📋 Ingredients

For the Cabbage Rolls

• 1 large green cabbage
• 1 pound (450g) ground beef
• 1/2 cup cooked rice
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley or 1 tsp dried
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Tomato Sauce

• 2 cups tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp sugar (optional, balances acidity)
• Salt & pepper to taste

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Cabbage

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
2. Carefully remove the core of the cabbage.
3. Place whole cabbage in the pot and boil 5–7 minutes, peeling off leaves as they soften.
4. Set softened leaves aside to cool.
5. Trim thick center ribs for easier rolling.

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2️⃣ Make the Filling

1. In a bowl, combine:
   • Ground beef
   • Cooked rice
   • Parmesan cheese
   • Onion
   • Garlic
   • Egg
   • Parsley
   • Italian seasoning
   • Salt & pepper
2. Mix gently until fully combined (don’t overmix).

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3️⃣ Assemble the Rolls

1. Lay a cabbage leaf flat.
2. Place 2–3 tbsp of filling in the center.
3. Fold sides in and roll tightly like a burrito.
4. Repeat with all leaves and filling.

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4️⃣ Make the Sauce

1. Heat olive oil in a saucepan.
2. Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, basil, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper.
3. Simmer 5 minutes to combine flavors.

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5️⃣ Bake

1. Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
2. Arrange cabbage rolls seam-side down.
3. Pour remaining sauce over the top.
4. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 60–75 minutes, until rolls are tender and cooked through.

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🍽 Serve & Enjoy

Garnish with extra Parmesan or parsley and serve warm with mashed potatoes, a simple salad, or crusty bread.