Introduction

Stuffed cabbage rolls are a comforting, hearty classic enjoyed in cultures worldwide.
Tender cabbage leaves embrace a savory filling of seasoned meat, herbs, and rice, then simmer
in rich tomato sauce until wonderfully flavorful. Perfect for family dinners, holidays, or any
meal where homemade comfort is needed, these rolls deliver warmth and tradition in every bite.

Ingredients

For the Cabbage Rolls

• 1 large head of green cabbage
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or beef/pork mix)
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

For the Sauce

• 2 cups tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp sugar (optional)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder

Instructions

Prepare the Cabbage

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
2. Core the cabbage and place it carefully in the boiling water.
3. As the leaves soften, peel them off gently and set aside.
4. Continue until you have 12–14 large, flexible leaves.

Make the Filling

1. Combine ground beef, rice, onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, paprika, and parsley in a bowl.
2. Mix gently until just combined.

Assemble the Rolls

1. Lay a cabbage leaf flat and place 2–3 tablespoons of filling near the stem end.
2. Fold in the sides and roll tightly.
3. Repeat until all leaves or filling are used.

Prepare the Sauce

1. Whisk tomato sauce, broth, tomato paste, sugar, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder together.

Cook the Cabbage Rolls

Stovetop Method

1. Line a large pot with leftover cabbage leaves.
2. Place the rolls seam-side down inside the pot.
3. Pour the sauce over the rolls.
4. Cover and simmer on low for 1.5 to 2 hours.

Oven Method

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Arrange rolls in a baking dish and pour sauce over them.
3. Cover with foil and bake for 1.5 hours.

Description

This stuffed cabbage rolls recipe yields soft, juicy rolls wrapped in tender cabbage and simmered
in a savory tomato sauce. The meat-and-rice filling becomes rich and flavorful as it cooks, while
the sauce infuses every layer with deep, comforting goodness. It’s a homestyle dish that brings
nostalgia, warmth, and satisfaction to your table.

Tips

• Freeze raw cabbage overnight to soften leaves without boiling.
• Sauté the onion and garlic before adding them to the filling for deeper flavor.
• Add more broth to make the rolls extra juicy.
• Use crushed red pepper for a spicy kick.
• Great for freezing and meal prep.

Correction

• Tough Cabbage: Boil longer or use softer leaves.
• Dry Filling: Add a little more broth or sauce.
• Filling Not Holding Together: Add extra rice or another egg.

Enjoy

Serve your warm stuffed cabbage rolls with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or a fresh side salad.
Enjoy every comforting, delicious bite of this classic homemade dish!