Tender cabbage leaves filled with a savory blend of beef, rice, and spices, then baked in a rich tomato sauce. This traditional dish — also called Halupky — is hearty, comforting, and perfect for family dinners.
🥘 Recipe Card
Servings & Timing
Yield: ~10–12 rolls (depending on cabbage size)
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hrs 45 minutes
Total Time: 3 hrs 15 minutes
Dietary Badges:
Family Favorite
Freezer-Friendly
✅ Ingredients
2 cabbage heads
2 lbs ground beef
3 cups boiled rice
1 egg
1 tsp garlic (minced)
1 tbsp parsley (fresh or dried)
2 thin slices onion, finely chopped
1 (15-oz) can tomato sauce
1 (28-oz) can crushed tomatoes
¼ cup meat-based tomato sauce (like spaghetti sauce)
Salt & pepper, to taste
📖 Instructions
Prepare the Cabbage
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a whole cabbage head and carefully peel off the softened leaves one at a time.
Trim the thick rib from the base of each leaf with a sharp knife to make rolling easier.
Make the Filling
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, cooked rice, egg, garlic, parsley, chopped onion, meat-based tomato sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Assemble the Rolls
Place a cabbage leaf flat, spoon a small sausage-sized portion of filling onto the leaf, and roll up like a burrito (folding sides in, then rolling tightly).
Arrange seam-side down in a greased casserole dish. Place a layer of tomato sauce and a few extra cabbage leaves at the bottom of the dish to prevent burning.
Add Sauce
Pour crushed tomatoes and the can of tomato sauce evenly over the rolls.
Bake
Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 75 minutes.
Reduce heat to 325°F (160°C) and continue baking for about 90 minutes, until cabbage is very tender.
Baste rolls with sauce every hour for best flavor.
Serve
Let cool slightly, then serve warm with extra sauce spooned over the top.
🔑 Notes & Tips
For extra flavor, add ½ cup cooked bacon bits or sautéed mushrooms to the filling.
Use a mix of ground pork and beef for a more traditional flavor.
Don’t overstuff the cabbage leaves — they roll better with smaller portions.
🌟 Variations
Polish Style: Add a pinch of dill and caraway seeds to the tomato sauce.
Keto-Friendly: Swap rice for riced cauliflower.
Spicy: Add crushed red pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the tomato mixture.
❄️ Storage
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze individual rolls with sauce in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Reheat in oven until hot.
💌 Final Notes
These Stuffed Cabbage Rolls (Halupky) are old-fashioned comfort food at its best — tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. Perfect for cozy family meals, potlucks, or Sunday dinners.
