Print

Classic Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Close-up of four savory cabbage rolls stuffed with meat and rice, smothered in thick tomato sauce on a white plate.
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make traditional stuffed cabbage rolls using ground beef, rice, and a simple tomato sauce. This recipe provides clear steps for rolling and cooking a hearty comfort meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large head of green cabbage
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 cup uncooked white rice
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vinegar

Instructions

  1. Remove the core from the cabbage head. Place the whole head in a large pot of boiling water. Boil for 5 to 10 minutes until outer leaves are pliable. Remove the cabbage and let it cool slightly. Carefully peel off 12 to 15 large outer leaves. Trim the thick center vein from each leaf.
  2. In a bowl, combine the ground beef, uncooked rice, chopped onion, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  3. Place about 1/4 cup of the meat mixture near the base of each cabbage leaf. Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling, then roll tightly from the base to the tip. Secure with toothpicks if necessary.
  4. In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, mix the tomato sauce, water, brown sugar, and vinegar to create the sauce.
  5. Arrange the rolled cabbage rolls seam-side down in the skillet over the sauce. Add any remaining sauce over the tops of the rolls.
  6. Cover the skillet and simmer on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the cabbage is tender and the meat is fully cooked.
  7. Remove toothpicks before serving. Spoon sauce over the rolls when serving.

Notes

  • You can prepare the rolls a day ahead and store them covered in the refrigerator before adding the sauce and cooking.
  • For a richer sauce flavor, substitute 1/2 cup of the water with beef broth.
  • If you prefer an unstuffed version, layer the filling and shredded cabbage in a casserole dish and top with the sauce, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kitchnkudos.com/classic-stuffed-cabbage-rolls-recipe/