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Authentic Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe

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4.5 from 150 reviews

Authentic stuffed cabbage rolls feature tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory filling of ground beef, rice, onions, and spices, baked in a rich tomato sauce until perfectly cooked. This comforting Eastern European dish offers a delicious balance of textures and flavors and is perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cabbage Rolls

  • 1 large head green cabbage
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
  • 1 cup (190 g) uncooked rice
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper (to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika

For the Sauce and Garnish

  • 2 cups (480 ml) tomato sauce
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cabbage Leaves: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully blanch the whole head of cabbage for 2-3 minutes until the outer leaves become soft and pliable. Remove and separate the leaves, allowing them to cool so they can be rolled without tearing.
  2. Make the Filling: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, uncooked rice, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated to form a cohesive filling.
  3. Assemble the Rolls: Lay a cabbage leaf flat and place a portion of the filling in the center. Fold in the sides and roll tightly to encase the filling completely. Repeat this process with remaining leaves and filling.
  4. Prepare for Baking: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread a layer of tomato sauce evenly on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish to prevent them from unrolling during cooking.
  5. Bake the Rolls: Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the cabbage rolls, then cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour. Afterward, remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and develop a slight crust.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Remove the rolls from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving warm.

Notes

  • Blanching the cabbage softens the leaves and makes them easier to roll without tearing.
  • If you prefer, you can par-cook the rice before mixing it with meat to reduce cooking time, but traditional recipes use uncooked rice for better texture.
  • Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content without compromising flavor.
  • Leftover stuffed cabbage rolls can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
  • Serve with sour cream or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Keywords: stuffed cabbage rolls, cabbage rolls recipe, baked cabbage rolls, Eastern European cabbage dish, ground beef cabbage rolls

Find it online: https://thedishspot.com/authentic-stuffed-cabbage-rolls-recipe/