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Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe

A classic Polish dish featuring tender cabbage leaves filled with a savory meat and rice mixture, then simmered in a rich tomato sauce for a comforting and flavorful meal.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Mixing bowls
  • Large skillet
  • Baking dish or Dutch oven
  • Tongs
  • Sharp knife

Ingredients

  • For the Cabbage Rolls:
  • 1 large head green cabbage
  • 1 lb ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
  • ½ cup uncooked white rice or pre-cooked for softer filling
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 large egg beaten
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • For the Tomato Sauce:
  • 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 15 oz can tomato sauce
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil

Instructions

  • 1️⃣ Prepare the Cabbage:
  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
  • Core the cabbage and carefully place it in the boiling water for 5 minutes to soften the leaves.
  • Remove and let cool. Peel off 12-14 large leaves and pat them dry.
  • 2️⃣ Prepare the Filling:
  • In a bowl, combine ground meat, rice, onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and paprika.
  • Mix well until evenly incorporated.
  • 3️⃣ Assemble the Rolls:
  • Lay a cabbage leaf flat and place 2-3 tablespoons of the meat mixture in the center.
  • Fold in the sides and roll tightly, securing the filling inside.
  • Repeat for all leaves.
  • 4️⃣ Make the Tomato Sauce:
  • In a skillet over medium heat, combine crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil.
  • Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • 5️⃣ Cook the Cabbage Rolls:
  • Preheat oven to 350°F.
  • Spread some tomato sauce on the bottom of a baking dish or Dutch oven.
  • Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in a single layer.
  • Pour the remaining sauce over the top.
  • Cover with foil and bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, until tender.
  • 6️⃣ Serve & Enjoy:
  • Let the cabbage rolls rest for 10 minutes before serving.
  • Spoon extra sauce over each roll and serve warm!

Notes

• For extra flavor, brown the meat slightly before mixing it with the rice.
• If the cabbage leaves are stiff, return them to hot water for a minute to soften.
• Swap the beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Add grated carrots or diced bell peppers to the filling for extra texture.