Here’s a classic, comforting recipe for homemade stuffed cabbage rolls—tender cabbage leaves filled with a savory meat and rice mixture, simmered in a rich tomato sauce 🥬🍅
🥬 Homemade Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
For the rolls:
- 1 large cabbage
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or beef + rice mix)
- ½ cup uncooked rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the sauce:
- 2 cups tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, balances acidity)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1–2 cups broth or water
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the cabbage
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil
- Carefully remove whole cabbage leaves
- Boil leaves for 2–3 minutes until soft and pliable
- Drain and set aside
2. Make the filling
- In a bowl, mix:
- Ground beef
- Uncooked rice
- Onion, garlic
- Egg, salt, and pepper
3. Roll the cabbage
- Place filling (2–3 tbsp) on each leaf
- Fold sides inward and roll tightly like a burrito
4. Assemble
- Spread a little sauce on the bottom of a pot or baking dish
- Place rolls seam-side down
- Pour remaining sauce over the top
- Add broth to cover partially
5. Cook
Stovetop:
- Cover and simmer on low heat for 45–60 minutes
Oven:
- Bake covered at 180°C (350°F) for 60–75 minutes
✨ Tips for best flavor
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness
- Mix pork with beef for juicier filling
- Let rest 10 minutes before serving
🍽️ Serving ideas
- With mashed potatoes or crusty bread
- A side of yogurt or sour cream
💡 Result: Soft cabbage, juicy filling, and rich tomato sauce—pure comfort food.
If you want, I can give you a lazy one-pot “unstuffed cabbage” version that tastes the same but is much faster to make.