Classic old-world Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with tender cabbage leaves wrapped around savory beef-and-rice filling, baked in a tangy tomato sauce. Foolproof method with all the key tricks for perfect rolls every time.
1 9×13 baking dish or Dutch oven (Baking the rolls)
1 Tongs (For removing hot cabbage leaves)
1 Aluminum foil (To cover while baking)
Ingredients
For the Cabbage
1largehead green cabbage- Whole head for blanching
Water- For boiling
1tablespoonSalt- For blanching water
For the Filling
1.5lbsGround beef
1cupCooked white rice- Day-old preferred
1mediumOnion, finely diced- Sautéed
3clovesGarlic, minced
1largeEgg- Binds filling
2teaspoonPaprika
1teaspoonSalt
½teaspoonBlack pepper
½teaspoonDried thyme
For the Sauce
2cans (15 oz)Tomato sauce
1can (6 oz)Tomato paste
2tablespoonBrown sugar
2tablespoonApple cider vinegar- Secret brightness
1teaspoonWorcestershire sauce
1Bay leaf
Salt & pepper- To taste
Instructions
Blanch whole head of cabbage in salted boiling water and remove leaves as they soften. Trim thick center veins.
Sauté onions and garlic, then mix with beef, rice, egg, and seasonings until combined.
Place filling on each leaf, fold sides, and roll tightly, seam-side down.
Mix sauce ingredients and layer some on bottom of baking dish. Nestle rolls seam-side down and cover with remaining sauce.
Cover and bake at 350°F for 1 hour 15 minutes. Rest 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be considered an approximation. Actual values may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes