Description
Traditional stuffed cabbage rolls are a comforting dish made with tender cabbage leaves filled with a savory mixture of ground meat, rice, herbs, and spices. Slowly simmered in a rich tomato sauce, these rolls deliver deep flavor and a nostalgic, homemade taste. Perfect for family dinners, holidays, or meal prep, this classic recipe has remained a beloved staple across generations.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large head green cabbage
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork (optional)
- 1 cup cooked or parboiled rice
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 cups tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the whole cabbage and carefully remove softened leaves one by one. Trim the thick ribs.
- In a bowl, mix ground beef, pork, rice, onion, garlic, egg, and seasonings until well combined.
- Lay a cabbage leaf flat, add 2–3 tablespoons of filling, fold sides in, and roll tightly.
- Heat olive oil in a pot and line the bottom with extra cabbage leaves.
- Arrange rolls seam-side down in layers.
- Pour tomato sauce and broth over the rolls.
- Cover and simmer on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, until tender.
- Serve warm with extra sauce.
Notes
- Parboil or freeze cabbage overnight to soften leaves easily.
- Add extra herbs like dill for more aroma.
- Rolls taste even better the next day, after flavors deepen.
- Substitute beef broth with vegetable broth for a lighter version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 180kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 45mg