Introduction
Discover the ultimate comfort food with our Homemade Stuffed Cabbage Rolls recipe. This timeless dish, beloved across Eastern Europe and the Middle East, combines tender cabbage leaves with a savory filling of seasoned meat and rice, simmered in a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, these cabbage rolls are surprisingly easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 1 medium green cabbage
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1 egg
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 cup water or beef broth
Instructions
- Prepare the Cabbage: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Remove the cabbage core and submerge the whole cabbage for a few minutes. Peel off 10–12 softened outer leaves.
- Make the Filling: Combine ground meat, cooked rice, onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and paprika in a bowl. Mix until well combined.
- Assemble the Rolls: Trim thick stems from cabbage leaves. Place 2–3 tablespoons of filling in the center of each leaf. Fold in sides and roll tightly.
- Prepare the Sauce: Mix tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, oregano, basil, and water or broth in a saucepan. Simmer gently.
- Cook the Rolls: Place rolls seam-side down in a baking dish. Pour sauce over them, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1.5–2 hours until tender.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these stuffed cabbage rolls hot, garnished with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream. Pair with crusty bread or mashed potatoes for a complete meal. Enjoy this hearty, flavorful dish!
