These tender cabbage leaves are packed with savory meat and rice, simmered in a rich tomato sauce until melt-in-your-mouth perfect. It’s comfort food with old-world soul.
⏱️ Time & Details
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: ~1 hour 45 minutes
- Servings: 6 (2 rolls per serving)
- Calories per Serving: ~420 kcal
🛒 Ingredients
For the Cabbage Rolls
- 1 large green cabbage 🥬
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup uncooked white rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp dried thyme (optional)
For the Tomato Sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce 🍅
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Soften the Cabbage
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully peel 12 large cabbage leaves. Blanch them in boiling water for 2–3 minutes until flexible. Drain and cool.
2️⃣ Make the Filling
In a bowl, mix ground beef, uncooked rice, onion, garlic, egg, and spices. Combine well, but don’t overmix.
3️⃣ Roll ‘Em Up
Lay a cabbage leaf flat. Place 2–3 tbsp of filling at the base. Fold in the sides, roll up tightly, and place seam-side down in a baking dish. Repeat with remaining leaves.
4️⃣ Make the Sauce
In a saucepan, combine tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, brown sugar, lemon juice, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
5️⃣ Assemble and Bake
Pour the sauce over the cabbage rolls. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour. Remove foil and bake 15 minutes more to slightly thicken the sauce.
6️⃣ Serve Warm
Plate rolls with a generous spoonful of the sauce and enjoy with mashed potatoes or crusty bread.
💛 Why You’ll Love This
- Traditional comfort food with timeless flavor
- Budget-friendly and filling — stretches meat with rice
- Sauce is sweet, tangy, and savory all at once
- Great for meal prep — tastes even better the next day
- Freezer-friendly — perfect for make-ahead dinners!
💡 Helpful Tips
- Use leftover cabbage to make a simple sautéed side dish
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or allspice to the filling for an Eastern European twist
- Want it spicy? Add a dash of red pepper flakes to the sauce
- Let rest 10 minutes after baking — this helps the sauce soak in beautifully
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