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Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

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Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Description

These classic Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a flavorful filling of seasoned ground beef, rice, herbs, and onions, then slowly baked in a rich tomato sauce until perfectly tender. This comforting family favorite is hearty, satisfying, and perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. The cabbage becomes soft and sweet while the filling stays juicy and flavorful. Serve with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours
Servings: 6

Ingredients

For the Cabbage Rolls

  • 1 large green cabbage
  • 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
  • ½ lb (225 g) ground pork (optional, or use all beef)
  • 1 cup cooked white rice
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1½ tsp salt

For the Tomato Sauce

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ½ cup beef broth

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley
  • Sour cream (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage and place the whole cabbage into the boiling water. Cook for 3–5 minutes, removing softened outer leaves as they loosen. Continue until you have 12–14 large cabbage leaves. Trim the thick center rib from each leaf to make rolling easier.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, cooked rice, diced onion, garlic, egg, parsley, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until everything is evenly combined without overworking the meat.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Sauté the onion for about 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for another minute. Stir in the tomato paste, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, beef broth, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 4: Assemble the Rolls

Lay a cabbage leaf flat on your work surface. Place about ¼ cup of filling near the stem end. Fold the sides inward, then roll tightly from the bottom to create a neat package. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.

Step 5: Bake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce in the bottom of a large baking dish. Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in a single layer. Pour the remaining sauce over the rolls, making sure they are well covered.

Cover tightly with foil and bake for 1 hour 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes until the sauce is bubbling and the cabbage is fork-tender.

Step 6: Serve

Allow the cabbage rolls to rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley and a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Tips & Notes

  • Freeze the cabbage overnight and thaw it to naturally soften the leaves.
  • Leftover cooked rice works perfectly in this recipe.
  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
  • Add shredded carrots or finely chopped mushrooms to the filling for extra vegetables.
  • The flavor becomes even better the next day, making these rolls excellent for meal prep.
  • Freeze baked cabbage rolls for up to 3 months in an airtight container.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the rolls up to one day ahead and refrigerate before baking.

Can I freeze them?
Absolutely. Freeze either before or after baking. Thaw overnight before reheating.

What should I serve with stuffed cabbage rolls?
Mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, crusty bread, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad pair wonderfully.

Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)

  • Calories: 395
  • Protein: 27 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 760 mg

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