Old Fashioned Stuffed cabbage Rolls

 

Old Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a traditional comfort dish made by wrapping seasoned meat and rice in cabbage leaves, then simmering them in a savory tomato sauce until tender.

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 What it is

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls is a classic Eastern European–style dish where cabbage leaves are filled with a seasoned meat-and-rice mixture, then baked or simmered in sauce.

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 Ingredients

 Filling

• 500g ground beef (or beef + pork mix)
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 small onion (finely chopped)
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika

 Cabbage

• 1 large head green cabbage

 Sauce

• 2 cups tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes)
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional, for richness)
• 1 tsp sugar (balances acidity)
• Salt & pepper to taste

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 Instructions

1. Soften cabbage leaves

• Remove core from cabbage
• Boil whole head in water 5–10 minutes
• Peel off softened leaves carefully
• Trim thick vein at base of each leaf

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2. Make filling

• Mix ground meat, rice, onion, egg, garlic, and spices
• Combine until evenly mixed

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3. Roll cabbage

• Place filling inside each leaf
• Fold sides in, then roll tightly like a burrito

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4. Prepare sauce & cook

• Mix tomato sauce, broth, tomato paste, seasoning
• Place rolls seam-side down in a baking dish or pot
• Pour sauce over rolls

Cooking options:

• Oven: 175°C (350°F) for 1.5–2 hours
• Stovetop: simmer gently 1.5–2 hours

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 Flavor & texture

• Tender cabbage that melts in your mouth
• Savory, slightly tangy tomato sauce
• Juicy, seasoned meat filling with soft rice

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 Variations

• Add bacon or smoked meat for deeper flavor
• Use sauerkraut mixed with tomato sauce for a tangy twist
• Make a spicy version with chili flakes or hot sauce
• Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version

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 Serving ideas

• With mashed potatoes or crusty bread
• With sour cream on top
• As a make-ahead freezer meal (tastes even better next day)