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Homemade Polish Cabbage Rolls with Ground Beef – 5 Steps

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Homemade Polish Cabbage Rolls with Ground Beef are traditional stuffed cabbage rolls filled with seasoned beef and rice, then baked in rich tomato sauce. A hearty and comforting family dinner classic.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large head green cabbage
  • 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 cup cooked white rice
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • 1 cup crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup beef broth (alcohol-free)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Core the cabbage and place it carefully into boiling water. Remove softened outer leaves as they loosen and set aside to cool.
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, cooked rice, diced onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix gently until just combined.
  3. Lay a cabbage leaf flat and place about 1/3 cup of filling near the base. Fold sides inward and roll tightly. Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.
  4. In a bowl, mix tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and optional brown sugar.
  5. Spread a thin layer of sauce in a baking dish. Arrange cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish.
  6. Pour remaining sauce over the rolls, ensuring they are mostly covered.
  7. Cover tightly with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 75–90 minutes until cabbage is tender and filling is cooked through.
  8. Remove bay leaf if used, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.

Notes

  • Boil cabbage leaves long enough to make them flexible for rolling.
  • Avoid overmixing the filling to keep it tender.
  • If sauce tastes too acidic, add a small pinch of sugar.
  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze cooked rolls in sauce for up to 3 months.

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