Stuffed Cabbage

Tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory beef and rice filling, then baked in a rich tomato sauce—Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a hearty, comforting meal that’s perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients

For the Cabbage

• 1 large green cabbage
• 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)

For the Filling

• 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
• ½ lb (225 g) ground pork (optional)
• 1 cup cooked white rice
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Tomato Sauce

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz / 800 g) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cabbage

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage.
3. Place the whole cabbage in the boiling water for 5–8 minutes, peeling off the leaves as they soften.
4. Trim the thick center rib from each leaf to make rolling easier.

2. Make the Filling

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, cooked rice, onion, garlic, egg, parsley, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix gently until just combined.

3. Prepare the Sauce

1. Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Simmer for 10 minutes.

4. Assemble the Rolls

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Spread about 1 cup of the tomato sauce over the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Place about ¼ cup of the filling near the base of each cabbage leaf.
4. Fold in the sides and roll tightly.
5. Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the baking dish.
6. Pour the remaining sauce evenly over the top.

5. Bake

1. Cover the dish with foil.
2. Bake for 1 hour, until the cabbage is tender and the filling reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
3. Let the rolls rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Prep Time

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour 40 minutes

Tips

• Freeze the whole cabbage overnight and thaw it before using—the leaves soften naturally and are easier to separate.
• Use a mixture of beef and pork for extra flavor and tenderness.
• Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking for a cheesy twist.
• Leftovers taste even better the next day and can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Enjoy these comforting Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or a fresh green salad