Stuffed Cabbage Rolls (Golambki)
Savory stuffed cabbage rolls filled with seasoned ground meats and rice, cooked in a flavorful tomato sauce with optional raisins, perfect for hearty family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute chopped onion in butter or oil until translucent.
- Cut out and discard the hard center core of the cabbage.
- Bring a large pot of boiling water to a boil.
- Cook the cabbage in boiling water until the leaves are flexible and can easily be removed, about 18 leaves.
- Combine cooked rice, ground sirloin, ground pork, and sauteed onion in a bowl.
- Mix well and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Fill each cabbage leaf with the meat and rice mixture and roll up.
- Place the cabbage rolls with folded sides down in a deep electric skillet or baking dish.
- Pour two cans of tomato soup over the rolls (no water needed).
- Add optional raisins on top of the rolls.
- Cook at 350°F (about 175°C) for approximately 2 hours until the cabbage is tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like dill or parsley to the meat mixture. If you're out of tomato soup, crushed tomatoes or a homemade tomato sauce can be great substitutes. To make this dish gluten-free, ensure that your rice is certified gluten-free and check the soup labels for any hidden gluten ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
Serve stuffed cabbage rolls with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top for added creaminess. They pair beautifully with Zvadly Salat (Wilted Lettuce) or crusty bread for a complete meal. A side of roasted vegetables or a light salad would also complement the flavors well.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover stuffed cabbage rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place them in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave them, covered, for a few minutes until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stuffed Cabbage Rolls (Golambki) contains roughly 1351 calories, with 21g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 116g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (43% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (27% of the Daily Value), and potassium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 896mg per serving (39% 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 prepare stuffed cabbage rolls in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the rolls a day ahead of time. Assemble them and place them in the baking dish, then cover and refrigerate. When ready to cook, simply add the tomato soup and bake as directed, adjusting the cooking time if they are cold from the fridge.
What can I substitute for ground pork?
If you prefer not to use ground pork, you can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. They will still provide a delicious flavor, though the texture may be slightly different. For vegetarian rolls, consider using lentils or chickpeas mixed with veggies.
How can I make the rolls spicier?
To add a kick to your stuffed cabbage rolls, consider mixing in some red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños into the meat mixture. You can also serve them with a spicy hot sauce on the side to allow everyone to adjust the heat to their liking.
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).