Ingredients
For the Cabbage
- 1 large cabbage
- Water for boiling
For the Filling
- 500g ground meat (beef, chicken, or mixed)
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cumin (optional)
- 2 tablespoons parsley (chopped)
For the Sauce
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried herbs (oregano or thyme)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage
Boil a large pot of water.
Remove cabbage core and place cabbage in boiling water.
Cook for a few minutes:
- Leaves soften and become flexible
Carefully remove leaves one by one.
Let them cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a bowl:
- Mix ground meat
- Cooked rice
- Onion
- Garlic
- Salt, pepper, paprika
- Parsley
Mix well until combined.
Step 3: Shape the Rolls
Take one cabbage leaf.
Add filling near the base.
Fold sides inward, then roll tightly.
Repeat for all leaves.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
In a bowl:
- Mix tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, salt, pepper, herbs, oil
Step 5: Assemble
In a baking dish:
- Add a little sauce at the bottom
Place cabbage rolls tightly.
Pour remaining sauce over the top.
Step 6: Bake
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
Cover with foil and bake for 45–60 minutes until:
- Cabbage is soft
- Filling is cooked
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Texture and Flavor
This dish gives:
- Soft, tender cabbage
- Juicy meat filling
- Rich tomato sauce
- Balanced savory flavor
Tips for Best Results
1. Don’t Overcook Cabbage
Just soften it.
2. Roll Tightly
Keeps filling inside.
3. Use Cooked Rice
Prevents undercooked texture.
4. Add Extra Sauce
Keeps dish moist.
Variations
1. Vegetarian Version
Use rice + vegetables instead of meat.
2. Spicy Version
Add chili flakes.
3. Creamy Version
Add cream to sauce.
4. Baked + Stovetop Combo
Simmer first, then bake.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
- Bread 🍞
- Rice 🍚
- Salad 🥗
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 4 days
Freezing
- Freeze up to 2 months
Reheating
- Oven or stovetop with extra sauce
Common Mistakes
- ❌ Thick cabbage leaves → hard rolls
- ❌ Loose rolling → filling falls out
- ❌ Dry sauce → burns
- ❌ Undercooked rice → hard texture
Why This Recipe Works
- Cabbage locks moisture
- Rice absorbs flavors
- Tomato sauce adds richness
- Baking blends everything
Final Thoughts
Stuffed cabbage rolls are a comforting, traditional dish loved worldwide. They’re hearty, flavorful, and perfect for family meals.