Description
Tender cabbage leaves stuffed with a flavorful mixture of spiced beef, rice, onions, and herbs, simmered gently in a rich tomato sauce until perfectly juicy and comforting.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large head of green cabbage (12–14 large leaves)
- 500 g (1 lb) ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice (medium or long grain)
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 400 g (14 oz) canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
- 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to boil.
- Core the cabbage and carefully peel off 12–14 whole leaves.
- Blanch the leaves for 2–3 minutes until softened. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, cooked rice, onion, garlic, egg, parsley, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined (do not overmix).
- Place 2–3 tbsp of filling in the center of each cabbage leaf. Fold sides over and roll tightly into a parcel. Repeat with all leaves.
- Heat olive oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven. Sauté onion and garlic until golden.
- Stir in tomato paste, then add crushed tomatoes, sugar, oregano, chili flakes, and broth. Simmer 5 minutes.
- Nestle the cabbage rolls seam-side down into the sauce. Cover and simmer on low heat for 45–50 minutes, until the filling is fully cooked and tender.
Notes
- Ensure not to overmix the filling to keep the rolls tender.
- Chili flakes can be adjusted based on spice preference.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Eastern European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg