Quick Description
Tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory filling and slowly cooked in a rich tomato sauce. These classic stuffed cabbage rolls are comforting, filling, and perfect for family meals or make-ahead dinners.
Servings & Timing
Servings: 4–6
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 60–70 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour 40 minutes
Ingredients List
Cabbage
- 1 large head of green cabbage
- Water for boiling
Filling
- 500 g ground meat (beef, chicken, turkey, or mix)
- ½ cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
Sauce
- 2 cups tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp sugar (optional, balances acidity)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
-
Prepare the cabbage
Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
Remove core from cabbage and carefully separate leaves.
Boil leaves for 2–3 minutes until soft. Drain and set aside. -
Prepare the filling
In a bowl, mix ground meat, cooked rice, onion, garlic, egg, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined. -
Assemble the rolls
Place a spoonful of filling onto each cabbage leaf.
Fold sides inward and roll tightly. -
Prepare the sauce
In a saucepan, heat olive oil.
Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer 5 minutes. -
Bake the rolls
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Spread a thin layer of sauce in a baking dish.
Arrange cabbage rolls seam-side down.
Pour remaining sauce over the rolls and cover with foil. -
Cook
Bake for 60–70 minutes until cabbage is tender and filling is cooked through. -
Serve
Rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Additional Notes
- Trim thick veins from cabbage leaves for easier rolling.
- Rolls taste even better the next day.
- Add a little water or broth if sauce thickens too much.
Dietary Info
- High-Protein
- Comfort Food
- Family-Friendly
- Gluten-Free Option (use gluten-free rice)
Ingredient Details & Substitutions
- Cabbage: Savoy cabbage works well and is softer.
- Rice: Can replace with quinoa or cauliflower rice.
- Meat: Use plant-based mince for vegetarian rolls.
- Sauce: Add herbs like thyme or bay leaf for depth.
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
- Add cheese on top during last 10 minutes of baking.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or crusty bread.
- Make spicy by adding chili flakes or hot sauce.
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Store in fridge for 3–4 days.
- Freeze cooked rolls up to 2 months.
- Reheat covered in oven or microwave.
