Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Carefully remove the core from the cabbage.
- Place the whole cabbage in the boiling water.
- Cook for 5–8 minutes until the outer leaves soften.
- Remove the cabbage and gently peel off 10–12 large leaves.
- Trim the thick rib at the base of each leaf so they roll easily.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
- Cook the rice in salted water until about half cooked (5–7 minutes).
- Drain and allow it to cool slightly.
Step 3: Make the Filling
In a large bowl combine:
- Ground beef
- Ground pork
- Cooked rice
- Onion
- Garlic
- Egg
- Parsley
- Salt
- Pepper
- Paprika
Mix everything together until well combined but do not overmix.
Step 4: Fill and Roll the Cabbage
- Place one cabbage leaf flat on the table.
- Add 2–3 tablespoons of filling near the base.
- Fold the sides inward.
- Roll the leaf tightly like a burrito.
- Repeat with all remaining leaves and filling.
Step 5: Prepare the Sauce
In a bowl mix:
- Tomato sauce
- Crushed tomatoes
- Tomato paste
- Brown sugar
- Lemon juice
- Paprika
- Beef broth
- Salt and pepper
Stir well until smooth.
Step 6: Assemble the Dish
- Spread a little sauce on the bottom of a baking dish or large pot.
- Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in a single layer.
- Pour the remaining sauce evenly over the rolls.
Step 7: Cook the Cabbage Rolls
Oven Method (Recommended):
- Cover with foil.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour 30 minutes.
Stovetop Method:
- Cover and simmer on low heat for about 1 hour.
Serving Suggestions 🍽️
Serve stuffed cabbage rolls with:
- Mashed potatoes
- Crusty bread
- Sour cream on top
- Fresh parsley garnish
They taste even better the next day because the flavors deepen overnight.
✅ Tip: If you love cooking like this, I can also show you:
- Polish stuffed cabbage (Golabki)
- Ukrainian cabbage rolls
- Grandma’s old-fashioned cabbage rolls
- Lazy cabbage roll casserole
Just tell me! 🥬🍲