Cabbage Rolls Recipe

Cabbage rolls are one of those comforting meals that feel like home with every bite. Tender cabbage leaves are wrapped around a savory filling of seasoned meat and rice, then slowly baked in a rich tomato sauce until everything becomes soft, flavorful, and satisfying. Popular across many Eastern European kitchens, this classic dish is hearty enough for a family dinner yet simple enough for a weekend cooking project. Inspired by traditional cabbage roll recipes, this version balances juicy meat, fluffy rice, aromatic vegetables, and a tangy tomato sauce.

Main Essence of This Dish

The true charm of cabbage rolls lies in their combination of textures and flavors. Soft cabbage leaves hold a filling made with ground meat, rice, onions, and seasonings, while a tomato-based sauce keeps everything moist during baking. The result is a comforting meal that tastes even better the next day, making it a favorite for family gatherings and meal prep alike.

Recipe Information

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Ingredients

For the Cabbage Rolls

• 1 large green cabbage
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 medium onions, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound ground pork
• 1 cup uncooked white rice, rinsed

For the Tomato Sauce

• 1 large can (28 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup water or broth

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How to Make Cabbage Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage and place the whole head into the boiling water. Cook for several minutes, removing softened outer leaves as they loosen. Continue until you have about 16 large leaves suitable for rolling. Let the leaves cool before handling.

Step 2: Make the Filling

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chopped onions until softened, then add the garlic and cook for another minute. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. In a large bowl, combine the onions, garlic, ground beef, ground pork, uncooked rice, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix until evenly combined.

Step 3: Roll the Cabbage

Place a cabbage leaf on a clean surface. Trim the thick stem section if necessary. Add about 1/4 cup of filling near the base of the leaf. Fold the sides inward and roll tightly, similar to a burrito. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

In a bowl, mix together the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, sugar, black pepper, and water or broth until smooth.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom of a large baking dish or Dutch oven. Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in a single layer. Pour the remaining sauce over the top, making sure all rolls are covered. Cover tightly with a lid or foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 90 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the rice is fully cooked.

Step 6: Serve

Allow the cabbage rolls to rest for 10 minutes before serving. Spoon extra tomato sauce over each roll and garnish with fresh parsley or dill if desired.

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Helpful Tips

• Freeze the cabbage overnight and thaw it before cooking to soften the leaves naturally.
• Do not overfill the rolls, as the rice expands during cooking.
• Use a mixture of beef and pork for a richer flavor.
• Leftovers taste even better after a day in the refrigerator.
• A Dutch oven helps keep the rolls moist while baking.

Serving Suggestions

• Mashed potatoes
• Crusty bread
• Roasted vegetables
• Cucumber salad
• Sour cream on the side

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Nutritional Information

Approximate values per serving (2 cabbage rolls).