Grandmas Hug Classic Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Golabki

Grandmas Secret Best Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Golabki

By Lucas BennettSeptember 24, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever crave something that feels like a big, warm hug? Then these stuffed cabbage rolls are calling your name! They're proper comfort food recipes and taste of Eastern European sunshine and grandma's love.

Brief Overview

These are truly amazing. Stuffed cabbage rolls , or golabki recipe as some call them, hail from Eastern Europe, these are perfect for any family gathering.

They take a bit of time, but are worth it. This recipe serves about 6-8 people.

Main Benefits

Honestly? Making homemade cabbage rolls is a labor of love. The aroma fills the kitchen. A perfect cabbage roll recipe brings pure joy.

It is the best pick-me-up in winter. What sets these cabbage rolls with tomato sauce apart is the flavour.

Ready to learn how to make golabki ? Let's get to it!

Get Ready to Make Magic with Cabbage!

Right, so you are probably asking why stuffed cabbage leaves are even a thing. Honestly? They're flipping delicious! Imagine a warm, savory hug in every bite.

It's like getting a cuddle from the inside out.

My first attempt making pork and beef cabbage rolls was a bit of a disaster. The cabbage was either too tough or totally fell apart.

Now? I reckon I make a mean golabki recipe .

I've honed my recipe over the years, inspired by my Polish great aunt. The key is simple: good ingredients and plenty of love.

You will get the hang of it with practice. Now, let's gather our ingredients.

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Rolling!

Ready to make some stuffed cabbage rolls ? It's easier than you think. Don't worry, this golabki recipe is totally doable! Here's what you'll need to create this classic eastern european recipes and heartwarming comfort food recipes .

It is also a cabbage roll recipe to call your own.

Main Players: What You Need

Cabbage: 1 large green head (about 3 lbs / 1.3 kg ). Look for a firm, tight head. Avoid ones with blemishes.
Olive Oil: 1 tbsp ( 15 ml ) for both filling and sauce prep.
Onion: 2 medium yellow onions (about 1 cup / 150 g each), finely chopped.
Garlic: 4 cloves, minced. Honestly, can you ever have too much garlic?
Ground Beef: 1.5 lbs ( 680g ) (or half beef, half pork for extra flavor). Go for ground beef with about 80% lean meat.
Rice: 1/2 cup ( 100g ) uncooked long grain rice. Day-old cooked rice works great too!
Egg: 1 large, lightly beaten.
Parsley: 1/4 cup ( 15g ) chopped fresh parsley. Dried will do in a pinch, but fresh is best!.
Thyme: 1 tsp dried thyme.
Salt: 1/2 tsp .
Black Pepper: 1/4 tsp .
Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (28 ounce) can ( 794 g ).
Tomato Sauce: 1 (15 ounce) can ( 425 g ).
Beef Broth: 1 cup ( 240 ml ).
Brown Sugar: 1 tbsp ( 12g ).
Lemon Juice: 1 tbsp ( 15 ml ).
Oregano: 1 tsp dried oregano.

Spice It Up! Seasoning Notes

This homemade cabbage rolls recipe is all about those warm, comforting flavors. Don't skimp on the herbs! Thyme and oregano are key here.

A little brown sugar and lemon juice balances the acidity of the tomatoes. Red pepper flakes can add a kick.

It is all about learning how to make golabki .

No thyme? Use marjoram or savory. Fresh basil in the sauce is also surprisingly delicious.

Gear Up: Equipment Needed

Large Pot: For boiling the cabbage. Big enough to submerge the whole head.
Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: For cooking the cabbage rolls with tomato sauce . A dutch oven is your best friend here!
Mixing Bowl: For combining the filling ingredients.
Colander: To drain the cabbage leaves.
Tongs: For handling the hot cabbage leaves.
Cutting Board & Knife: For chopping veggies and trimming the stuffed cabbage leaves .

Don't have a Dutch oven? A large, deep skillet with a lid will work just fine. A slotted spoon can stand in for tongs if needed.

As long as you have the basics, you can make magic happen! You can even use an Instant Pot! With these simple ingredients, you're all set to create the most delicious pork and beef cabbage rolls ever! Let's get cooking!

Cooking Method: Slow Simmering for Perfect Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Right, so you're thinking about tackling stuffed cabbage rolls , or golabki recipe as some call it? Cracking choice! Honestly, there's nothing quite like a batch of homemade cabbage rolls bubbling away on the stove.

Slow cooking is key to making incredibly tender cabbage rolls with tomato sauce . It's also essential to a perfect cabbage roll recipe . It's the 'secret ingredient' to melt-in-your mouth deliciousness!

Prep Steps for Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

First things first: the mise en place . Get everything prepped and ready to roll literally! Finely chop your onion and garlic.

Cook the rice. Trust me, this saves a mountain of stress later. The essential mise en place is absolutely critical to nail those pork and beef cabbage rolls

I always prep my ingredients and assemble my stuffed cabbage leaves the day before. It is a real time saver! Always remember to be careful when you are handling hot cabbage.

step-by-step Process: A Gentle Dance

Okay, here’s the lowdown on slow simmering those beauties:

Place a layer of prepared cabbage rolls in your Dutch oven.
Pour your glorious tomato sauce over the rolls, making sure they're mostly submerged.
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low.
Cover the pot tightly and let it simmer for a good 2 hours .
Check for doneness: the cabbage should be incredibly tender and the filling cooked through. This is the trick on how to make golabki .

