Description
Delicious and hearty stuffed cabbage rolls made with a savory mixture of ground beef, pork, rice, and aromatic spices, baked in a rich tomato sauce. This Eastern European classic is perfect for a comforting main course and is naturally gluten-free.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cabbage Rolls
- 1 large head green cabbage
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the Tomato Sauce
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
- Prepare the cabbage leaves: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove 12 to 14 large cabbage leaves and blanch them in the boiling water for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Drain and set aside to cool.
- Make the meat filling: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, cooked rice, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, black pepper, paprika, and chopped parsley. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Prepare the sauce: In a separate bowl, stir together tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, brown sugar, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and dried thyme until well blended.
- Assemble the rolls: Spread 1/2 cup of the tomato sauce mixture evenly on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place about 1/4 cup of the meat mixture in the center of each cabbage leaf. Fold in the sides and roll them up tightly like a burrito. Arrange the rolls seam-side down in the baking dish.
- Add the remaining sauce and bake: Pour the remaining tomato sauce evenly over the cabbage rolls. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, or until the meat is fully cooked and the cabbage is tender.
- Serve: Let the rolls cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with mashed potatoes or crusty bread if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, substitute regular crushed tomatoes with fire-roasted tomatoes in the sauce.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce for a subtle spicy kick.
- These cabbage rolls can be prepared ahead of time, refrigerated overnight, and baked just before serving.
- Serve alongside mashed potatoes or crusty bread for a complete meal.
