Tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory beef-and-rice filling, simmered in rich tomato sauce until perfectly comforting and hearty.
Ingredients
For the Cabbage Rolls
- 1 large head green cabbage
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ lb ground pork (optional)
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 egg
- Salt & black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
Tomato Sauce
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cabbage
Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
Carefully remove cabbage leaves and boil them 2–3 minutes until softened and flexible.
Trim thick stems if needed.
2. Make the Filling
In a bowl, combine:
- Ground beef
- Pork
- Cooked rice
- Onion
- Garlic
- Egg
- Paprika
- Salt & pepper
3. Roll the Cabbage
Place filling near the base of each leaf.
Fold sides inward and roll tightly.
4. Make the Sauce
Mix crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning.
Spread some sauce in the bottom of a baking dish or Dutch oven.
5. Bake or Simmer
Arrange cabbage rolls seam-side down.
Pour remaining sauce over top.
Cover and cook:
- Oven: 350°F (175°C) for 1½–2 hours
or - Stovetop: simmer gently for about 1½ hours
Tips
- Freezes beautifully.
- Add bacon to the sauce for smoky flavor.
- Use turkey instead of beef for a lighter version.
- The flavor gets even better the next day.
Great Side Dishes
- Mashed potatoes
- Rye bread
- Buttered green beans
- Sour cream on the side
Classic, cozy, and deeply satisfying 🍲