The simmer temperature should be between 180- 200° F for optimal flavour and tenderness.

Pro Tips for the Best Golabki Recipe

My top tip? Low and slow wins the race. Don't be tempted to crank up the heat. This could result in uneven cooking and burnt sauce.

Another winner? Make extra sauce! Trust me, you will want it for serving.

The most common mistake is rushing the process. Slow simmering is what gives these comfort food recipes their signature tenderness. Don't skip it!

For make-ahead options, you can assemble the rolls and prepare the sauce. But it is not possible to cook separately.

But keep them separate in the fridge. Then, simmer them the next day. A big batch of eastern european recipes like this is simply sublime.

Alright, luv, let's talk about these stuffed cabbage rolls , also known as golabki ! This isn't just a cabbage roll recipe , it’s a hug on a plate.

A proper bit of comfort food recipes , perfect for those chilly evenings. I want to share some extra bits about making golabki super special! It is part of the eastern european recipes , with a personal spin from your truly.

Recipe Notes: Making Homemade Cabbage Rolls Shine

Serving Suggestions: Making 'Em Look Fancy!

Right, you've made your amazing stuffed cabbage leaves . How do we make 'em look like they belong in a fancy restaurant? Honestly, simple is best.

A couple of pork and beef cabbage rolls nestled on a plate, smothered in that gorgeous cabbage rolls with tomato sauce , does the trick.

Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt chef's kiss ! Some mashed potatoes on the side never hurt anyone, you know? A nice beer or dry white wine also is a fantastic pairing.

I sometimes just serve them with crusty bread for soaking up all that yummy sauce, reminds me of my childhood!

Storage Tips: Keepin' 'Em Fresh

So you have leftovers? Lucky you! Pop those homemade cabbage rolls into an airtight container and they'll happily chill in the fridge for up to 3-4 days .

For longer storage, you can freeze them. Just make sure they're completely cool first. Wrap them individually or in small batches to avoid them sticking together.

When reheating, thaw them overnight in the fridge, then gently warm them up in a saucepan on the stove or in the microwave.

Just be careful not to overcook them. Nobody likes a mushy cabbage roll !

Variations: Mix It Up!

Fancy a change? Try a veggie version! Swap out the meat for lentils or mushrooms and walnuts. Boom! Vegetarian golabki .

For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling. And for my gluten-free pals, use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.

Trust me, it works a treat!. You can also swap the tomato sauce for a cream based one using mushrooms.

Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff

Each serving of these stuffed cabbage rolls clocks in around 450-550 calories. They're packed with protein (30-35g) and have a decent amount of fibre (5-7g).

But remember, this is just an estimate. It all depends on your ingredients and portion sizes.

So, there you have it! All the little secrets to making the best stuffed cabbage rolls . Now get cookin', luv ! You'll be amazed at how easy it is to how to make golabki .

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my stuffed cabbage rolls falling apart? Is there a trick to keeping them together?

Nobody wants a deconstructed cabbage roll, do they? To keep your stuffed cabbage rolls intact, make sure you don't overcook the cabbage leaves during the blanching process you want them pliable, not falling apart. Also, roll the rolls nice and tightly, like you're tucking in a baby.

Placing the rolls seam side down in the sauce helps, too. A bit of practice makes perfect, like learning to drive on a roundabout!

Can I freeze stuffed cabbage rolls, and how should I reheat them?

Absolutely! Stuffed cabbage rolls freeze beautifully, which is great if you're batch cooking. Let them cool completely, then arrange them in a freezer safe container, layering them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

To reheat, thaw them overnight in the fridge and then gently warm them in a saucepan on the stovetop with a little extra tomato sauce, or bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Think of it as a lovely "ready meal" for future you!

What can I substitute for rice in the filling of stuffed cabbage rolls? I'm trying to cut back on carbs.

If you're watching your carbohydrate intake, you can definitely swap out the rice. Good alternatives include quinoa or barley, which offer a similar texture. You could also use finely chopped cauliflower rice for an even lower carb option.

Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure the substitute is cooked through and tender, just like when you're adapting a recipe on The Great British Baking Show!

My tomato sauce is too acidic. How can I sweeten it up for my stuffed cabbage rolls?

An overly acidic tomato sauce can definitely spoil the party. A simple way to balance the acidity is to add a touch of sweetness. Brown sugar or even a drizzle of honey can do the trick. You can also add a pinch of baking soda (it will fizz, so add slowly!) to neutralize the acid.

A knob of butter also adds richness and can soften the acidity. Taste as you go, like you're tuning a guitar - a little adjustment can make all the difference!

Can I make vegetarian stuffed cabbage rolls? What would be a good meat substitute?

Yes, you can absolutely make a cracking vegetarian version! A great meat substitute is a combination of cooked lentils, chopped mushrooms, and walnuts. This gives a lovely savoury flavour and hearty texture. You could also use crumbled tofu or a vegetarian ground meat substitute available in most supermarkets.

Make sure to season well with herbs and spices to give it that extra oomph think of it like a veggie version of a Sunday roast!

How do I prevent my rice from becoming mushy inside the stuffed cabbage rolls?

Mushy rice is a common issue, but easily avoided! Be sure to use a long grain rice and cook it al dente (slightly undercooked) before adding it to the filling. It will continue to cook inside the cabbage roll as it simmers in the sauce. Day-old rice is also a good shout, as it's drier and less likely to turn to mush.

It's all about getting that perfect balance, like a carefully crafted Full English!