Cabbage Rolls
Tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory filling of ground beef and rice, slow-baked in a rich, tangy tomato sauce. A hearty and comforting classic perfect for a family dinner.
For 4 servings
Preheat oven and prepare baking dish. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Prepare the cabbage leaves. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Use a paring knife to cut around the cabbage core and remove it. Place the whole cabbage head in the boiling water for 8-10 minutes, or until the outer leaves become tender and pliable. Carefully remove the cabbage from the pot and let it cool enough to handle. Gently peel off 8-10 large outer leaves. Using the paring knife, shave down the thick, tough rib on the back of each leaf to make them flat and easy to roll.
Create the savory filling. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Remove from heat. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, the sautéed onion and garlic mixture, beaten egg, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
Assemble the cabbage rolls. Lay one cabbage leaf flat with the core-end facing you. Place about 1/2 cup of the beef filling in the center, near the bottom edge. Fold the bottom edge up and over the filling. Fold in the left and right sides, then roll it up snugly, like a burrito. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
Prepare the sauce and bake. In a medium bowl, whisk together the tomato sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Pour about 1 cup of the sauce into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish. Pour the rest of the sauce evenly over the top of the rolls. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
Bake to perfection. Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 60 minutes. After 60 minutes, carefully remove the foil and continue to bake for another 15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the tops of the rolls to brown slightly. The filling should be cooked through, with an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Rest and serve. Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the cabbage rolls rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the rolls to set. Serve hot, spooning extra sauce from the pan over each roll.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For easier leaf removal, freeze the entire head of cabbage for several hours or overnight. As it thaws, the leaves will become limp and peel off easily without boiling.
- 2Don't pack the filling too tightly inside the leaves. The rice needs room to expand as it absorbs moisture during baking.
- 3For a richer flavor, briefly brown the assembled cabbage rolls in a skillet with a little oil before placing them in the baking dish.
- 4The flavor of cabbage rolls deepens overnight. They make for excellent leftovers.
- 5To save time, you can prepare the cabbage leaves and the filling a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator until you're ready to assemble and bake.
Adapt it for your goals.
Meat Variation
Substitute ground beef with a mixture of ground pork and veal for a more traditional and tender filling. Ground turkey or chicken can also be used for a leaner option.
Vegetarian FillingVegetarian Filling
For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with a mixture of sautéed mushrooms, cooked lentils, walnuts, and breadcrumbs.
Sauce FlavorSauce Flavor
Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the tomato sauce for a smoky depth, or stir in a few tablespoons of sour cream at the end of baking for a creamier, Eastern European-style sauce.
Grain FreeGrain-Free
For a lower-carb option, omit the rice and add finely chopped vegetables like carrots, celery, or cauliflower rice to the meat filling.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Protein
The ground beef provides high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and maintaining overall body function.
Excellent Source of Vitamin C & K
Cabbage is packed with Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that boosts the immune system, and Vitamin K, which is crucial for blood clotting and bone health.
Provides Antioxidants
The tomato sauce is a great source of lycopene, an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage and is linked to a reduced risk of certain chronic diseases.
Sustained Energy Release
The combination of protein from the meat, complex carbohydrates from the rice, and fiber from the cabbage provides a balanced source of sustained energy, keeping you full and satisfied.
Frequently asked questions
One serving, which consists of two cabbage rolls, contains approximately 420-450 calories. This can vary based on the leanness of the ground beef and the specific brands of sauce and broth used.