Tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory, well-seasoned filling, slowly baked in a rich tomato sauce—this timeless dish is hearty, comforting, and absolutely satisfying. Perfect for family dinners or make-ahead meals.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Cabbage Rolls:
- 1 large green cabbage
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup uncooked white rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
For the Tomato Sauce:
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Carefully remove the core from the cabbage.
- Place the whole cabbage in boiling water for 5–7 minutes, loosening leaves as they soften.
- Remove leaves gently and set aside to cool.
Step 2: Make the Filling
- In a large bowl, combine ground meat, rice, onion, garlic, egg, parsley, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
Step 3: Assemble the Rolls
- Place a cabbage leaf flat on a clean surface.
- Add 2–3 tablespoons of filling near the base.
- Fold sides inward and roll tightly into a log shape.
- Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
- In a bowl, mix tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, olive oil, sugar, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Step 5: Bake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Arrange cabbage rolls seam-side down.
- Pour remaining sauce evenly over the rolls.
- Cover with foil and bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, until cabbage is tender and filling is cooked through.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Serve hot with a side of crusty bread or mashed potatoes.
- Add a dollop of sour cream for extra richness.
- Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
💡 Tips & Notes
- Make Ahead: These rolls taste even better the next day after flavors deepen.
- Freezing: Freeze before or after baking for up to 3 months.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace meat with lentils or a mix of mushrooms and rice.
- Low-Carb Version: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice.
- Flavor Boost: Add a splash of lemon juice or vinegar to the sauce for brightness.
❤️ Final Thought
Stuffed cabbage rolls may look simple, but they deliver rich, comforting flavors that have stood the test of time. Definitely a YAY for anyone who loves hearty, home-cooked meals!