Cabbage Rolls are a comforting classic made with tender cabbage leaves stuffed with seasoned ground meat and rice, then simmered in a rich tomato sauce. This hearty homemade dish is popular in many Eastern European and family-style kitchens and is perfect for cozy dinners.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
Equipment
- Large pot
- Mixing bowl
- Baking dish or Dutch oven
- Knife and cutting board
- Tongs
- Spoon or spatula
Ingredients
For the Cabbage Rolls
- 1 large green cabbage
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ pound ground pork (optional)
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
For the Sauce
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
Ingredient Notes
- Cabbage: Large soft leaves roll more easily.
- Ground Beef and Pork: The combination gives extra flavor and tenderness.
- Rice: Cooked white rice works best.
- Tomato Sauce: Creates a rich comforting base.
- Brown Sugar: Balances the acidity of tomatoes.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove the cabbage core.
Place cabbage in boiling water for a few minutes until leaves soften. Remove leaves carefully and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a bowl, combine ground beef, pork, cooked rice, onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and paprika.
Step 3: Fill the Cabbage Leaves
Place a portion of filling onto each cabbage leaf. Fold in sides and roll tightly.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
Mix tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning.
Step 5: Assemble
Spread a little sauce in the bottom of a baking dish or Dutch oven. Arrange cabbage rolls seam-side down.
Pour remaining sauce over the rolls.
Step 6: Cook
Cover and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes until fully cooked and tender.
Step 7: Serve
Serve warm with mashed potatoes or crusty bread.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 340
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 7g
Tips
- Freeze the cabbage overnight to soften leaves naturally.
- Do not overfill the rolls.
- Simmer longer for extra tender cabbage.
- Use leftover sauce for serving.
Variations
Spicy Cabbage Rolls
Add chili flakes or hot sauce.
Cheesy Version
Sprinkle mozzarella on top before baking.
Turkey Cabbage Rolls
Use ground turkey instead of beef.
Low-Carb Version
Replace rice with cauliflower rice.
Sweet and Sour Style
Add extra brown sugar and a splash of vinegar to the sauce