Ingredients

For the Cabbage Rolls

• 1 large green cabbage

• 500g ground beef

• 1 cup cooked rice

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 egg

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon dried parsley

• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Sauce

• 2 cups tomato sauce

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1/2 cup water or broth

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of water to a gentle boil. Carefully place the whole cabbage into the water for a few minutes until the leaves soften. Remove and let cool. Peel off 10–12 large leaves.

2. In a bowl, combine ground beef, cooked rice, onion, garlic, egg, paprika, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

3. Lay one cabbage leaf flat. Add 2–3 tablespoons of filling near the bottom of the leaf. Fold the sides inward and roll tightly. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.

4. In a baking dish, spread a little tomato sauce on the bottom. Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down.

5. Mix tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, Italian seasoning, olive oil, and water. Pour over the cabbage rolls.

6. Cover with foil and bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 1 hour until tender and flavorful.

7. Spoon extra sauce over the rolls before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Serving Ideas

Serve these warm cabbage rolls with mashed potatoes, fresh bread, or a crisp green salad for a comforting family meal.