Classic Stuffed Cabbage Rolls (Golabki)

Craving a classic stuffed cabbage recipe? My easy cabbage rolls, or Golabki, are pure comfort food! A savory filling in tender cabbage – perfect for a chilly night. Get the recipe!

May 24, 2025
By Sandra.

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Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever crave that warm, comforting hug in a bowl? this stuffed cabbage recipe is basically that feeling, but in food form.

Honestly, it's like a flavour explosion of savoury meat and tangy tomato.

Brief Overview

These hearty cabbage rolls, sometimes called golabki , hail from eastern europe. they're considered proper soul food! this recipe is medium difficulty and takes about 2 hours 45 minutes.

It makes enough for 6-8 people.

Main Benefits

Cabbage is a fantastic source of vitamin c! these rolls are proper perfect for a sunday dinner with the family.

What makes this best cabbage rolls recipe special? they're totally homemade and bursting with flavour.

What Makes These Cozy Cabbage Rolls Special?

They are like the ultimate comfort food. the tender cabbage leaves are packed with the tastiest filling. think: beef, pork, and fluffy rice.

Then, it's all simmered away in a rich tomato sauce. honestly, it's the best, innit?

Recipe For Cabbage Rolls: A Step-by-Step Guide

This ain't a super quick recipe. but trust me, the time is so worth it. imagine the smell wafting through your house! this recipe for cabbage starts with prepping the cabbage.

You gently boil it until those leaves are pliable. then comes the fun part - filling and rolling.

Getting Started: The Secret Ingredients

First, you will need a large head of cabbage. around 2-3 lbs, to be precise. you'll also need ground beef and ground pork, about a pound and half a pound, respectively.

Rice, tomatoes, and some herbs and spices complete the picture. don't forget the garlic!

Time to Roll: Assembling Your Stuffed Cabbage

The easy cabbage rolls come together by placing a spoonful of the meat mixture into the cabbage leaf. after this, fold in the sides and roll it up like a small burrito.

The key is to roll them tightly, so they don't fall apart while cooking.

Simmering Away: Cooking the Best Cabbage Rolls

Arrange the cabbage stuffed rolls in a pot with a delicious homemade tomato sauce. then, let them simmer gently for about 2 hours.

This gives the easy stuffed cabbage a chance to become wonderfully tender and flavourful.

Serving Up Happiness: The Final Touch

Once they're cooked through, serve these best cabbage rolls with a dollop of sour cream. mashed potatoes are also a great shout.

Maybe even a nice slice of crusty bread to mop up all that lovely sauce. bon appétit! or, as they might say in an arabisk mad household, sahtain !

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!

Right then, ready to tackle this stuffed cabbage recipe ? don't worry, it's easier than you think. i promise! we'll break down exactly what you need.

Think of it like this: recipe for cabbage rolls ? more like recipe for fun!

Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Matter

Okay, here's the lowdown for this Best Cabbage Rolls Recipe . Remember when my nan always said fresh ingredients make all the difference? She wasn’t wrong!

• Cabbage: 1 large green cabbage (2-3 lbs or 900g-1.3kg) . Look for a cabbage that feels heavy for its size. The leaves should be firm. No squidgy bits, yeah?
• Ground Beef: 1 lb (450g) . About 80/20 blend is perfect.
• Ground Pork: ½ lb (225g) . Adds a richness, honestly.
• Cooked Rice: 1 cup (200g) . Long grain works best. Make sure it's cooled!
• Egg: 1 large . Just one.
• Onion: 2 medium (150g each) . Finely chopped, mind.
• Garlic: 4 cloves . Minced, of course.
• Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (28 oz) can (794g) . Tinned tomatoes are great if you want it easy.
• Tomato Sauce: 1 (15 oz) can (425g) . The backbone of our sauce.
• Tomato Paste: 1 tbsp (15 ml) . Concentrated flavour!
• Chicken Broth: 1 cup (240 ml) . Low sodium, ideally.
• Olive Oil: 2 tbsp (30 ml) .
• Spices: Dried oregano ( 1 tsp ), dried basil ( ½ tsp ), dried marjoram ( 1 tsp ), sweet paprika ( ½ tsp ). Plus salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar.

Seasoning Notes: Spice it Up!

• Spice Combo: Marjoram and paprika are key! Think Best Cabbage Rolls ever .
• Flavour Boosters: A little sugar in the tomato sauce balances the acidity.
• Substitutions: No marjoram? Thyme or savory will work in a pinch. Honestly, you can adapt this Recipe For Cabbage to your preferences.

Equipment Needed: Simple Tools

Listen, you don't need fancy kit for this easy cabbage rolls malarkey. Just the essentials:

• Large Pot: For boiling the cabbage. My trusty old one does the job.
• Large Skillet/Dutch Oven: For the sauce and simmering. This is where the magic happens.
• Mixing Bowl: For the filling.
• Slotted Spoon: To rescue the cabbage leaves.
• Cutting Board & Knife: Obvious, innit?

If you're feeling adventurous and want to try something different you could try a arabisk mad type twist. easy stuffed cabbage is a universal dish, after all! this cabbage stuffed delight is one of the best cabbage dishes going and is sure to become a family favourite.

Right, now you're all set. Let's get cooking! Remember, Recipe For Cabbage Rolls is all about having fun. Honestly, if I can do it, anyone can!

Cooking Method: Mastering Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Craving some proper comfort food? you know, the kind that warms you from the inside out? let's talk stuffed cabbage recipe , or as some call it, cabbage stuffed .

