Old Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Old-Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls: A Comfort Food Classic Worth Passing Down

There’s something undeniably special about a dish that’s been passed from one generation to the next—made not just for nourishment, but with love, tradition, and time. Old-Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are one of those beloved recipes that bring comfort to the table and stories to the heart.

Also known as golabki, holubtsi, or simply “cabbage rolls” depending on your heritage, this dish is a staple in many Eastern European kitchens. It’s humble, hearty, and soul-warming—a celebration of simple ingredients coming together in the most satisfying way.

At its core, the recipe features tender cabbage leaves filled with a savory mixture of seasoned ground meat (often beef or pork), rice, onions, and herbs. Once rolled, they’re nestled into a baking dish and simmered low and slow in a rich tomato sauce until perfectly cooked and infused with flavor.