Polish Cabbage Rolls (baked in the oven)

Name: Polish Cabbage Rolls (baked in the oven)
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Cuisine: Polish
Ingredients: 1 head cabbage; 1 pound ground beef; 1/3 cup uncooked white rice; 2 cans (10.75 oz) tomato soup; 1/4 cup onion (finely chopped); 1 egg (beaten); 1 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Published: December 26, 2025

by Aileen Reed

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comforting Flavor: The combination of ground beef, rice, and tomato soup creates a rich taste that is hard to resist.
Easy to Prepare: With straightforward instructions, even novice cooks can master this dish.
Versatile Dish: These cabbage rolls are perfect for family gatherings or meal prepping for the week.
Healthy Ingredients: Packed with wholesome ingredients, they make for a nutritious main course.
Freezing Friendly: Leftovers can be frozen for quick meals later on.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large pot
Baking dish (11×8)
Medium-sized saucepan
Mixing bowl
Knife
Toothpicks

Importance of Each Tool

Large pot: Essential for blanching the cabbage leaves without tearing them.
Baking dish: The right size ensures even cooking and proper layering of ingredients.
Mixing bowl: A must-have for combining all filling ingredients thoroughly.

Ingredients

1 head cabbage
2/3 cup water
1/3 cup uncooked white rice
(2) 10.75 oz cans tomato soup
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 pound ground beef
1/4 cup onion (finely chopped)
1 egg (beaten)
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

How to Make Polish Cabbage Rolls (baked in the oven)

Step 1: Blanch the Cabbage Leaves

Using a knife, carefully cut out the core from the cabbage. Add the cabbage (without core) to a large pot of salted water. Bring it to a boil and cook for 12–14 minutes until leaves gently peel off. Remove eight leaves for the rolls and additional leaves for layering at the bottom and top of your baking dish.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

Cover the bottom of an 11×8 baking dish with leftover cabbage leaves to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to preheat at 350 degrees F.

Step 4: Cook the Rice

In a medium-sized saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add uncooked rice, stir well, cover, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes until fully cooked.

Step 5: Mix Tomato Sauce

In a small bowl, combine two cans of tomato soup with brown sugar and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until blended.

Step 6: Combine Filling Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, add ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, beaten egg, salt, black pepper, and one-fourth cup of the tomato soup mixture. Mix thoroughly until well combined.

Step 7: Assemble Cabbage Rolls

On a clean surface, lay out eight cabbage leaves. Place an appropriate amount of ground beef mixture into each leaf’s center. Roll up tightly and secure with toothpicks. Arrange rolled cabbage in the baking dish over the bed of cabbage leaves.

Step 8: Add Sauce and Cover

Pour any remaining tomato soup mixture over the rolls. Layer additional cabbage leaves on top before covering everything with aluminum foil.

Step 9: Bake

Bake in your preheated oven for about 90 minutes or until the ground beef is fully cooked through. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Polish Cabbage Rolls!

With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can create delightful Polish Cabbage Rolls that your family will love!

How to Serve Polish Cabbage Rolls (baked in the oven)

Polish Cabbage Rolls are a delightful dish that can be served in various ways. Whether you prefer them as a hearty family meal or a special occasion dish, there are several serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

With a Side of Sour Cream

A dollop of sour cream on top adds a creamy texture and tanginess that complements the flavors of the rolls beautifully.

Accompanied by Fresh Herbs

Chopped fresh parsley or dill sprinkled over the rolls brightens up the dish and adds a fresh taste, making it visually appealing.

Served with Crusty Bread

Pairing cabbage rolls with crusty bread allows for soaking up the delicious tomato sauce, adding an enjoyable element to each bite.

On a Bed of Greens

Serving cabbage rolls on a bed of lightly dressed greens offers a refreshing contrast and adds color to the plate.

How to Perfect Polish Cabbage Rolls (baked in the oven)

Creating the perfect Polish Cabbage Rolls requires attention to detail and some handy tips. Follow these suggestions for an exceptional culinary experience.

Blanch Cabbage Leaves Carefully: This step helps prevent tearing when rolling. Ensure you take your time removing leaves gently after boiling.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and quality ground beef make all the difference in flavor. Aim for vibrant produce for optimal taste.
Season Generously: Don’t shy away from seasoning your filling. A pinch more salt or pepper can elevate the overall flavor profile.
Let Them Rest After Baking: Allowing the rolls to sit for 10-15 minutes after baking lets flavors meld together nicely before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Polish Cabbage Rolls (baked in the oven)

To round out your meal featuring Polish Cabbage Rolls, consider pairing them with these delicious side dishes. Each adds its unique touch to complement this hearty main course.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with garlic create a comforting side that pairs well with tomato sauce.
Steamed Green Beans: Crisp-tender green beans add color and freshness, balancing richness while being easy to prepare.
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw offers crunch and brightness, contrasting nicely with the softness of cabbage rolls.
Roasted Root Vegetables: Carrots, potatoes, and parsnips roasted until caramelized provide sweetness and depth alongside cabbage rolls.
Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cucumbers and tomatoes introduces additional textures and flavors without overpowering the main dish.
Pickled Beets: The sweet-and-sour notes of pickled beets enhance the meal’s complexity while adding vibrant color to your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make the best Polish Cabbage Rolls (baked in the oven), avoiding common mistakes can ensure delicious results.

Using tough cabbage leaves: Always blanch the cabbage leaves before using them. This softens them, making them easier to roll without tearing.
Not measuring ingredients accurately: Use precise measurements for rice and meat. This ensures even cooking and proper texture.
Skipping the seasoning: Don’t forget to season the ground beef mixture. The flavor is key to tasty cabbage rolls, so add salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
Overfilling the rolls: Keep the filling modest to avoid bursting the rolls during baking. About 2-3 tablespoons of filling per leaf is usually enough.
Not allowing enough cooking time: Be patient with baking time. Ensuring the meat is fully cooked is important for food safety and taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover Polish Cabbage Rolls (baked in the oven) in an airtight container.
They will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Polish Cabbage Rolls (baked in the oven)

Place cooled rolls in a freezer-safe container or bag.
They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Polish Cabbage Rolls (baked in the oven)

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Cover with foil and bake for about 30 minutes or until heated through.
Microwave: Place a roll on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 1-2 minutes or until warm.
Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth, covering it until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Polish Cabbage Rolls (baked in the oven) without meat?

You can substitute ground beef with plant-based alternatives like lentils or mushrooms mixed with rice for a delicious vegetarian option.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes! However, brown rice takes longer to cook. Pre-cook it according to package instructions before adding it to your filling mix.

What can I serve with Polish Cabbage Rolls (baked in the oven)?

These rolls pair well with sour cream, crusty bread, or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.

How do I prevent tearing cabbage leaves?

Blanching cabbage leaves before rolling helps soften them, reducing the chance of tearing when you wrap your filling.

Final Thoughts

Polish Cabbage Rolls (baked in the oven) are not only comforting but also versatile. You can customize them by adding different spices or vegetables according to your preference. Try this recipe today for a delightful family meal!

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