Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a comforting and satisfying classic dish featuring tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a flavorful mixture of ground meat, rice, and herbs, cooked in a tangy tomato sauce. Perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or special gatherings, this recipe is easy to prepare, versatile, and makes excellent leftovers.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Eastern European
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 1 firm head of green cabbage
- 1 pound ground meat (beef, pork, or a combination)
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- Prepare the Cabbage Leaves: Carefully separate the cabbage leaves from the head and blanch them in boiling water for 2 to 3 minutes until soft and pliable. Drain and place on a clean kitchen towel to cool.
- Make the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, cooked rice, finely chopped onion and garlic, egg, parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined and evenly seasoned.
- Assemble the Rolls: Lay one cabbage leaf flat and place a generous spoonful of filling near the base. Fold in the sides and roll tightly to encase the filling completely. Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.
- Cook the Rolls: Arrange the rolls seam-side down in a deep baking dish or pot. Pour tomato sauce over the rolls, cover with foil, and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour. Alternatively, simmer gently on the stovetop until cabbage is tender and flavors meld.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the rolls rest briefly after cooking, then serve warm with extra tomato sauce spooned over the top for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Use fresh, firm cabbage leaves for easier rolling and to prevent tearing.
- Avoid overfilling the leaves to maintain roll integrity during cooking.
- Roll the cabbage leaves firmly to ensure they hold together while cooking.
- Allow the rolls to rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking to enhance flavor absorption.
- Save any extra sauce to use as a dip or to pour over mashed potatoes or rice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Stuffed Cabbage Rolls, cabbage rolls, comfort food, baked cabbage, stuffed vegetables, traditional, easy dinner, family meal