Description
This Cabbage Rolls Recipe is a classic comfort dish featuring tender green cabbage leaves filled with a savory mixture of ground meat, cooked rice, herbs, and spices, all simmered in a rich tomato sauce. Easy to prepare and customizable, it offers a warm, hearty meal perfect for family dinners or cozy occasions. Whether baked or slow-cooked, these cabbage rolls deliver satisfying flavors and a wholesome balance of nutrition in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Cabbage Leaves
- 1 large green cabbage (whole)
Filling
- 1 lb (450g) ground meat (beef, pork, or turkey)
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 large egg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Tomato Sauce
- 2 cups tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup broth or water
- 1 tsp sugar (optional)
- Additional fresh or dried herbs (parsley, dill), to taste
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the cabbage leaves: Remove the core from the green cabbage and carefully separate large whole leaves. Blanch them in boiling water for 3-5 minutes until softened and pliable enough to roll without breaking. Drain and set aside to cool.
- Make the filling: In a large bowl, combine ground meat, cooked rice, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley and dill, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Roll the cabbage: Lay one cabbage leaf flat on a work surface. Place a generous spoonful of filling near the base of the leaf. Fold the sides over the filling, then roll tightly from the bottom up to fully enclose the filling.
- Prepare the sauce: In a pot or baking dish, mix tomato sauce with broth or water, a pinch of sugar, additional herbs, salt, and pepper. This sauce will cook with the cabbage rolls and infuse them with rich, comforting flavors.
- Cook the rolls: Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the sauce, layering if necessary. Simmer on low heat on the stove or bake covered at 350°F (175°C) in the oven for 60 to 75 minutes until the meat is fully cooked and the cabbage is tender.
Notes
- Use fresh, firm cabbage leaves to avoid tearing during rolling.
- Don’t overfill the rolls; leave room to tuck edges neatly.
- Season the filling and sauce well to enhance flavor.
- Cooking on low heat helps meld flavors and prevents drying out.
- Allow rolls to rest a few minutes before serving for better flavor and easier slicing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Eastern European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll (approx.)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: cabbage rolls, stuffed cabbage, comfort food, ground meat recipe, tomato sauce, baked cabbage rolls, homemade cabbage rolls
