Beef and Cabbage (Lazy Golumpki): A Simplified Polish Comfort Dish

 Beef and Cabbage (Lazy Golumpki): A Simplified Polish Comfort Dish

If you love the comforting flavors of traditional golumpki (Polish stuffed cabbage rolls) but don’t enjoy the time-consuming process, this lazy golumpki recipe is perfect for you. With tender cabbage, seasoned ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce, this casserole-style dish offers all the nostalgic flavors without the fuss.

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Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: No need to roll individual cabbage leaves—just layer and bake!
• Flavorful Sauce: Packed with tangy tomato goodness for a moist and satisfying result.
• Customizable: Adjust the sauce or seasonings to match your family’s tastes.

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Ingredients

• 1 head green cabbage, cut into bite-size pieces
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup white rice
• 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed tomato soup (such as Campbell’s)
• 1 (32-ounce) container crushed tomatoes (such as Hunt’s)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Cabbage

• Bring a large stockpot of water to a boil.
• Add the cabbage pieces and boil until tender, about 10 to 15 minutes.
• Drain well and set aside.

2. Cook the Beef

• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the ground beef and cook until browned and crumbly, about 5 to 7 minutes.
• Drain any excess grease and mix in the salt, parsley, onion powder, and black pepper.

3. Cook the Rice

• In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
• Add the rice, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until tender and the water is absorbed (about 20 to 25 minutes).

4. Make the Tomato Sauce

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the condensed tomato soup and crushed tomatoes.

5. Assemble the Dish

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a large bowl, combine the boiled cabbage, seasoned ground beef, cooked rice, and tomato sauce mixture.
• Transfer the mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

6. Bake

• Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake until bubbling and heated through, about 45 minutes.

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Cook’s Notes

• Sauce Preference: This recipe uses a generous amount of sauce for a moist and flavorful dish. If you prefer a drier texture, reduce the amount of tomato sauce slightly.
• Brand Loyalty: The recipe specifies Campbell’s tomato soup and Hunt’s crushed tomatoes for their rich flavor, but feel free to use your favorite brands.
• Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add an extra 10 minutes to the cooking time.

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Serving Suggestions

• Pair this dish with a slice of crusty bread or a light green salad for a complete meal.
• Leftovers reheat beautifully and are perfect for meal prep.

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This lazy golumpki recipe captures the hearty essence of traditional Polish stuffed cabbage rolls in a fuss-free format. It’s ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or anyone craving a taste of home. Try it today, and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors that make it a classic!