🥬 Stuffed Cabbage Rolls (Classic & Comforting)
📝 Description
Tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory filling of meat, rice, and herbs, then gently baked in a rich tomato sauce. These rolls are hearty, satisfying, and perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
🧾 Ingredients
For the Cabbage:
- 1 large green cabbage
- Water for boiling
For the Filling:
- 500g ground beef (or beef + chicken mix)
- 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 parsley or dill
For the Sauce:
- 2 cups tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sugar (balances acidity)
- Salt & pepper to taste
👩🍳 Instructions
- Prepare the Cabbage
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully peel off 10–12 cabbage leaves and boil them for 2–3 minutes until soft. Drain and let cool. - Make the Filling
In a bowl, mix ground meat, cooked rice, onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, paprika, and herbs until well combined. - Form the Rolls
Place a portion of filling near the base of each cabbage leaf. Fold sides in and roll tightly like a wrap. - Prepare Sauce
In a bowl, mix tomato sauce, tomato paste, olive oil, sugar, salt, and pepper. - Assemble
Spread a little sauce in a baking dish. Arrange cabbage rolls seam-side down. Pour remaining sauce over the top. - Bake
Cover with foil and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 45–60 minutes until fully cooked and tender. - Serve
Let rest for 5–10 minutes. Serve warm with fresh herbs or a spoon of yogurt.
💡 Tips
- Use savoy cabbage for softer, easier-to-roll leaves
- Add a splash of lemon juice for brightness
- For a lighter version, use ground chicken or turkey
- You can cook them on the stovetop on low heat for 40–50 minutes instead of baking
❓ Q & A
Q: Can I freeze cabbage rolls?
Yes! Freeze before or after cooking. They reheat very well.
Q: Why are my rolls falling apart?
Make sure to roll tightly and place them seam-side down.
Q: Can I make them vegetarian?
Absolutely—use lentils, mushrooms, or chickpeas instead of meat.
Q: What goes well with this?
Mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or a fresh salad pair beautifully.
