Classic Cabbage Rolls Recipe
Classic Cabbage Rolls are a comforting dish featuring tender cabbage leaves stuffed with a savory mixture of ground meat and rice, smothered in rich tomato sauce and baked until perfectly tender. This traditional recipe delivers hearty flavors and a satisfying texture, making it a beloved meal for family dinners or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Eastern European
Ingredients
Scale
For the Filling:
- 1 medium head of cabbage (about 2–3 pounds)
- 1 pound ground meat (beef, pork, or a mix)
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
For the Sauce:
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 cup water or broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Cabbage: Core the cabbage and carefully separate the leaves. Blanch the leaves in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until pliable. Drain and set aside to cool.
- Make the Filling: In a large bowl, combine ground meat, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix thoroughly until evenly blended.
- Stuff the Leaves: Lay a cabbage leaf flat, place about 2 tablespoons of filling near the base, and fold in the sides before rolling up tightly to enclose the filling. Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.
- Arrange Rolls in Baking Dish: Place the stuffed cabbage rolls seam side down in a baking dish, packing them snugly in a single layer.
- Prepare Sauce: In a bowl, mix together tomato sauce, water or broth, olive oil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Pour evenly over the cabbage rolls to cover them.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour, or until the cabbage is tender and the filling is cooked through.
- Serve: Let the cabbage rolls rest for a few minutes before serving. They can be enjoyed on their own or with a side of mashed potatoes or crusty bread.
Notes
- Blanching cabbage leaves makes them flexible and easier to roll without tearing.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner filling.
- For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with cooked lentils or mushrooms.
- Leftovers reheat well and flavors deepen the next day.
- Adjust the seasoning in the filling and sauce to your taste, adding herbs like dill or parsley if desired.
Keywords: cabbage rolls, stuffed cabbage, ground meat recipe, baked cabbage rolls, classic cabbage rolls
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