These Hungarian stuffed cabbage rolls (Töltött Káposzta) are soft, juicy, and packed with rich flavors. Filled with seasoned meat and rice, then slowly cooked in a savory tomato sauce, they become incredibly tender—melting in your mouth with every bite!
📝 Ingredients
For the Cabbage Rolls:
1 large head cabbage
500 g ground pork or beef (or mix)
1 cup cooked rice
1 small onion (finely chopped)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 egg
2 tablespoons parsley (chopped)
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
2 cups tomato sauce
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon paprika
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional:
Smoked sausage or beef chunks (for extra flavor)
Sour cream (for serving)
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage
Boil a large pot of water. Carefully remove cabbage leaves and blanch them for 2–3 minutes until soft and flexible. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a bowl, mix ground meat, cooked rice, onion, garlic, egg, parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Step 3: Roll the Cabbage
Place a spoonful of filling on each cabbage leaf. Fold the sides and roll tightly to form cabbage rolls.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
Spread a little tomato sauce on the bottom of a pot or baking dish. Arrange cabbage rolls in layers. Add optional sausage or meat pieces between layers.
Step 5: Add Sauce
Mix tomato sauce, tomato paste, paprika, bay leaf, sugar, salt, and pepper. Pour over the cabbage rolls.
Step 6: Cook
Cover and simmer on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours (or bake at 180°C / 350°F for about 1.5 hours) until tender.
Step 7: Serve
Serve hot with sour cream on top for authentic flavor.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve with crusty bread
Pair with mashed potatoes or rice
Add a spoon of sour cream for richness
💡 Tips for Best Results
Use slightly sour cabbage (fermented) for authentic taste
Cook slowly for tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture
