Best Stuffed Cabbage Rolls – Hearty, Savory & Comforting
Enjoy these classic stuffed cabbage rolls filled with savory beef, rice, and rich tomato sauce. A comforting dish perfect for family dinners!
Ingredients
For the Cabbage Rolls:
- 1 large green cabbage
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey/pork
- ½ cup uncooked white rice
- ½ cup onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 egg optional, for binding
For the Sauce:
- 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for spice
Instructions
Preparing the Cabbage Leaves
- Blanch the leaves for 2-3 minutes. Carefully remove the leaves one by one without tearing them.
Making the Perfect Filling
- In a bowl, mix the ground meat, cooked rice, sautéed onions, garlic, and seasonings for the cabbage roll filling.
- Make sure to mix everything well.
Rolling Technique Tips
- Place a cabbage leaf, shiny-side down, on a clean surface. Put a spoonful of the stuffed cabbage rolls recipe filling near the stem. Fold the sides over the filling.
- Use a toothpick or tuck in the ends to keep it in place.
- Keep rolling the leaves and filling until you use everything. The secret to great cabbage rolls is in the rolling.
Homemade Cabbage Roll Sauce
- Making your Stuffed Cabbage Rolls even better is simple with a tasty cabbage roll sauce. It's the perfect match for your traditional cabbage rolls.
- Start with tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes as your base. Add onions, garlic, and bell peppers to simmer. These veggies bring out the sauce's flavor. Mix in herbs like oregano, basil, and parsley, and a bit of brown sugar or honey for sweetness.
- The secret to a great sauce is letting the flavors mix well. Simmer it for 30 minutes to an hour. This way, the ingredients blend perfectly, making a delicious sauce for your cabbage rolls.
- When the sauce is ready, pour it over your cabba