My grandma used to make the best cabbage rolls ever, and honestly, this is my attempt to recreate that magic.

It's not just a recipe; it's a hug in a bowl. they are also known as arabisk mad.

Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row

First, the essential mise en place . chop your onions, mince that garlic (no vampire action going on in this kitchen!), and have all your ingredients ready to rock.

Trust me, being organised is a game-changer and will help you get the best cabbage rolls recipe in no time.

Time-saving tip? cook your rice ahead of time . oh my gosh, it saves so much stress later!

Step-by-Step: Rolling Like a Pro

Alright, here's how we're going to make this recipe for cabbage rolls .

1. Boil that cabbage! Gently peel off the softened leaves. This should take about 5- 10 minutes.
2. Mix ground beef 450g , ground pork 225g , cooked rice, egg, onion, garlic, and spices in a bowl. Don't overmix!
3. Sauté onion in olive oil. Add garlic, then crushed tomatoes 794g , tomato sauce 425g , tomato paste 15ml , sugar, and herbs. Simmer it all together.
4. Place a spoonful of the filling on a cabbage leaf. Fold in the sides and roll it up nice and tight.
5. Nestle those rolls in the sauce, seam-side down. Add broth 240ml , cover, and simmer for 2 hours .

Pro Tips: Secrets From Grandma's Kitchen

Wanna know how to make easy cabbage rolls ? first, don't overcook the cabbage! you want it pliable, not mushy.

You know? secondly, season the heck out of everything! don't be shy with those herbs and spices, especially the marjoram and paprika.

Another thing, be careful when cooking the recipe for cabbage. you can absolutely make the filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

Easy peasy. this isn't just some random recipe for cabbage , it's a culinary experience and probably the best cabbage rolls .

Enjoy your cabbage dishes .

Alright, let's chat about some extra bits for this amazing stuffed cabbage recipe . you know, the kind of stuff that elevates it from good to gob-smackingly good.

Honestly, these things make all the difference.

Recipe Notes: Let’s Get Real

Right, so before you dive headfirst into making this recipe for cabbage rolls , there are a few things i wanted to run through.

Think of it as friendly advice from your mate who's been there, done that, and burnt the cabbage (more than once, if i'm honest!).

Making easy cabbage rolls shouldn’t be stressful.

Serving Suggestions: Dish It Up!

So, you've slaved away making these beauties. how do you show them off? presentation is key , innit? pile those cabbage stuffed rolls high on a plate, drizzled with the tomato sauce.

Bit of fresh parsley? bob's your uncle! a dollop of sour cream or greek yogurt adds a lovely tang.

Want sides? mash is a classic, but buttered noodles work wonderfully . a side salad cuts through the richness. for drinks, a crisp white wine or even a cold beer does the trick.

Or maybe some arabisk mad? it's a taste sensation.

Storage Tips: Keepin' It Fresh

Leftovers? lucky you! these best cabbage rolls taste even better the next day. fridge 'em in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, freezing is your best bet. layer them in a freezer-safe container with sauce. they'll keep for up to 3 months.

Defrost fully before reheating. for reheating, oven or microwave, both work great. just make sure they're heated through!

Variations: Mix It Up

Fancy a change? ditch the beef and pork for lentils or quinoa for a veggie version. it still tastes delicious! gluten-free? use a gluten-free broth.

For a seasonal twist, try using savoy cabbage in autumn. it's got a lovely earthy flavour. remember easy stuffed cabbage is for everyone.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness Inside

Okay, so these aren't exactly diet food. but hey, everything in moderation, right? cabbage is packed with fibre and vitamins.

The meat gives you protein. they’re filling and satisfying. and did you know studies have shown that including more cabbage dishes in your diet may improve your cardiovascular health? we're talking happy heart and happy tummy here!

This best cabbage rolls recipe isn’t just food; it's a hug on a plate. so, get cooking and enjoy! and don't forget, even if they look a bit wonky, they'll still taste great.

You know how the recipe for cabbage rolls can become a delicious adventure?

Classic Stuffed Cabbage Rolls (Golabki) Recipe Card

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Preparation time:45 Mins

Cooking time:02 Hrs

Servings:6-8 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 large head green cabbage (about 2-3 lbs), cored
• Water, for boiling
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml)
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup / 150g)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes (794g)
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce (425g)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste (15 ml)
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (4g)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup chicken broth (240ml), low sodium preferred (or vegetable broth)
• 1 pound ground beef (450g), 80/20 blend
• ½ pound ground pork (225g)
• 1 cup cooked long-grain white rice, cooled (about 200g uncooked)
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup / 150g)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
• ½ teaspoon sweet paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Core the cabbage and gently boil it until the outer leaves are pliable enough to peel off without tearing (about 5-10 minutes). Remove leaves carefully with a slotted spoon and set aside to cool slightly. Repeat until you have about 12-16 usable leaves.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, cooked rice, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, marjoram, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly with your hands.
3. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
4. Place a cabbage leaf on a clean surface. If the rib is very thick, gently flatten it with a knife. Place a generous spoonful (about 1/4 cup) of the meat mixture in the center of the leaf. Fold in the sides and roll up tightly like a burrito.
5. Arrange the cabbage rolls in the prepared sauce, seam-side down. Add chicken broth (or vegetable broth) to the skillet, ensuring the rolls are partially submerged. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 2 hours, or until the cabbage is very tender and the filling is cooked through.
6. Let cool slightly before serving.