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Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

These classic Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are tender cabbage leaves filled with a savory beef and rice mixture, then baked slowly in a rich, tangy tomato sauce. A comforting, hearty meal perfect for family dinners.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 6 rolls
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American, Eastern European
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 large onion chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 28 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • kosher salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste
Cabbage Rolls
  • 15 leaves green cabbage
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/4 cup white rice uncooked
  • 1/4 cup Italian breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 large onion chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped, plus more for garnish
  • kosher salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion until translucent, about 3 minutes.
  2. Add garlic, tomato paste, brown sugar, and balsamic vinegar. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Stir in crushed tomatoes and oregano. Season with salt and pepper, reduce heat, and simmer for 20 minutes.
  4. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Blanch cabbage for about 1 minute until leaves are flexible. Remove and cool.
  5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  6. In a bowl, mix ground beef, 1 cup of sauce, rice, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper.
  7. Trim the thick vein from each cabbage leaf. Place about 1/3 cup filling on one end and roll tightly, tucking in sides.
  8. Spread 1 cup of sauce in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Arrange rolls seam-side down.
  9. Spoon remaining sauce over the rolls, cover with foil, and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Notes

These cabbage rolls can be assembled a day ahead and baked when ready. Ground turkey or plant-based meat can be substituted if desired.