Here’s a classic, comforting Cabbage Rolls recipe — tender cabbage leaves stuffed with savory meat and rice, baked in a flavorful tomato sauce 🥬🍅
Classic Cabbage Rolls
Serves: 6
Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or pork (or a mix)
- ½ cup cooked rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika (optional)
For the Rolls:
- 1 large head of cabbage
- Boiling water
For the Sauce:
- 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz / 410 g) diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano or basil
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Cabbage Leaves
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Core the cabbage and carefully separate the leaves.
- Blanch leaves in boiling water 2–3 minutes until pliable. Drain and set aside.
2️⃣ Make the Filling
- In a bowl, combine ground meat, cooked rice, onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and paprika.
3️⃣ Stuff the Cabbage Leaves
- Place 2–3 tbsp filling in the center of each leaf.
- Fold sides over filling and roll tightly.
4️⃣ Prepare the Sauce
- In a bowl, mix tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, salt, pepper, and oregano/basil.
5️⃣ Assemble & Bake
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Spread a thin layer of sauce in a baking dish.
- Place cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish.
- Pour remaining sauce over the rolls.
- Cover with foil and bake 45–60 minutes, until meat is cooked through and cabbage is tender.
6️⃣ Serve
- Serve hot, optionally with a dollop of sour cream or fresh herbs.
Tips & Variations
- Add shredded carrots or finely chopped bell peppers to the filling for extra flavor.
- For a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken.
- Make ahead: cabbage rolls freeze well before or after baking.
If you want, I can also give a slow-cooker cabbage rolls version that’s hands-off and extra tender.
