Golabki – Polish stuffed cabbage rolls – are pure comfort food in every bite. Tender cabbage leaves wrap around a savory mixture of ground beef and rice, then slowly cook in a rich tomato sauce until perfectly soft and flavorful. This golabki recipe tastes just like the ones my babcia used to make, filling the kitchen with warmth and tradition. If you’re looking for a hearty, old-world dinner that feeds the whole family, these Polish stuffed cabbage rolls deliver timeless flavor and cozy satisfaction.
A Dish Passed Down Through Generations
In Poland, golabki are more than just dinner. Families serve them at holidays, Sunday gatherings, and special occasions. Every babcia has her own version.
The name “gołąbki” means “little pigeons,” though no one knows exactly why. What we do know is that these cabbage rolls represent tradition, patience, and love.
Why You’ll Love This Golabki Recipe
Authentic Polish flavor
Simple pantry ingredients
Feeds a crowd
Comforting and hearty
Perfect for make-ahead meals
The combination of beef, rice, and tomato sauce creates rich, satisfying bites.
Ingredients for Golabki
For the Rolls
1 ½ pounds ground beef
1 head white cabbage
1 cup cooked rice (cooled)
1 large onion, chopped
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 tablespoons breadcrumbs
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Tomato Sauce
1 ½ cups chicken or beef broth
5 oz tomato paste
½ teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon thyme
¼ cup heavy cream (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Why These Ingredients Work
Ground beef provides rich, hearty flavor.
Rice keeps the filling tender and light.
Tomato paste creates deep sauce flavor.
Paprika adds subtle warmth.
Heavy cream softens the acidity of the tomato.
How to Make Golabki
Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage
Remove the cabbage core.
Discard outer leaves.
Blanch whole head in boiling water for 5 minutes.
Cool slightly.
Carefully peel off leaves.
Trim thick veins for flexibility.
Step 2: Make the Filling
Heat oil in pan.
Sauté onion until translucent. Cool.
In a large bowl, combine:
Ground beef
Cooked rice
Breadcrumbs
Onion
Salt and pepper
Mix well.
Step 3: Assemble the Rolls
Place spoonful of filling onto cabbage leaf.
Fold sides inward.
Roll tightly.
Place seam-side down in baking dish.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
Whisk together broth, tomato paste, oregano, paprika, and thyme.
Add cream if desired.
Step 5: Cook the Golabki
Pour sauce over rolls.
Cover tightly.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 1 to 1½ hours
OR simmer gently on stove.
Cook until cabbage is tender and meat fully cooked.
Serving, Storage & Variations
What to Serve with Golabki
Creamy mashed potatoes
Crusty bread
Simple cucumber salad
Buttered dill potatoes
Storage
Refrigerate up to 4 days.
Freeze up to 3 months.
Reheat gently in oven or stovetop.
Variations
Use ground beef and pork mix
Add garlic to filling
Swap rice for barley
Skip cream for lighter sauce
Frequently Asked Questions
What does golabki mean?
Golabki means “little pigeons” in Polish.
Can I freeze stuffed cabbage rolls?
Yes. Freeze before or after cooking for up to 3 months.
Why are my cabbage leaves tearing?
Trim thick veins and blanch properly to soften leaves.
Can I make golabki ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
Calories: ~450–500
Protein: 25–30g
Carbohydrates: 30–35g
Fat: 25–30g
Golabki – Polish Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Polish
Description
Golabki are traditional Polish stuffed cabbage rolls filled with pork and rice, baked in rich tomato sauce.
Ingredients
1 ½ pounds ground beef
1 head cabbage
1 cup cooked rice
1 onion
2 tbsp breadcrumbs
1 1/2 cups broth
5 oz tomato paste
Paprika, oregano, thyme
Salt and pepper
Instructions
1. Blanch cabbage leaves.
2. Saute onion.
3. Mix pork, rice and seasonings.
4. Roll filling in cabbage.
5. Pour tomato sauce over.
6. Bake 1-1.5 hours.