Description
These cabbage rolls are the ultimate comfort food: tender cabbage leaves stuffed with a savory beef and rice filling, simmered in rich, flavorful tomato sauce. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, each roll is a little bundle of warmth and flavor. The combination of textures—from the tender cabbage to the juicy filling and tangy sauce—makes every bite satisfying. This recipe is easy to customize for vegetarians, and it stores beautifully for later. You’ll find yourself making these again and again, sharing a dish that’s as heartwarming as it is delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large head green cabbage
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey for lighter option)
- 1 cup cooked rice (slightly undercooked)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Handful fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Instructions
- Blanch cabbage leaves in boiling water for 2–3 minutes, drain, and set aside.
- Mix ground beef, rice, onion, garlic, paprika, salt, pepper, and parsley in a bowl.
- Place filling in cabbage leaves, fold sides, and roll tightly.
- Heat olive oil, sauté onion and garlic, add tomato sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer 10 minutes.
- Place rolls in a baking dish, cover with sauce, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40–50 minutes.
Notes
- Slightly undercook rice to prevent mushy filling.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor.
- Vegetarian versions can substitute lentils or mushrooms for meat.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking/Simmering
- Cuisine: Comfort Food, Eastern European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8–10
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 55mg