Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory filling of ground beef and rice, slow-baked in a rich, tangy tomato sauce. This classic comfort food is a hearty, satisfying meal perfect for a family dinner, reminding many of grandma's kitchen.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 85 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Cabbage Leaves
- b.Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Using a sharp knife, carefully remove the core from the head of cabbage.
- c.Place the whole cabbage, core-side down, into the boiling water. Boil for 8-10 minutes, or until the outer leaves are tender and flexible.
- d.Carefully remove the cabbage from the pot and let it cool enough to handle. Gently peel off 8-10 large outer leaves. If inner leaves are still stiff, return the cabbage to the pot for a few more minutes.
- e.With a paring knife, shave down the thick, tough rib on the back of each leaf. This makes them easier to roll.
- f.Finely chop the remaining cabbage and spread it evenly on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Create the Filling
- b.In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, uncooked rice, half of the chopped onion, the large egg, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
- c.Use your hands to gently mix the ingredients until they are just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the filling tender.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Assemble the Rolls
- b.Lay a prepared cabbage leaf flat. Place approximately 1/3 cup of the meat filling near the core end of the leaf.
- c.Fold the bottom edge up over the filling, then fold in both sides, and roll it up snugly, similar to a burrito.
- d.Place the finished roll seam-side down in the baking dish, on top of the chopped cabbage. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling, arranging them snugly in the dish.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Prepare the Tomato Sauce
- b.Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- c.In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the remaining chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened.
- d.Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- e.Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
- f.Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Bake the Cabbage Rolls
- b.Pour the prepared tomato sauce evenly over the cabbage rolls in the baking dish.
- c.Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- d.Bake for 75-90 minutes. The cabbage should be very tender, and the filling cooked through (internal temperature of 160°F or 71°C).
- 6
Step 6
- a.Rest and Serve
- b.Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest, still covered, for at least 10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute.
- c.Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot, spooning extra sauce from the pan over each roll. A dollop of sour cream is a classic addition.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For easier rolling, freeze the head of cabbage for 24 hours, then thaw completely. The leaves will be perfectly wilted and pliable without boiling.
- 2Don't pack the filling too tightly inside the leaves; the rice needs room to expand as it cooks.
- 3For a richer flavor, use a combination of ground beef and ground pork for the filling.
- 4The cabbage rolls taste even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld.
- 5This dish freezes well. You can freeze the baked rolls in their sauce for up to 3 months.
- 6For a tangy twist, add a dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt when serving.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian/Vegan
Replace the ground beef with a mixture of cooked lentils, mushrooms, and walnuts. Use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) instead of a regular egg.
Low CarbLow-Carb
Substitute the rice with an equal amount of cauliflower rice. Ensure the tomato sauce is sugar-free to further reduce carbohydrates.
Different GrainsDifferent Grains
Instead of white rice, try using brown rice, quinoa, or barley for added fiber and a nuttier flavor. Note that cooking times may need to be adjusted.
Spicier SauceSpicier Sauce
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the tomato sauce for a spicy kick.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Protein
The ground beef provides high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Source of Vitamin C
Cabbage and tomatoes are excellent sources of Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that supports a healthy immune system and promotes skin health.
Provides Lycopene
The cooked tomato sauce is rich in lycopene, a potent antioxidant linked to a reduced risk of certain chronic diseases and known for its heart-health benefits.
Good Source of Fiber
Cabbage provides dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes gut health, and helps maintain a feeling of fullness.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of two cabbage rolls contains approximately 550-650 calories. This is an estimate and can vary based on the leanness of the beef and specific ingredients used.