Description
These classic homestyle cabbage rolls are the ultimate comfort food. Tender cabbage leaves filled with a flavorful mixture of ground meat, rice, and spices, all baked in a savory tomato sauce. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or cozy evenings at home!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cabbage Rolls:
- 1 large head of cabbage
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Tomato Sauce:
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Cabbage: Cut the core out of the cabbage and boil the leaves in a large pot for 3-4 minutes until softened. Carefully remove and set aside to cool. Trim the thick veins of the leaves.
- Make the Filling: In a bowl, combine ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, egg, tomato paste, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Assemble the Rolls: Lay each cabbage leaf flat, place about 2-3 tbsp of filling in the center, fold in the sides, and roll tightly. Repeat with all leaves and filling.
- Make the Sauce: In a saucepan, mix crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, vegetable broth, sugar, basil, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place cabbage rolls in a baking dish, pour the tomato sauce over them, and cover with foil. Bake for 1.5 hours, checking occasionally to ensure they are cooking evenly.
- Serve: Let the cabbage rolls cool for a few minutes before serving. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley and a dollop of sour cream.
Notes
- For Extra Flavor: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a splash of lemon juice to the tomato sauce for a little kick.
- Freezing Tip: Assemble and freeze the rolls before baking for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding extra cooking time.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g