🥬🧀 Cheesy Beef-Stuffed Cabbage
📝 Description
A rich, comforting twist on classic cabbage rolls—tender cabbage leaves packed with seasoned beef, rice, and gooey melted cheese, then baked in a savory tomato sauce. Hearty, cheesy, and perfect for a cozy family meal.
🧾 Ingredients
For the Cabbage:
- 1 large green cabbage
- Water for boiling
For the Filling:
- 500g ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano or parsley
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
For the Sauce:
- 2 cups tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- Salt & pepper to taste
👩🍳 Instructions
- Prepare the Cabbage
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove 10–12 cabbage leaves and boil for 2–3 minutes until soft. Drain and cool. - Make the Filling
In a bowl, mix ground beef, cooked rice, onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, paprika, herbs, and half of the cheese. - Stuff & Roll
Place filling onto each cabbage leaf, fold in the sides, and roll tightly. Secure if needed. - Prepare Sauce
Mix tomato sauce, tomato paste, olive oil, sugar, salt, and pepper. - Assemble
Spread a layer of sauce in a baking dish. Arrange cabbage rolls seam-side down. Pour remaining sauce over. - Bake
Cover with foil and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 45 minutes. - Add Cheese & Finish
Remove foil, sprinkle remaining cheese on top, and bake uncovered for another 10–15 minutes until melted and bubbly. - Serve
Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
- Serve with garlic bread or mashed potatoes
- Pair with a fresh cucumber or tomato salad
- Add a dollop of yogurt or sour cream on top
💡 Tips
- Use savoy cabbage for softer leaves
- Mix in chopped herbs for extra flavor
- Add chili flakes for a spicy kick
- You can cook them on the stovetop if preferred
❓ Q & A
Q: Can I make this ahead?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate up to 1 day before baking.
Q: Can I freeze it?
Absolutely—freeze before or after cooking.
Q: Can I use other meats?
Yes, ground chicken, turkey, or lamb works well.
Q: How do I keep rolls from opening?
Roll tightly and place seam-side down in the dish.
