🥬 Stuffed Cabbage Rolls (Mediterranean-Style)
🌿 Description
Stuffed cabbage rolls are a comforting, traditional dish enjoyed across many Mediterranean and European kitchens. Tender cabbage leaves are filled with a savory mixture of ground meat, rice, herbs, and spices, then simmered in a rich tomato sauce until perfectly soft and flavorful. The result is a hearty, satisfying meal that’s both nourishing and delicious—perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
🛒 Ingredients
For the cabbage rolls
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1 large green cabbage
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1 lb (450 g) ground beef or ground lamb (or a mix)
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½ cup uncooked rice
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 egg
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2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
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1 tsp paprika
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½ tsp dried oregano
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Salt and black pepper to taste
For the tomato sauce
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2 cups crushed tomatoes
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1 tbsp tomato paste
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp sugar (optional, balances acidity)
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½ tsp dried basil or oregano
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Salt and pepper to taste
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½ cup water or broth
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the cabbage
Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
Carefully remove the core from the cabbage and place the whole head in boiling water for 3–5 minutes until the outer leaves soften.
Peel off 10–12 large leaves and set aside.
2. Make the filling
In a bowl, combine:
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Ground meat
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Rice
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Onion
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Garlic
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Egg
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Parsley
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Paprika
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Oregano
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Salt and pepper
Mix until well combined.
3. Fill the cabbage
Place about 2–3 tablespoons of filling in the center of each cabbage leaf.
Fold in the sides and roll tightly like a burrito.
4. Prepare the sauce
In a large pot or deep skillet, combine crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, olive oil, sugar, basil, salt, pepper, and water.
5. Cook the rolls
Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the sauce.
Cover and simmer on low heat for 40–50 minutes, until the meat and rice are fully cooked.
6. Serve
Spoon extra tomato sauce over the rolls and garnish with fresh parsley.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Stuffed cabbage rolls pair wonderfully with:
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Creamy mashed potatoes
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Fresh Mediterranean salad
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Warm crusty bread
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A side of yogurt or sour cream
❓ Q & A
Q: Can I make these vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the meat with a mixture of lentils, mushrooms, and rice.
Q: Can I bake them instead of simmering?
Yes. Place the rolls in a baking dish with sauce, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour.
Q: Can I freeze stuffed cabbage rolls?
Absolutely. Freeze them cooked or uncooked for up to 3 months.
Q: Why are my cabbage leaves tearing?
They may need to soften longer in boiling water.
Q: Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but it may require longer cooking time.
✨ Tip: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of feta cheese before serving for a bright Mediterranean twist.
