Tender cabbage leaves stuffed with juicy beef and rice, then simmered in a rich tomato sauce until perfectly cozy and delicious ❤️🍅
🛒 Ingredients
For the Cabbage Rolls
- 1 large cabbage
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Sauce
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
🔥 Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage
➡️ Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
➡️ Carefully place the whole cabbage into the water for 5–7 minutes.
➡️ Remove softened leaves gently and let cool.
💡 Trim the thick stem part slightly so the leaves roll easily.
🥣 Step 2: Make the Filling
➡️ In a bowl, combine:
- Ground beef
- Cooked rice
- Onion
- Garlic
- Egg
- Salt
- Black pepper
➡️ Mix until fully combined.
🌯 Step 3: Roll the Cabbage
➡️ Place a cabbage leaf flat on the counter.
➡️ Add 2–3 tablespoons of filling near the center.
➡️ Fold the sides inward and roll tightly like a burrito.
➡️ Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.
🍅 Step 4: Make the Sauce
➡️ In a bowl, mix together:
- Tomato sauce
- Tomato paste
- Olive oil
- Paprika
- Salt & pepper
🍲 Step 5: Cook the Rolls
➡️ Spread a little sauce on the bottom of a baking dish or pot.
➡️ Arrange cabbage rolls seam-side down.
➡️ Pour remaining sauce over the top.
➡️ Cover and cook:
- Oven: 350°F (175°C) for 1½ hours
OR - Stovetop: Simmer on low for 60–75 minutes
😋 Step 6: Serve
➡️ Spoon extra sauce over the rolls.
➡️ Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Perfect with mashed potatoes or crusty bread 🍞✨
💡 Tips
✅ Freeze the cabbage first for softer leaves.
✅ Add cheese inside for extra richness.
✅ Use pork + beef mix for more flavor.
❓Q/A
❓Can I make these ahead?
➡️ Yes! Assemble them a day before and refrigerate.
❓Can I freeze cabbage rolls?
➡️ Absolutely. Freeze cooked or uncooked for up to 2 months.
❓Can I use another meat?
➡️ Yes! Ground turkey or chicken works great too.