Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe.

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Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Tender cabbage leaves filled with seasoned beef and rice, baked in a rich tomato sauce until perfectly comforting and flavorful. A classic family-style dish that’s hearty and satisfying.

🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

🥬 Cabbage

  • 1 large green cabbage

  • Water for boiling

🥩 Filling

  • 1 lb ground beef (or beef/pork mix)

  • 1 cup cooked white rice

  • 1 small onion, finely diced

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 egg

  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

  • 1 tsp salt

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • ½ tsp paprika

🍅 Tomato Sauce

  • 2 cups tomato sauce

  • 1 can (14–15 oz) crushed tomatoes

  • 1 tbsp tomato paste

  • 1 tsp sugar (optional, balances acidity)

  • 1 tsp dried oregano

  • ½ tsp garlic powder

  • Salt & pepper to taste

🔥 Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Cabbage

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.

  2. Remove the core from the cabbage.

  3. Carefully place the whole cabbage in boiling water.

  4. As leaves soften (about 2–3 minutes), gently peel them off with tongs.

  5. Set leaves aside to cool.

  6. Trim thick center ribs from each leaf for easier rolling.

2️⃣ Make the Filling

  1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, cooked rice, onion, garlic, egg, parsley, salt, pepper, and paprika.

  2. Mix until just combined (don’t overwork the meat).

3️⃣ Prepare the Sauce

  1. In a bowl, mix tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

  2. Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.

4️⃣ Assemble the Rolls

  1. Place about 2–3 tablespoons of filling near the base of each cabbage leaf.

  2. Fold in the sides, then roll tightly like a burrito.

  3. Place seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.

  4. Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.

5️⃣ Bake

  1. Pour remaining tomato sauce evenly over cabbage rolls.

  2. Cover with foil.

  3. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 60–75 minutes, until cabbage is tender and meat is cooked through.

6️⃣ Rest & Serve

  • Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

  • Spoon extra sauce over the top.

  • Garnish with parsley or a dollop of sour cream if desired.

🌟 Tips & Variations

  • Low-carb option: Replace rice with cauliflower rice.

  • Slow cooker version: Cook on low for 6–7 hours.

  • Freezer-friendly: Assemble and freeze before baking; thaw and bake when ready.

  • Extra flavor: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture.

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