Tender cabbage leaves stuffed with a flavorful meat and rice filling, simmered in a rich tomato sauce. A comforting, hearty dish perfect for family meals!
🧾 Ingredients
For the cabbage rolls:
1 large cabbage (green or white)
500g ground beef (or beef + lamb mix)
1/2 cup uncooked rice
1 small onion (finely chopped)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 egg
2 tbsp parsley (chopped)
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp black pepper
Salt to taste
For the sauce:
2 cups tomato sauce
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
Salt & pepper to taste
👩🍳 Instructions
Prepare the cabbage
Bring a large pot of water to boil.
Remove cabbage core and carefully separate leaves.
Boil leaves for 2–3 minutes until soft, then drain.
Make the filling
In a bowl, mix ground meat, rice, onion, garlic, egg, parsley, and spices.
Mix well until combined.
Assemble rolls
Place a spoonful of filling on each cabbage leaf.
Fold sides and roll tightly.
Prepare sauce
In a pan, heat olive oil.
Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, salt, and pepper.
Simmer for 5 minutes.
Cook
Arrange cabbage rolls in a pot or baking dish.
Pour sauce over them.
Cover and cook:
On stovetop: 40–50 minutes (low heat)
Or oven: 180°C for 50–60 minutes
Serve
Serve hot with yogurt or sour cream and fresh herbs.
