Classic Stuffed Cabbage Rolls: A Hearty, Comforting Dish
Stuffed cabbage rolls, also known as golabki or holubtsi, are a beloved dish across many cultures. This Classic Stuffed Cabbage Rolls recipe features tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a flavorful filling of ground beef, rice, and aromatic spices, all smothered in a rich, tangy tomato sauce. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this dish is both comforting and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Comfort Food at Its Best – Warm, hearty, and packed with flavor.
✔ Versatile – Swap the meat or sauce to suit your taste.
✔ Great for Meal Prep – Tastes even better the next day!
✔ Family-Friendly – A wholesome dish that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
For the Cabbage Rolls:
- 1 large head of green cabbage
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or ground pork/turkey)
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- ½ cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
For the Tomato Sauce:
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Cabbage Leaves
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Carefully remove the outer cabbage leaves and blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Filling
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, cooked rice, onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano. Mix well.
3. Assemble the Rolls
- Place 2-3 tablespoons of filling onto each cabbage leaf.
- Fold the sides inward and roll tightly (like a burrito).
- Secure with toothpicks if needed.
4. Prepare the Tomato Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Cook the Cabbage Rolls
- Spread a thin layer of sauce in a large pot or Dutch oven.
- Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the pot.
- Pour the remaining sauce over the rolls.
- Cover and simmer on low heat for 45-50 minutes until tender.
6. Serve & Enjoy!
- Remove toothpicks before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with crusty bread or mashed potatoes.
Tips for Perfect Cabbage Rolls
✔ Use Savoy Cabbage – Its leaves are more flexible and easier to roll.
✔ Make Ahead – Assemble rolls the night before and refrigerate until ready to cook.
✔ Freeze for Later – Cooked rolls freeze well for up to 3 months.
✔ Add a Kick – Stir red pepper flakes into the sauce for heat.
Variations
🌱 Vegetarian Option – Replace meat with lentils or mushrooms.
🍅 Creamy Sauce – Mix in sour cream for a richer taste.
🌶 Spicy Version – Add cayenne or smoked paprika to the filling.
Serving Suggestions
- With crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- Over mashed potatoes for extra comfort.
- With a dollop of sour cream for creaminess.
Final Thoughts
These Classic Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are the ultimate comfort food—tender, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a cozy family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to become a favorite.
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Calories: ~300 per roll
Have you tried this recipe? Share your thoughts in the comments! 🍽️✨
