked rice
   • Onion
   • Garlic
   • Egg
   • Parsley
   • Salt
   • Pepper
   • Paprika
   • Oregano
2. Mix until just combined (avoid overmixing).

---

3. Roll the Cabbage Rolls

1. Place a cabbage leaf flat.
2. Add about 2–3 tablespoons of filling near the bottom.
3. Fold in the sides and roll tightly like a burrito.
4. Repeat until all filling is used.

---

4. Prepare the Sauce

1. Mix crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, broth, brown sugar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Spread a layer of sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
3. Arrange cabbage rolls seam-side down.
4. Pour remaining sauce over the top.

---

5. Bake

1. Cover tightly with foil.
2. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 75 minutes.
3. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

---

Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

• Mashed potatoes
• Crusty bread
• Sour cream
• Pickled vegetables
• Simple cucumber salad

---

Variations

Polish Style (Golabki)

Use a beef and pork mixture with rice and a mild tomato sauce.

Ukrainian Style

Add buckwheat instead of rice and serve with sour cream.

Low-Carb Cabbage Rolls

Replace rice with:

• Cauliflower rice
• Chopped mushrooms
• Extra vegetables

Cheesy Cabbage Rolls

Top with mozzarella or Parmesan during the last 10 minutes of baking.

---

Storage

• Refrigerator: Up to 4 days in an airtight container
• Freezer: Up to 3 months
• Reheat gently in sauce on the stovetop or oven.

---

Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 32 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fat: 21 g
• Fiber: 5 g

These hearty cabbage rolls are tender, flavorful, and even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.