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Cabbage Rolls Recipe

Cabbage Rolls Recipe

A comforting classic, this Cabbage Rolls Recipe combines tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory filling of ground meat, rice, and spices, all baked in a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for cozy dinners, it’s easy to prepare, make-ahead friendly, and customizable to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 12 large cabbage leaves
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground meat (beef, pork, turkey, or a mix)
  • 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 cups tomato sauce
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cabbage Leaves: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Core the cabbage and carefully separate about 12 large leaves. Blanch the leaves in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until pliable, then transfer them to an ice bath to stop cooking. Pat dry and set aside.
  2. Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ground meat, cooked rice, finely chopped onion and garlic, egg, salt, pepper, paprika, and chopped parsley. Mix thoroughly but gently until well incorporated.
  3. Roll the Cabbage Leaves: Lay a cabbage leaf flat and trim the thick vein if necessary to facilitate rolling. Place a spoonful of filling near the base of the leaf, fold the sides tightly over the filling, and roll up from the bottom like a burrito. Repeat with all leaves.
  4. Assemble and Cook: Spread a layer of tomato sauce in a baking dish. Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down snugly in the dish. Pour remaining tomato sauce over the rolls. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour, until the filling is fully cooked and the cabbage is tender.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Let the rolls rest for a few minutes before serving. Spoon additional sauce over each roll and garnish with fresh herbs, sour cream, or Greek yogurt as desired. Serve with rustic bread or creamy mashed potatoes.

Notes

  • Don’t skip blanching the cabbage leaves to prevent tearing while rolling.
  • For richer flavor, sauté onions and garlic before mixing them in the filling.
  • Use consistent filling amounts in each leaf for even cooking.
  • Generously layer tomato sauce under and over the rolls for moist, flavorful results.
  • Letting the rolls rest after baking allows flavors to meld and makes serving easier.

Nutrition

Keywords: cabbage rolls, stuffed cabbage, comfort food, baked cabbage rolls, ground meat recipe