Grandmas Cosy Cabbage Rolls Golubtsi

Grandmas Cosy cabbage rolls Golubtsi Recipe

By Lucas BennettSeptember 24, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction: Get Cosy with Grandma's Cabbage Rolls

Ever have one of those days? You know, the kind where only serious comfort food recipes will do? Let me tell you, I have too! Today, we're diving headfirst into a dish that is basically a warm hug in food form: cabbage rolls .

And I'm not talking any fancy stuff, these are proper Grandma's Cabbage Rolls .

Golubtsi: A Taste of Home

These stuffed cabbage rolls , known as golubtsi in some corners of the world, aren't just tasty, they're steeped in tradition.

They're a staple of eastern european cuisine , and every family has their own spin on the classic. This version is relatively straightforward, taking about 45 minutes to prep and 2 hours to cook.

This cabbage roll recipe will make about 6 to 8 hearty rolls perfect for a family dinner, or leftovers.

Why You'll Love These Cabbage Rolls

What makes these healthy cabbage rolls so special? Well, besides being incredibly delicious, they're packed with goodness. The cabbage itself is a nutritional powerhouse, loaded with fiber and vitamins.

Plus, they're just perfect for a chilly evening. And between you and me? They taste even better the next day.

Honestly, these are the cabbage rolls I grew up on.

Time for a quick story! I remember one time, when I was a kid, I tried to "help" my grandma make these.

I ended up tearing about half the cabbage leaves. She didn't even bat an eye! Just laughed, showed me how to gently peel them, and we carried on.

So, trust me, even if you mess up a bit, they'll still taste amazing! Ready to get cooking? Let's take a look at the ingredients.

Ingredients & Equipment: Grandma's Cosy Cabbage Rolls

Right, let's talk about what you'll need for these amazing cabbage rolls. Seriously, comfort food recipes don’t get much better than this! They're proper grandma's cabbage rolls , the kind that make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

This golubtsi recipe is one you'll want to keep around.

Main Ingredients

Okay, pay attention! Here’s the lowdown on the amounts you’ll need.

Cabbage : 1 large green cabbage (about 2-3 lbs or 900g-1.4kg ). Make sure it's nice and firm. Nobody wants a wimpy cabbage!
Beef : 1 lb ( 450g ) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork, your shout!). For quality, look for ground beef with a good red colour and not too much fat.
Rice : 1/2 cup ( 100g ) uncooked long grain rice, rinsed. Don’t skip the rinsing, it makes all the difference!
Onion : 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced.
Garlic : 2 cloves garlic, minced. Fresh is always best.
Egg : 1 large egg, lightly beaten.
Parsley : 1/4 cup ( 60ml ) chopped fresh parsley.
Sauce : 28 oz ( 790g ) can crushed tomatoes, 15 oz ( 425g ) can tomato sauce. Look for ones with no added sugar for a healthy cabbage rolls version.

Seasoning Notes

Honestly, the spices make these stuffed cabbage rolls what they are. I once forgot the oregano. Massive mistake!

Essential spice combination: Salt, pepper, dried oregano, and dried basil. Don't be shy!
Flavour enhancer: A bay leaf in the sauce adds a subtle depth. Trust me on this one.
Quick Sub: If you don’t have fresh parsley, use 1 teaspoon of dried parsley.

Equipment Needed

You really don't need fancy gadgets for this cabbage roll recipe .

Large pot for boiling the cabbage. My grandma always used her biggest, oldest pot.
Large skillet or Dutch oven. This is where the magic happens, simmering those rolls to perfection.
Mixing bowl. For getting that filling just right.
Colander. Nobody likes soggy rice!
Tongs. For wrangling those pesky cabbage leaves.

There you have it! Now you're all set for making the best cabbage rolls ever. They can even be slow cooker cabbage rolls if you prefer! Get stuck in and enjoy this classic of eastern european cuisine .

You won't regret it!

Alright, let's get cracking! Cabbage rolls proper comfort food recipes , innit? Like a warm hug on a cold winter's day, as Mary Berry might say.

This grandma's cabbage rolls recipe has been passed down through generations. Here's how I make 'em!

Making Magic: Cooking Up Cabbage Rolls

This cabbage roll recipe isn't fancy restaurant stuff. This is proper eastern european cuisine , honest grub that warms the soul.

It's surprisingly simple, even though it might seem a bit daunting at first.

Prep Like a Pro

Essential mise en place : Get everything chopped, measured, and ready. This makes things so much easier. Dice your onion, mince your garlic, and rinse your rice.

Time saving organization tips : Prepare the filling while the cabbage is boiling. The most important thing is that it saves time.

Safety reminders : Be careful when peeling the cabbage leaves after boiling. They will be super hot . Use tongs!

Roll With It: step-by-step

Boil your cored cabbage in salted, vinegared water. Cook until leaves are pliable.
Mix ground meat, rice, onion, garlic, egg, parsley, salt, pepper, and water. Don't overmix!
Place a cabbage leaf on a flat surface. Spoon filling on base. Fold sides, roll tightly.
Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil. Add tomatoes, sauce, broth, sugar, seasonings. Simmer the tomato sauce.
Arrange cabbage rolls seam down in a pot. Pour sauce over, cover, and simmer for 2 hours . Cook until rice is tender.

After 2 hours, when you poke a roll with a fork, it should feel super tender. That's when you know it is ready.

