Here’s a classic and comforting recipe for Stuffed Cabbage Rolls — tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory meat and rice filling, simmered in a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for a hearty dinner or to make ahead and freeze!
🥬 Classic Stuffed Cabbage Rolls (a.k.a. “Golumpki” or “Holubtsi”)
🍽 Servings: 6–8
⏱ Prep Time: 30 min | Cook Time: 1 hr 15 min
🛒 Ingredients:
For the Cabbage & Filling:
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1 large head of green cabbage
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1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
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1/2 cup uncooked white rice
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 large egg
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1 tsp salt
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1/2 tsp black pepper
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1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
For the Sauce:
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1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
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2 tbsp tomato paste
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1 tbsp brown sugar (balances acidity)
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1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper
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Optional: splash of vinegar or lemon juice for brightness
👨🍳 Instructions:
1. Prep the cabbage:
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Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
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Carefully peel away 12–14 whole cabbage leaves.
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Boil them for 2–3 minutes until pliable, then set aside to cool.
2. Make the filling:
In a large bowl, mix together:
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Ground meat
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Uncooked rice
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Chopped onion
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Garlic
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Egg
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Salt, pepper, and paprika
3. Roll the cabbage:
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Place 2–3 tablespoons of filling in the center of each cabbage leaf.
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Fold in sides, then roll up like a burrito.
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Place seam-side down in a baking dish or Dutch oven.
4. Make the sauce:
In a bowl or saucepan, mix together:
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Crushed tomatoes
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Tomato paste
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Brown sugar
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Worcestershire sauce
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Season with salt and pepper
Pour sauce over the rolls in the baking dish, covering all rolls.
5. Bake:
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Cover tightly with foil or a lid.
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Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, until cabbage is tender and filling is cooked through.
🥄 Serving Suggestions:
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Serve with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or sour cream on the side.
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Garnish with chopped parsley or a drizzle of extra sauce from the pan.
✅ Tips:
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You can prep and refrigerate overnight before baking.
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Freeze leftovers in sauce for up to 3 months.
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Substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat if desired.
Would you like a slow cooker, vegetarian, or low-carb version of these stuffed cabbage rolls?
