Here’s a classic Stuffed Cabbage Rolls recipe—tender cabbage leaves filled with a savory meat-and-rice mixture, simmered in rich tomato sauce 🍲🥬
(This is the traditional Central & Eastern European style.)
Stuffed Cabbage Rolls (Classic Recipe)
Ingredients (Serves 6)
For the Cabbage Rolls
- 1 large head green cabbage
- 1 lb (450 g) ground meat (beef, pork, or a mix)
- 1/2 cup uncooked rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
For the Sauce
- 2 cups tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup beef or chicken broth
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, balances acidity)
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cabbage
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Carefully remove the core from the cabbage.
- Boil the whole head for 5–7 minutes, peeling off softened leaves as they loosen.
- Trim thick veins from each leaf for easier rolling.
2. Make the Filling
- In a bowl, combine:
- Ground meat
- Uncooked rice
- Onion, garlic
- Egg, paprika, salt, pepper
- Mix gently until combined.
3. Assemble the Rolls
- Place 2–3 tablespoons of filling on each cabbage leaf.
- Fold in sides and roll tightly.
4. Cook
- Spread a little sauce on the bottom of a large pot or baking dish.
- Arrange cabbage rolls seam-side down.
- Pour remaining sauce and broth over rolls.
- Add bay leaf.
Stovetop:
- Cover and simmer on low for 1½–2 hours
Oven:
- Cover and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1½ hours
Serve
- Serve hot with sour cream and fresh bread.
🇭🇺🇵🇱 Traditional Tips & Variations
- Hungarian-style: Add smoked paprika and a little sauerkraut to the pot.
- Polish-style: Use more rice and a lighter tomato sauce.
- Slow cooker: Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours.
- Freezer-friendly: Freeze before or after cooking.
✅ Result
Tender cabbage, juicy filling, and rich tomato sauce—pure comfort food and even better the next day.
If you want, I can also share:
• Hungarian töltött káposzta version
• Vegetarian stuffed cabbage
• Lazy unstuffed cabbage casserole
• Slow cooker stuffed cabbage rolls
Just tell me which one 😊
