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+ servings

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Course Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Servings 6
Learn how to make hearty stuffed cabbage rolls with ground beef, rice, and homemade tomato sauce. A classic, oven-baked comfort food recipe.

Ingredients

For the Tomato Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ cup yellow onion finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 28 oz can fire-roasted tomatoes (do not drain)
  • 1 15 oz can tomato sauce
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

For the Cabbage Rolls:

  • 2 pounds ground beef 80/20
  • cups cooked white rice
  • ½ cup yellow onion finely chopped
  • 2 teaspoons garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley minced
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 head green cabbage
  • Cooking spray

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Tomato Sauce

  • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and cook until translucent. Add minced garlic and crushed red pepper; sauté for 1 minute. Stir in fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt, pepper, brown sugar, and red wine vinegar. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Cabbage

  • Fill a large stockpot ¾ full with water and bring to a boil. Add the whole cabbage head and boil for 7–8 minutes until leaves are pliable. Remove from pot and let cool slightly. Carefully peel off 12 large leaves and trim the thick rib if needed.

Step 3: Mix the Filling

  • In a large bowl, combine ground beef, cooked rice, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, cumin, Italian seasoning, parsley, and eggs. Mix well using your hands until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Roll the Cabbage

  • Place a cabbage leaf on a flat surface. Add a portion of the meat mixture in the center and shape it into a small log. Fold in the sides and roll up tightly, like a burrito. Repeat until all the meat mixture is used.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Coat a 9x13" baking dish with cooking spray. Spread half the tomato sauce on the bottom of the dish. Place the cabbage rolls seam-side down. Pour remaining sauce over the rolls. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 90 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

  • Garnish with fresh parsley or grated cheese if desired. Serve warm and soak up every bite!