Classic comfort food with tender cabbage, savory filling, and rich tomato sauce
These Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are soft, hearty, and deeply satisfying—made with gently blanched cabbage leaves wrapped around a flavorful meat-and-rice filling, then baked slowly in a tangy tomato sauce.
Below is a clear, step-by-step recipe, with pictures placed in the middle of the article to guide you through every stage.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
🥬 Cabbage
- 1 large green cabbage
- Water (for blanching)
🥩 Filling
- 1½ lb (700 g) ground beef (or beef + pork mix)
- 1 cup cooked white rice (slightly undercooked is best)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried parsley or thyme
🍅 Tomato Sauce
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp sugar (balances acidity)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage Leaves
Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
Remove the core from the cabbage and place the whole head into boiling water. After 2–3 minutes, gently peel off softened leaves as they loosen. Drain and let cool.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a large bowl, combine ground meat, rice, onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, paprika, and herbs.
Mix gently just until combined—overmixing makes rolls dense.
Step 3: Roll the Cabbage
Lay one cabbage leaf flat. Trim the thick stem if needed.
Place 2–3 tablespoons of filling near the base, fold in the sides, and roll tightly.
Step 4: Prepare the Tomato Sauce
In a bowl or saucepan, mix tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Spread a thin layer of sauce in a baking dish. Arrange cabbage rolls seam-side down. Pour remaining sauce evenly over the top.
Step 6: Bake Until Tender
Cover tightly with foil and bake for 75–90 minutes, until cabbage is tender and the filling is fully cooked.
Step 7: Rest & Serve
Let the rolls rest 10 minutes before serving. Spoon extra sauce over each roll.
⭐ Pro Tips for Perfect Stuffed Cabbage
- Slightly undercook rice so it finishes cooking in the oven
- Trim thick veins from leaves for easier rolling
- Add a splash of beef broth if sauce thickens too much
- Even better the next day
🍽 What to Serve With
- Mashed potatoes
- Buttered noodles
- Crusty bread
- Simple cucumber or green salad
Perfect for family dinners, holidays, and freezer meals.
🥄 Final Result
Tender cabbage wrapped around a juicy, savory filling and baked in rich tomato sauce—a timeless, comforting classic.