Description
Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a classic comfort food featuring tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a flavorful filling of seasoned ground meat, cooked rice, fresh herbs, and aromatics, all baked in a tangy tomato sauce. This wholesome, hearty dish is perfect for family dinners or cozy weekends and is easily customizable to suit different dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Cabbage and Leaves
- 1 large firm green cabbage head (12–16 large leaves)
Filling
- 1 lb ground beef or pork (or preferred meat)
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
Sauce
- 2 cups tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
Instructions
- Prepare the cabbage leaves: Core the cabbage and blanch the whole head in boiling water for 5-7 minutes until the outer leaves soften and can be peeled away easily. Gently separate 12 to 16 large leaves, trimming any thick veins to make rolling easier and prevent tearing.
- Make the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, cooked rice, finely chopped onion and garlic, egg, chopped fresh parsley and dill, then season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix thoroughly but gently to retain a light texture.
- Assemble the rolls: Place a generous spoonful of filling near the base of each cabbage leaf. Fold the sides over the filling and roll up tightly, tucking the ends in to prevent spillage during cooking.
- Prepare the sauce and bake: Pour a layer of tomato sauce into the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the stuffed cabbage rolls seam side down, then cover them with the remaining tomato sauce. Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 60 to 75 minutes, until the cabbage is tender and the filling is fully cooked.
Notes
- Choose a fresh, firm cabbage head with thick leaves to make rolling easier and prevent tearing.
- Do not overfill the cabbage leaves; leave enough space to avoid bursting during cooking.
- Use fully cooked rice or grains to ensure the filling is tender and cohesive.
- Trim thick leaf ribs with a sharp knife to simplify folding without damage.
- Let the baked rolls rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: Stuffed Cabbage Rolls, Cabbage Recipe, Comfort Food, Ground Meat Recipe, Baked Cabbage Rolls, Family Dinner, Gluten Free
