Stuffed cabbage rolls are a timeless comfort dish enjoyed across many cultures. Tender cabbage leaves are filled with a savory mixture of ground meat and rice, then simmered in a rich tomato sauce until perfectly tender. This dish brings warmth to the table, making it a favorite for cozy family dinners.
The combination of hearty filling and tangy tomato sauce creates a deeply satisfying meal. The cabbage leaves soften as they cook, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. While the process may take a little time, each bite is well worth the effort.
This recipe is versatile and can be adjusted to suit different tastes. Ground beef is a classic choice, but pork, turkey, or a combination of meats work just as well. Adding a touch of paprika and oregano enhances the depth of flavor, while the tomato sauce brings a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.
Whether you’re making these for a holiday gathering or a simple weeknight dinner, stuffed cabbage rolls are a dish that brings people together. Serve them with mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up every bit of the delicious sauce.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 6-8
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Ingredients
For the Cabbage Rolls:
- 1 large head of green cabbage
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or ground pork/turkey)
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- ½ cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
For the Tomato Sauce:
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
-
Prepare the Cabbage: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove the outer cabbage leaves and blanch them in the boiling water for 2-3 minutes until softened. Drain and set aside.
-
Make the Filling: In a large bowl, mix the ground meat, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, beaten egg, salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano until well combined.
-
Roll the Cabbage: Place 2-3 tablespoons of the filling in the center of each cabbage leaf. Fold in the sides, then roll tightly like a burrito. Set aside, seam-side down.
-
Prepare the Sauce: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion and garlic until soft and fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes.
-
Cook the Rolls: Gently place the cabbage rolls into the pot with the sauce, seam-side down. Cover and let simmer on low heat for 45-60 minutes, until the rolls are tender and the flavors meld together.
-
Serve & Enjoy: Spoon extra sauce over the rolls and serve hot with mashed potatoes or crusty bread for a hearty meal.
Variations
- Meatless Option: Substitute the meat with a mixture of mushrooms, lentils, or quinoa for a vegetarian version.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bit of heat.
- Different Grains: Try substituting the white rice with brown rice or quinoa for a healthier twist.
- Slow Cooker Method: Place the stuffed cabbage rolls and sauce in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Tips
- Choose the Right Cabbage: Green cabbage works best, but Savoy cabbage can also be used for a more delicate texture.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the rolls a day in advance and let them sit in the fridge for deeper flavor.
- Prevent Unrolling: Secure the rolls with toothpicks if needed, but they should hold together well once tucked properly.
- Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. These rolls also freeze well for future meals.
Classic stuffed cabbage rolls are a true labor of love, and the end result is a dish packed with warmth and tradition. Whether you’re making them for the first time or recreating a family favorite, they are sure to bring comfort and satisfaction to your table.
