Ingredients

For the Cabbage Rolls

  • 1 large green cabbage
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
  • ½ cup uncooked white or long-grain rice
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano

For the Tomato Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz / 800 g) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon sugar, optional
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup beef or chicken broth

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Cabbage

Remove any damaged outer leaves from the cabbage.

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully place the whole cabbage into the boiling water.

Cook for approximately 2–3 minutes, then carefully remove the softened outer leaves with tongs.

Continue cooking and removing leaves until you have about 12–16 large cabbage leaves.

Place the leaves on a plate or tray and allow them to cool.

2. Prepare the Rice

Rinse the rice under cold water.

Cook it according to the package directions, but slightly undercook it because it will continue cooking inside the cabbage rolls.

Allow the rice to cool slightly.

3. Make the Filling

In a large bowl, combine:

  • Ground beef
  • Cooked rice
  • Diced onion
  • Minced garlic
  • Egg
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Paprika
  • Italian seasoning
  • Oregano
  • Fresh parsley

Mix gently with your hands or a wooden spoon until everything is evenly combined.

Avoid overmixing because it can make the filling dense.

4. Prepare the Cabbage Leaves

Lay each cabbage leaf flat.

If the thick center rib is very large, carefully trim or shave it down with a knife. This makes the leaves easier to roll.

5. Fill the Cabbage Leaves

Place approximately 2–3 tablespoons of filling near the bottom-center of each cabbage leaf.

Fold the bottom of the leaf over the filling.

Fold both sides toward the center.

Then roll the cabbage tightly upward, similar to rolling a burrito.

Repeat until all the filling is used.

6. Make the Tomato Sauce

Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.

Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.

Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for about 1 minute.

Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, paprika, oregano, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and optional sugar.

Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.

Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

7. Assemble the Dish

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce across the bottom of a large baking dish.

Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish.

Pack them fairly close together so they stay together while cooking.

Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the cabbage rolls.

Make sure most of the rolls are covered with sauce.

8. Cover and Bake

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.

Place it in the preheated oven.

Bake for approximately 75–90 minutes.

The cabbage should become very tender and the filling should be completely cooked.

9. Brown the Top

Remove the foil during the final 15–20 minutes of baking.

This allows the sauce to thicken and the tops of the cabbage rolls to develop a beautiful roasted color.

For a slightly darker, caramelized finish, you can place the dish under the broiler for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully.

10. Rest Before Serving

Remove the dish from the oven and let the cabbage rolls rest for approximately 10 minutes.

This allows the filling and sauce to settle and makes the rolls easier to serve.

Spoon plenty of the rich tomato sauce over each roll before serving.

🌿 Optional Garnishes

Finish with:

  • Fresh chopped parsley
  • Fresh dill
  • Cracked black pepper
  • A small sprinkle of Parmesan cheese
  • A spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve the cabbage rolls with:

  • Mashed potatoes
  • Crusty whole-grain bread
  • Steamed vegetables
  • Green salad
  • Roasted potatoes
  • Cucumber and tomato salad
  • Greek yogurt or sour cream

⏱️ Recipe Details

Prep Time: 35 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: About 2 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Difficulty: Medium