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The Recipe · No.294 · Cabbage Rolls

Cabbage Rolls, and where to source it

Cabbage Rolls — 5best2buy.com 5BEST2BUY.COM Cabbage Rolls Polish 5best2buy.com

Golabki are only as good as the meat-and-rice ratio inside; the rice should be par-cooked so it finishes tender without turning the filling to paste. Blanch the whole head so the leaves peel off pliable and roll without cracking.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep35 min
Cook1 hr 30 min
Makes6 servings
CuisinePolish
Cost$$$
Gluten-freeDairy-free
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 6 servings
Ground beef
An 80/20 grind keeps the filling moist through the long braise.
1.5 lb
Rice
Par-cooked white rice finishes tender in the roll without going mushy.
1 cup
Canned tomatoes
Crushed tomatoes make the braising sauce that keeps the rolls moist.
28 oz
Bacon
A few slices under the rolls flavor the sauce as it braises.
4 slices
Cabbage
A large green head; blanch whole to loosen the leaves.
1 head
Onion
Grated into the filling to season and keep it juicy.
1

Using ground beef? It behaves the way it does for a reason — what this cut is for and how to cook it →

The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● Barely a splurge
A light hand — your arteries say thanks.
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
Instant PotSlow cookerOne-pot
The Method
  1. Blanch cabbageBoil the cored head 5 minutes, peeling leaves as they soften and go pliable.
  2. Mix fillingCombine beef, par-cooked rice, grated onion, and seasoning; do not overmix.
  3. RollSpoon filling onto each leaf, fold the sides in, and roll snug like a burrito.
  4. BraiseLine the pot with bacon, nestle rolls seam-down, cover with crushed tomato, and braise at 325F for 90 minutes.
The Toolkit

Dutch oven · Large pot · Paring knife · Mixing bowl · Tongs

Straight Answers
Can you make Cabbage Rolls in an air fryer? — Yes, with an insert

Not on its own — an air fryer can’t hold a pool of liquid. You can simmer it in an oven-safe dish or a silicone insert made to fit the basket, but the broth won’t reduce or brown the way it does on the stove, and that insert comes out scorching, so use oven mitts. For real depth, a pot on the stove wins.

Can you freeze Cabbage Rolls? — Yes

Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Can you make Cabbage Rolls ahead of time? — Yes

Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.

Is Cabbage Rolls gluten-free? — Yes

Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.

Is Cabbage Rolls vegan? — No

No — it contains meat, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.

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