Stuffed Cabbage Rolls (Hearty & Comforting!)

 Stuffed Cabbage Rolls (Hearty & Comforting!)

Yes — and once you try them homemade, you’ll see why they’ve been loved for generations! Tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory beef and rice filling, baked in rich tomato sauce.

🛒 Ingredients

For the cabbage:

1 large green cabbage
1 tsp salt (for boiling water)
For the filling:
1 lb (450g) ground beef
1/2 lb (225g) ground pork (optional but flavorful)
1/2 cup uncooked white rice
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 egg
1/4 cup milk
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika
For the sauce:
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Cabbage

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Remove the core from the cabbage and carefully place it in the boiling water.
Boil 2–3 minutes until outer leaves soften.
Peel off softened leaves and set aside. Repeat until you have 10–12 large leaves.

2️⃣ Make the Filling

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, pork (if using), rice, onion, garlic, egg, milk, and seasonings. Mix until just combined (don’t overmix).

3️⃣ Prepare the Sauce

In a bowl, stir together tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, brown sugar, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

4️⃣ Assemble the Rolls

Place about 1/4 cup filling near the base of each cabbage leaf.
Fold in the sides and roll tightly like a burrito.
5️⃣ Layer & Bake

Spread a little sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
Arrange cabbage rolls seam-side down.
Pour remaining sauce over the top.
Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1½ hours, until cabbage is tender and rice is cooked.

6️⃣ Serve

Let rest 10 minutes before serving. Spoon extra sauce over each roll.