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Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Hearty and comforting cabbage rolls filled with seasoned ground beef and rice, then slow-baked in a rich tomato sauce. This traditional dish is deeply satisfying, tender, and full of homestyle flavor.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Baked Dishes, Comfort Food, Family Favorites, Main Course, Traditional Recipes
Cuisine: Eastern European
Calories: 430
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 heads of cabbage
  • 2 lbs ground beef
  • 3 cups cooked rice
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp garlic
  • 1 tbsp parsley
  • 2 slices onion diced
  • 15 oz tomato sauce for baking
  • 28 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup tomato sauce for meat mixture
  • salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add cabbage and carefully peel off leaves as they soften.
  2. Trim the thick stem from each cabbage leaf to make rolling easier.
  3. In a large bowl, mix ground beef, cooked rice, egg, garlic, parsley, onion, 1/4 cup tomato sauce, salt, and pepper.
  4. Place a small portion of filling onto each cabbage leaf and roll tightly, folding in sides. Place seam-side down in a casserole dish.
  5. Spread a layer of tomato sauce and extra cabbage leaves on the bottom of the dish to prevent burning.
  6. Pour crushed tomatoes evenly over the cabbage rolls.
  7. Cover and bake at 375°F for 75 minutes. Reduce heat to 325°F and continue baking for 90 minutes, basting occasionally.
  8. Serve hot with additional tomato sauce if desired.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a bit of paprika or use a mix of beef and pork. These taste even better the next day.