Description
This Best Cabbage Rolls recipe features tender cabbage leaves stuffed with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, and aromatic spices, all baked in a rich tomato sauce. A comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for family dinners and sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cabbage Rolls
- 1 large head of cabbage (core removed)
- 1 lb ground beef (or use ground turkey)
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 large egg (beaten)
For the Sauce
- 1 can crushed tomatoes (28 oz)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
Instructions
- Prepare Cabbage Leaves: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Remove the core from the cabbage and carefully place the whole head into the boiling water. Boil for 3-5 minutes until the outer leaves soften. Remove the cabbage and gently peel off the softened leaves, setting them aside for stuffing.
- Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, cooked rice, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, paprika, salt, black pepper, and the beaten egg. Mix thoroughly to blend all ingredients evenly.
- Assemble Rolls: Lay a cabbage leaf flat on a clean surface. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture near the base of the leaf. Fold in the sides over the filling and roll the leaf tightly, similar to a burrito, to securely encase the filling.
- Arrange Rolls: Place the cabbage rolls seam-side down in a baking dish, arranging them closely together for even cooking.
- Prepare Sauce: In a saucepan, combine crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and broth. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Bake the Rolls: Pour the prepared tomato sauce evenly over the cabbage rolls. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the cabbage is tender and the filling is fully cooked through.
Notes
- Removing the cabbage core before boiling helps separate the leaves more easily.
- For a lighter option, substitute ground turkey for beef.
- Be careful not to overfill the cabbage leaves to avoid tearing during rolling.
- Covering the dish with foil during baking keeps the rolls moist and prevents drying out.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Eastern European
Keywords: cabbage rolls, stuffed cabbage, ground beef, baked cabbage rolls, comfort food, tomato sauce, hearty dinner
