Traditional Cabbage Rolls In Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

A treasured family recipe passed down through generations, these Polish cabbage rolls (gołąbki) are bursting with flavor! Tender cabbage leaves are expertly rolled around a savory filling of seasoned ground meat and rice, then simmered to perfection in a rich and creamy tomato sauce. This recipe, originally shared by a first-generation Polish friend in the 1960s, is a culinary masterpiece that's guaranteed to impress. Prepare for a heartwarming and delicious experience – perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion.

Prep Time 45 mins

Cook Time 75 mins

Calories 636 kcal

Protein 69g

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Traditional Cabbage Rolls In Tomato Cream Sauce

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The Forktionary Kitchen Team

Adapted from Food.com, then tested & standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Traditional Cabbage Rolls In Tomato Cream Sauce

White Bread
Low Fat Milk
Lean Ground Beef
White Rice
Dried Parsley
Dried Sage
2 cloves minced garlic
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp salt
Fresh Ground Black Pepper
Green Cabbage
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Diced Onion
2 tbsp tomato paste
Sweet Paprika
4 cups chicken stock
Diced Tomatoes
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Low Fat Sour Cream

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How to Make Traditional Cabbage Rolls In Tomato Cream Sauce

**Prepare the Filling:** In a small bowl, combine 1 cup cubed stale bread with 1/2 cup milk. Let soak for 5 minutes until fully saturated. Squeeze out excess milk and set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the soaked bread with 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork), 1 cup cooked rice, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1 tbsp dried sage, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tsp sugar, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate.
**Prepare the Cabbage:** Steam a whole head of cabbage for 5-10 minutes, or until the outer leaves are pliable. Continue steaming in batches until you have at least 12 large leaves. Remove the thick stems from the leaves to flatten them.
**Assemble the Cabbage Rolls:** Place a spoonful (about 1/4 cup) of filling onto the center of each cabbage leaf. Fold the sides over the filling, then roll up tightly from the stem end.
**Make the Sauce:** Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 1 medium chopped onion and 2 cloves minced garlic. Sauté until translucent (about 5 minutes).
Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and 1 tsp paprika. Cook for 3 minutes.
Add 4 cups chicken stock, 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes, 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 tbsp sugar, and 1 tsp dried sage. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer for 5 minutes.
**Bake the Cabbage Rolls:** Remove 1 cup of sauce and set aside. Arrange the cabbage rolls in a single layer in the Dutch oven, nestled in the remaining sauce. If you have extra filling, form it into meatballs and add them around the rolls. Pour the reserved sauce over the rolls.
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Transfer the Dutch oven to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cabbage rolls are cooked through and heated through.
**Creamy Sauce:** While the rolls bake, prepare the creamy sauce. Once the rolls are cooked, remove them from the Dutch oven and set aside. Using an immersion blender, puree the remaining sauce in the Dutch oven with 1/2 cup sour cream until smooth and creamy.
Serve the cabbage rolls hot, spooning the creamy tomato sauce generously over them. Serve with mashed potatoes or rice.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

102 g

Sugar

83g

Fat

42g

Carbs

20g

Recipe Categories (Choose a category and find related recipes!)

Main Courses Main Dish / Dinner Sweets & Sides Beef & Red Meat Ground Beef Recipes European Fall Recipes Holiday Recipes

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make Traditional Cabbage Rolls In Tomato Cream Sauce?

Traditional Cabbage Rolls In Tomato Cream Sauce takes about 120 minutes from start to finish — roughly 45 minutes to prepare and 75 minutes to cook.

How many calories are in Traditional Cabbage Rolls In Tomato Cream Sauce?

Traditional Cabbage Rolls In Tomato Cream Sauce has approximately 636 calories per serving, with about 69 g protein, 20 g carbohydrates and 43 g fat.

What ingredients do I need for Traditional Cabbage Rolls In Tomato Cream Sauce?

The key ingredients for Traditional Cabbage Rolls In Tomato Cream Sauce are White Bread, Low Fat Milk, Lean Ground Beef, White Rice, Dried Parsley, Dried Sage. See the full list with measurements above.