Description
Old-Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a comforting classic featuring tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory beef and rice filling, then simmered in a tangy tomato sauce. A hearty and traditional dish perfect for family dinners or holidays.
Ingredients
- 1 large head of cabbage
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup uncooked white rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove the core of the cabbage and place the head in boiling water for 5–7 minutes, or until the outer leaves are tender. Remove leaves gently and set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, uncooked rice, chopped onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, paprika, and parsley. Mix until just combined — do not overmix.
- Lay a cabbage leaf flat, trim the thick vein at the base if needed, and place 2–3 tablespoons of filling in the center. Fold the sides over the filling and roll tightly from the base up.
- Repeat until all filling is used, reserving any torn leaves to line the baking dish.
- To make the sauce, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft, about 3 minutes. Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the bottom of a large baking dish with extra cabbage leaves.
- Arrange stuffed cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish and pour the tomato sauce evenly over the top.
- Cover tightly with foil and bake for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, until the cabbage is tender and the filling is cooked through.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Spoon extra sauce over each roll.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use a mix of ground beef and pork.
- Can be prepared ahead of time and baked the next day.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day — store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 2 hrs
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked / Braised
- Cuisine: Eastern European