Picture this: the comforting aroma of slowly simmering cabbage rolls wafting through your kitchen. It’s a smell that whispers “home” and wraps around you like a warm hug. Polish stuffed cabbage rolls are trending for good reason – they’re a delightful blast from the past that brings back family dinners and cozy gatherings.
This dish is all about tender cabbage leaves filled with a hearty mix of savory ground meat, rice, and spices. Think of it like your grandma’s version but whipped up in a fraction of the time. It’s cozy, easy on the wallet, and makes for a fantastic meal to share. Full details in the blog!
Enjoy classic polish stuffed cabbage rolls with a savory meat and rice filling cooked in tangy tomato sauce. This traditional Polish dish offers a satisfying dinner perfect for any occasion. Simple ingredients combine for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
8 leaves green cabbage
28 oz crushed tomatoes
¼ cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
2 tablespoon unsalted butter
½ cup onion diced
1 tablespoon garlic minced
1 lb lean ground beef
1 cup white rice cooked
1 large egg
2 tablespoon parsley chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then add the cabbage with the stem removed and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until tender. Drain and cool enough to handle.
Gently separate 8 cabbage leaves and cut a V-shape from the thick stem area to make rolling easier. Set aside.
Combine crushed tomatoes, brown sugar, and red wine vinegar in a saucepan and simmer for 15 minutes until well blended, then remove from heat.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat, cook diced onions until soft about 5 minutes, then add garlic and cook for another minute before transferring to a bowl.
Mix ground beef, cooked rice, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper with the onion and garlic mixture until evenly combined.
Shape the meat mixture into logs approximately 4 inch long and 2 inch wide.
Place a meat log onto each cabbage leaf and roll it up, folding in the sides to secure the filling. Repeat with remaining leaves.
Pour half of the tomato sauce into the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish, arrange the cabbage rolls on top, and then cover them with the remaining sauce.
Bake rolls in the oven for 1 hour. Allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
To Freeze: store cooked and cooled rolls with sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months
To Reheat from frozen: heat rolls and sauce gently on medium-low heat until warmed through
To Prepare Ahead: make meat filling, sauce, and boil cabbage leaves up to 2 days in advance
keep refrigerated and assemble before baking
Variations: swap ground beef with lamb or a mix, add Italian seasoning, add Worcestershire sauce, or substitute tomato products
top with shredded mozzarella during the last 15 minutes for a cheesy twist
Prep Time:30 minutes
Cook Time:1 hour
Category:Main Course
Method:Baked
Cuisine:Polish
Nutrition
Serving Size:1 roll
Calories:261kcal
Sugar:12g
Sodium:473mg
Fat:7g
Saturated Fat:3g
Carbohydrates:34g
Fiber:2g
Protein:16g
Cholesterol:66mg
Why It’s a Family Favorite
Polish stuffed cabbage rolls hit all the right notes when it comes to cozy, nostalgic meals. They bring warmth not only to your heart but also to your kitchen! Picture gathering around the table, sharing laughter and stories over a steaming dish filled with love and tradition.
This recipe is not only simple but also versatile and forgiving, making it perfect for both beginner cooks and seasoned home chefs. Whether you’re cooking solo or with family, these rolls allow for a bit of fun and chaos in the kitchen. They carry that familiar “home-cooked” vibe that reminds us of family gatherings and generations of love perfecting this dish.
Plus, once you master rolling, you’ll find it almost therapeutic a little assembly line of goodness. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a meal that’s comforting, filling, and feels like a warm hug?
Ingredients Breakdown
Cabbage Leaves: The heart of this dish! Use green cabbage to keep it traditional and tender.
Crushed Tomatoes: This forms the luscious sauce that wraps around our charming rolls. A pinch of brown sugar adds a hint of sweetness.
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef gives richness and flavor. Feeling adventurous? You can swap in some lamb, too!
Cooked Rice: A staple filler that makes the rolls hearty. Make a bit extra and save it for lunch the next day!
Onion and Garlic: Who can resist that savory aroma? These add a wonderful flavor base to your filling.
Simple Steps to Make It
Ready to dive in? Making Polish stuffed cabbage rolls is a fun process, and I promise it’s simpler than it sounds! Follow these easy steps:
Start by boiling the cabbage leaves. Trim the stems and let them soften in boiling water for about 3-5 minutes.