Pro Tips to Make Your Golubtsi Recipe Sing

Expert technique : Gently press the filling as you roll. This helps the cabbage rolls hold their shape. Common mistake : Overfilling! Don't be greedy, you will have a ripped roll and nobody likes that.

A burst roll it is messy and won't cook evenly! make-ahead option : You can prep the stuffed cabbage rolls and freeze them before cooking.

Just thaw overnight and simmer as usual.

Honestly, learning how to properly make cabbage rolls was a game changer. They're perfect for a big family dinner or even just a cosy night in.

And there are so many cabbage roll variations you can try! Some people add sauerkraut rolls to the sauce or use a slow cooker cabbage rolls .

I’ve even seen recipes for healthy cabbage rolls using cauliflower rice!

Whether you stick to my grandma’s classic recipe or experiment with your own twist, I hope these cabbage rolls bring you as much comfort and joy as they bring me.

Happy cooking, love!

Recipe Notes for Perfect Cabbage Rolls

Right then, so you're ready to tackle cabbage rolls ! Here are a few extra nuggets of wisdom I've picked up over the years making this glorious comfort food recipe .

Consider this your cheat sheet to Grandma's cabbage rolls success.

Serving Suggestions: Make 'Em Pretty!

Alright, so you've got these beautiful stuffed cabbage rolls , but how do you make them look amazing ? Honestly, plating is half the battle! I like to arrange a few rolls on a plate.

Then, drown them in that gorgeous tomato sauce. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top looks fabulous.

Sprinkle some fresh parsley. A side of crusty bread for sopping up the sauce? Chef's kiss! A simple green salad provides a refreshing bite.

Storing Your Golubtsi Recipe Secrets

Oh my gosh, leftovers of these always tastes better the next day! Once they’re cool, pop them in an airtight container in the fridge.

They’ll keep for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Arrange the cooked rolls in a freezer safe container.

Make sure the rolls are completely cool first. Thaw them overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently in a saucepan or microwave until heated through.

Cabbage Roll Variations Galore!

Fancy a change? Why not try a cabbage roll variation ? If you are trying to do a lighter version of the classic, you could swap the ground beef for ground turkey or even lentils for a vegetarian option.

A simple swap like cauliflower rice instead of regular rice creates a healthy cabbage rolls recipe. You could also use sauerkraut in your sauerkraut rolls ! This is especially great in the Autumn, with sauerkraut in season! Oh, and if you're short on time, have a look at the slow cooker cabbage rolls recipe.

Nutrition Basics and the Benefits

Eastern European Cuisine recipes like cabbage rolls are actually pretty good for you. You've got protein from the meat. Fiber from the cabbage.

Plus, tomatoes are loaded with vitamins. I reckon each serving will come in around 350-400 calories. This makes it a hearty but balanced meal.

Honestly, the most important ingredient in any cabbage roll recipe is love, you know? Don't be scared to experiment. Give this golubtsi recipe a go! Enjoy creating your own version of grandma's cabbage rolls ! This ultimate comfort food recipe is a testament to your own culinary abilities!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my cabbage rolls tough? I thought they were supposed to be melt-in-your mouth!

Tough cabbage rolls usually mean they haven't been cooked long enough. The cabbage leaves need plenty of time to become tender. Make sure you simmer them for the full 2 hours, or even longer, until the cabbage is very soft.

Also, using older, less fresh cabbage can result in tougher leaves, so opt for a vibrant green head if possible.

Can I freeze cabbage rolls? I've got loads left over after Sunday dinner.

Absolutely! Cabbage rolls freeze brilliantly. Let them cool completely first, then pack them into a freezer safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. They'll keep well for up to 2-3 months.

Thaw them overnight in the fridge and then reheat gently in a saucepan or microwave easy peasy!

My filling is always bland. How can I make my cabbage rolls more flavorful?

Flavour is key, isn't it? Don't be shy with the seasoning! Make sure you're using enough salt, pepper, and herbs in the filling. Sautéing the onion and garlic before adding them to the meat mixture really amps up the flavour too.

Some people even like to add a touch of smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne for a bit of a kick. Experiment and find what you fancy!

Is there a vegetarian version of cabbage rolls? I'm trying to cut down on meat.

You bet! You can easily make vegetarian cabbage rolls. Swap out the ground meat for cooked lentils, chopped mushrooms, or a plant based meat alternative. You could even add some grated carrots or zucchini to the filling for extra texture and nutrients.

The rest of the recipe stays the same, so it's a simple swap to make.

What’s the best way to get the cabbage leaves off without tearing them? I always end up with a mess!

Ah, the age-old cabbage leaf dilemma! The secret is to gently simmer the whole cabbage head in boiling water after coring it. As the outer leaves soften, you can peel them off carefully with tongs. Adding a tablespoon of vinegar to the water helps soften the leaves too.

If you’re short on time, you can also microwave the cored cabbage for a few minutes to loosen the leaves, but be careful it will be hot!

Can I cook my cabbage rolls in a slow cooker? Seems like it would be easier!

Absolutely, using a slow cooker is a fantastic way to make cabbage rolls! Simply layer the rolls seam side down in your slow cooker, cover with the tomato sauce, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the cabbage is tender.

This method is super convenient and gives you that fall apart tenderness that makes cabbage rolls so comforting. Just make sure there’s enough sauce to keep them moist!