Tender cabbage leaves filled with a savory meat and rice mixture, baked in a rich tomato sauce until perfectly tender. A comforting family favorite!
🛒 Ingredients
For the Rolls
- 1 large cabbage
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or chicken
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Sauce
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Cabbage
🥬 Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
➡️ Carefully place the whole cabbage into the water.
➡️ Cook for 5–7 minutes until the leaves soften.
➡️ Remove and let cool.
➡️ Gently peel off 10–12 large leaves.
2️⃣ Make the Filling
🥣 In a bowl, combine:
➡️ Ground meat
➡️ Cooked rice
➡️ Chopped onion
➡️ Egg
➡️ Garlic powder
➡️ Salt and pepper
Mix until evenly combined.
3️⃣ Fill the Cabbage Leaves
🥬 Lay a cabbage leaf flat.
➡️ Place 2–3 tablespoons of filling near the base.
➡️ Fold in the sides.
➡️ Roll tightly to form a neat cabbage roll.
➡️ Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.
4️⃣ Prepare the Sauce
🍅 In a bowl, mix together:
➡️ Tomato sauce
➡️ Olive oil
➡️ Paprika
Stir well.
5️⃣ Assemble
🍽️ Spread a little sauce in the bottom of a baking dish.
➡️ Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down.
➡️ Pour the remaining sauce over the top.
6️⃣ Bake
🔥 Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
➡️ Cover with foil.
➡️ Bake for 45–50 minutes until the cabbage is tender and the filling is fully cooked.
7️⃣ Serve
🌿 Let rest for 5 minutes.
➡️ Spoon extra sauce over the rolls.
➡️ Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
❓ Quick Q&A
Can I use ground chicken instead of beef?
✅ Yes! Ground chicken makes a lighter version.
Can I make these ahead of time?
✅ Yes, assemble the rolls up to a day ahead and refrigerate before baking.
Can I freeze them?
✅ Absolutely. Freeze before or after baking for up to 2 months.
🌟 Nutritional Benefits
🥬 Cabbage provides fiber and vitamins.
🍖 Ground meat adds protein and iron.
🍚 Rice makes the filling hearty and satisfying.
🍅 Tomato sauce adds antioxidants and delicious flavor.
These Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are tender, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy homemade meal! 🥬🍅✨🍽️