Meanwhile, simmer the crushed tomatoes with a bit of brown sugar and red wine vinegar. It’s like a little dance of flavors about 15 minutes bubbling together.
In a skillet, melt butter and sauté the diced onion until it’s soft, then add garlic. This step will make your house smell divine!
Mix the sautéed onion and garlic with ground beef, cooked rice, an egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Roll up small logs of filling in the cabbage leaves. Time to get your hands loveably messy!
Pour half of your simmered sauce into a baking dish, lay the rolls down, and coat with the remaining sauce. Off to the oven it goes for a cozy hour at 350 degrees!
Cooking Step
Time
Boiling Cabbage Leaves
3-5 minutes
Simmer Sauce
15 minutes
Baking Rolls
1 hour
Easy Customizations
One of the beautiful things about this dish is its flexibility! Want to switch it up? Here are some fun tweaks you can try:
Meat Options: Ground turkey or a mix of beef and lamb offer different but equally delicious flavor profiles.
Herbs and Seasonings: If parsley isn’t your favorite, swap it for Italian seasoning or fresh dill for a new twist.
Sauce Alternatives: Use canned tomato soup or tomato sauce if that’s what you have on hand. It’ll still be your cozy favorite!
Cheesy Goodness: Top with shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar) in the last 15 minutes of baking for an indulgent touch. Yum!
How to Serve & Store
These rolls make an impressive meal, perfect for serving family or friends! Pair them with crusty bread or a simple green salad to balance the richness. Don’t forget the extra sauce it’s perfect for dipping!
Leftovers taste even better the next day! Store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge, where they’ll keep nicely for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze the cooked rolls simply place them in a ziplock bag with a little sauce to retain moisture, and they’ll last up to 3 months. When ready, reheat them gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat until warmed through.
So there you have it! Polish stuffed cabbage rolls made easy and ready to warm your heart and home.
Expert Says
When making Polish stuffed cabbage rolls, it’s essential to choose cabbage with a tender texture, allowing for easy rolling and better flavor absorption. The fermentation process improves digestibility and enhances the nutrient profile of the cabbage, making these rolls not just delicious but also more beneficial to your health.
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The Perfect Polish Stuffed Cabbage Rolls: A Labor of Love
After countless attempts and a few too many burnt pan-bottoms, I finally nailed my Polish stuffed cabbage rolls. Each try was a lessonlike the time I added too much paprika and turned dinner into a fiery adventure. Now, these rolls are a cozy family favorite that brings everyone together at the table.
FAQs ( Polish Stuffed Cabbage Rolls )
How long do I cook cabbage rolls?
Cook the prepared rolls in a covered pot for about 1.5 to 2 hours over low heat. Make sure the sauce simmers gently to allow the flavors to meld. For best results, check for doneness before removing from the heat.
Can I freeze stuffed cabbage rolls?
Yes, you can efficiently freeze these rolls. Assemble them, then place in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to three months; just thaw before cooking for optimal taste.
What is the best way to reheat cabbage rolls?
The best way to reheat is slowly in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, approximately 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave them on medium power, covering with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
What sides go well with cabbage rolls?
This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, a simple salad, or roasted vegetables. A side of mashed potatoes or sauerkraut can enhance the meal. For a hearty touch, consider serving it alongside pierogi.
Conclusion
There you have it Polish stuffed cabbage rolls made easy! With just an hour in the oven, you’ll be rewarded with mouthwatering flavors and that comforting aroma that makes any house feel like home. You’ll love how the tender cabbage hugs the savory filling, bringing back memories of family gatherings and hearty dinners.
Feeling adventurous? Try adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a delightful zing or swap in quinoa for a different twist! When you have leftovers (if any!), simply store them in an airtight container they warm up beautifully in the microwave or on the stovetop, just like a hug from your favorite aunt!
I’d love to hear your stories! Did you grow up with something like this? If you try this recipe, be sure to tag me in your photos. Sharing this cozy meal with loved ones is truly a gift, so save this recipe for your next family gathering. Let’s spread the warmth!
Sharing a handpicked collection of easy, healthy recipes made in our family kitchen. Rachel brings comforting classics, while Emily adds fresh, modern ideas together creating meals that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly.
