Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours
• Servings: 6–8

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Ingredients

For the Cabbage Rolls

• 1 large green cabbage (about 2½–3 pounds)
• 1 pound (450 g) lean ground beef
• ½ pound (225 g) ground pork (optional, or use all beef)
• 1 cup cooked white rice
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons milk (optional, for a softer filling)

For the Tomato Sauce

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz/800 g) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz/425 g) tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• ½ cup beef broth or water

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
2. Remove the tough core from the cabbage.
3. Carefully lower the whole cabbage into the boiling water.
4. Cook for 8–10 minutes, peeling off the softened outer leaves as they loosen.
5. Continue until you have 12–14 large leaves.
6. Trim the thick rib from the base of each leaf to make rolling easier.

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Step 2: Make the Filling

In a large bowl, combine:

• Ground beef
• Ground pork
• Cooked rice
• Onion
• Garlic
• Egg
• Parsley
• Paprika
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper
• Milk (if using)

Mix gently until just combined.

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Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

1. Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Sauté the onion for 4–5 minutes until softened.
3. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, oregano, basil, and broth.
5. Simmer for 10–15 minutes.

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Step 4: Roll the Cabbage

1. Place a cabbage leaf on a flat surface.
2. Spoon about ¼ cup of filling near the stem end.
3. Fold the sides inward.
4. Roll tightly from the stem end to form a neat package.

Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.

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Step 5: Assemble

1. Spread 1 cup of tomato sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish or Dutch oven.
2. Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down.
3. Pour the remaining sauce evenly over the top.
4. Cover tightly with foil or a lid.

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Step 6: Bake

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, or until the cabbage is very tender and the filling reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

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Step 7: Serve

Let the rolls rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Garnish with:

• Fresh parsley
• Sour cream (optional)
• Fresh dill (optional)

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Serving Suggestions

Pair with:

• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Buttered egg noodles
• Crusty bread
• Roasted vegetables
• Green salad
• Steamed green beans

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Tips for Success

• Freeze the whole cabbage overnight and thaw it before using for naturally softened leaves.
• Don’t overfill the cabbage leaves or they may split while baking.
• Roll the cabbage snugly to help the rolls keep their shape.
• The flavor improves after resting, making leftovers especially delicious.

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Variations

Turkey Cabbage Rolls

Substitute the beef and pork with ground turkey for a lighter version.

Low-Carb Version

Replace the rice with finely chopped cauliflower rice.

Cheesy Cabbage Rolls

Mix 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese into the filling.

Spicy Cabbage Rolls

Add ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the filling.

Mushroom Cabbage Rolls

Mix 1 cup finely chopped sautéed mushrooms into the meat mixture for extra flavor.

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Storage

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze cooked cabbage rolls with sauce for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20–25 minutes, or microwave individual portions until heated through.

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Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)

• Calories: 360
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sugar: 9 g

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory, well-seasoned filling.
• Slow-baked in a rich, homemade tomato sauce.
• Perfect for meal prep, as the flavors deepen overnight.
• A comforting, family-friendly dish that’s ideal for weeknight dinners or special gatherings.
• Easy to customize with different meats, grains, or vegetables to suit your taste.