Absolutely! Stuffed Cabbage (also known as cabbage rolls) is a comforting, old-fashioned dish made of tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a hearty filling — usually a mix of ground meat, rice, and seasonings — then simmered in a rich tomato sauce. This dish is beloved in many cultures, from Polish Gołąbki to Jewish Holishkes.
🥬 Classic Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
🕒 Time:
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Prep: 30 minutes
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Cook: 1 hour 15 minutes
🍽 Serves: 6–8
🧾 Ingredients:
For the cabbage & filling:
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1 large green cabbage (about 2–3 lbs)
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1 lb ground beef (or mix with pork/turkey)
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½ cup uncooked white rice (or cooked, see note)
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1 onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 egg, beaten
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Salt & pepper to taste
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1 tsp paprika (optional)
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2 tbsp fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried)
For the sauce:
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1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
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2 tbsp tomato paste
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1 tbsp brown sugar
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1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar
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Salt & pepper to taste
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Optional: ½ tsp red pepper flakes or a dash of Worcestershire sauce
👩🍳 Instructions:
1. Prepare the cabbage:
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Bring a large pot of water to boil.
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Remove core from cabbage and carefully peel away whole leaves (you’ll need ~12).
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Blanch leaves in boiling water for 2–3 minutes until pliable. Drain and cool.
2. Make the filling:
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In a large bowl, combine ground meat, uncooked rice*, onion, garlic, egg, parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently.
💡 If you’re short on time, use pre-cooked rice and reduce cooking time slightly.
3. Make the sauce:
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In a bowl, mix crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, brown sugar, lemon juice, and seasonings.
4. Assemble the rolls:
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Trim the thick stem from each cabbage leaf.
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Place ~¼ cup of filling in the center of each leaf. Fold the sides over, then roll up tightly from the base.
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Place seam-side down in a baking dish or large pot.
5. Bake or simmer:
Option A – Bake:
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Pour sauce over rolls in a large baking dish, cover tightly with foil.
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Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour 15 minutes.
Option B – Stovetop:
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Layer rolls in a large pot, cover with sauce, bring to simmer.
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Cover and cook over low heat for 1 to 1½ hours.
🍽 Serve with:
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Mashed potatoes or buttered noodles
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Rye bread or crusty rolls
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Sour cream or fresh herbs on top
🔁 Variations:
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Add sauerkraut between the layers for a tangy kick
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Make it vegetarian with lentils or mushrooms instead of meat
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Try a spicy tomato sauce for a bold twist
