Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe

Stuffed cabbage rolls are a comforting, hearty dish made with tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a flavorful filling of meat, rice, and spices, then simmered in a rich tomato sauce.

Ingredients

For the Rolls:

1 large cabbage
500 g ground beef (or beef + chicken mix)
½ cup uncooked rice
1 small onion (finely chopped)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 egg
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika

For the Sauce:

2 cups tomato puree or crushed tomatoes
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 tablespoon oil
1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
1–2 cups water or broth

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cabbage

Bring a large pot of water to a boil
Carefully remove the core of the cabbage
Place the cabbage in boiling water for a few minutes until leaves soften
Gently peel off the leaves and set aside

2. Make the Filling

In a bowl, mix:
- Ground meat
- Rice
- Onion and garlic
- Egg and spices
Mix well until fully combined

3. Assemble the Rolls

Take a cabbage leaf and place a small amount of filling near the base
Fold the sides inward and roll tightly
Repeat with remaining leaves and filling

4. Prepare the Sauce

In a pot, heat oil and add tomato puree, tomato paste, and seasonings
Add water or broth and bring to a gentle simmer

5. Cook the Rolls

Place cabbage rolls seam-side down in the pot
Pour sauce over them
Cover and simmer on low heat for 40–60 minutes until cooked through

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot with fresh bread or rice
Add a spoon of yogurt or sour cream on top for extra flavor

Tips for Best Results

Don’t overfill the rolls—they may break
Use slightly soft cabbage leaves for easy rolling
Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving for better flavor

Bottom Line

Stuffed cabbage rolls are a delicious, comforting meal that’s perfect for family dinners. With simple ingredients and rich flavor, this classic dish is always a crowd-pleaser.

If you want, I can also share a quick lazy version (no rolling needed) that tastes just as good and saves time.