Stuffed Cabbage, Polish Style
Polish-style stuffed cabbage features tender leaves filled with savory meat and rice, simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce—comforting and hearty, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Remove the core of the cabbage and place the whole head in a large pot of boiling salted water.
- Cover and cook for approximately 5 minutes or until the outer leaves are soft enough to remove.
- Remove the outer leaves and cut out the thick center stems from each leaf.
- Sauté the chopped onion in oil until translucent.
- Cook the rice until tender.
- Mix the ground beef, ground pork, sautéed onions, cooked rice, salt, pepper, and beaten egg in a large bowl.
- Place about 2 teaspoons of the meat mixture on each cabbage leaf and roll tightly.
- Arrange the stuffed cabbage rolls in a large pot.
- Chop any leftover cabbage and layer it on top of the rolls.
- Pour the can of tomato soup mixed with half a can of water over the rolls and cabbage.
- Cover and bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 1 1/2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For easier rolling, consider using a steamer to soften the cabbage leaves before stuffing them. If you prefer a lighter dish, substitute ground turkey for the beef and pork mixture. You can also add herbs like dill or parsley for extra flavor. To save time, you can use pre-cooked rice instead of cooking it fresh.
Serving Suggestions
Serve stuffed cabbage rolls with a dollop of sour cream on top for added creaminess. A side of crusty bread or a simple green salad complements the dish well. For a heartier meal, pair it with mashed potatoes or browse more beef recipes to find additional side options.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover stuffed cabbage in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the rolls in a pot with a splash of water or broth, cover, and heat on low until warmed through. Alternatively, they can be reheated in the oven at 350°F until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stuffed Cabbage, Polish Style contains roughly 980 calories, with 65g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 57g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (131% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (115% of the Daily Value), and potassium (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1364mg per serving (59% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze stuffed cabbage rolls?
Yes, stuffed cabbage rolls freeze well. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in the oven or on the stovetop.
What can I use instead of tomato soup?
If you don't have tomato soup on hand, you can substitute it with crushed tomatoes or a homemade tomato sauce. Adding a bit of sugar can balance the acidity if using crushed tomatoes. Mixing in some vegetable or beef broth can also enhance the flavor.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, incorporate red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the meat mixture. You can also serve the rolls with a spicy condiment like sriracha or a spicy tomato sauce on the side for those who enjoy a kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).