Stuffed Cabbage(Golumki)
Stuffed cabbage rolls filled with a savory mixture of ground meats, rice, and onions, baked in tomato sauce with bacon, offering hearty comfort and rich flavors for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook rice and let it cool.
- Parboil the cabbage and separate the leaves using the largest ones.
- Cut the ribs off the cabbage leaves and let them cool.
- Saute chopped onions with 5 strips of bacon and a pinch of paprika.
- Mix the sautéed onions and bacon with ground pork and ground beef.
- Thoroughly mix in the cooked rice, salt, and pepper.
- Roll each cabbage leaf with about one heaping tablespoon of the mixture in the center.
- Drain sauerkraut and spread it on the bottom of a small roaster.
- Dice the remaining cabbage head and layer it on top of the sauerkraut.
- Place the cabbage rolls tightly together on top of the diced cabbage, seam side down.
- Pour the tomato sauce and tomato soup over the rolls and add enough water to cover them.
- Lay the remaining 3 strips of bacon on top of the rolls.
- Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sugar over the rolls.
- Cover and simmer in a 300°F oven for 1 1/2 hours.
- Uncover and simmer for an additional 30 minutes.
- Ensure cooking time does not exceed 2 hours; add water if needed.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavor boost, you can add a teaspoon of garlic powder or use smoked bacon for a richer taste. If you don't have ground pork, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a substitute. To streamline prep, consider using pre-cooked rice. Parboiling the cabbage leaves makes them easier to roll, so don't skip this step.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stuffed cabbage rolls with a dollop of sour cream on top for added creaminess. They pair well with crusty bread or a light salad to balance the dish. For a heartier meal, consider serving alongside mashed potatoes. This dish also pairs beautifully with Beef Stroganoff(Thrifty Version).
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover stuffed cabbage in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the rolls in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm them in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for quick meals.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stuffed Cabbage(Golumki) contains roughly 338 calories, with 18g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (36% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1742mg per serving (76% 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. After cooking, allow them to cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
What can I use instead of sauerkraut?
If you don't like sauerkraut, you can substitute it with shredded cabbage mixed with a bit of vinegar for acidity. Alternatively, try using a layer of cooked quinoa or rice to add texture without the tang of sauerkraut.
How can I adjust the spice level in this recipe?
To adjust the spice level, you can add crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture for some heat. Alternatively, serve with hot sauce on the side, allowing each person to customize their spice level. For a milder version, omit any spicy ingredients.
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).