Go Back
–+ servings

Savory Cabbage Rolls Filled with Beef and Rice

These stuffed cabbage rolls are a comforting, flavor-packed meal filled with beef and rice, perfect for dinner gatherings.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 55 minutes
Servings: 6 rolls
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Cabbage
  • 1 large head green cabbage this forms the sturdy, magical wrapping for the delicious filling
For the Filling
  • 1 pound ground beef the star protein that brings a rich flavor to each bite
  • ½ cup uncooked white rice this tender grain absorbs the savory juices during cooking
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped adds a sweet, aromatic depth to the filling
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced infuses a fragrant punch that elevates the overall taste
  • 1 large egg acts as a binder, keeping the filling together perfectly
  • 1 teaspoon salt enhances all the flavors in the filling
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper offers a subtle warmth to every mouthful
  • 1 teaspoon paprika brings a hint of smokiness for a unique twist
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley lends a touch of freshness and color to the mix
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce deepens the umami notes in the filling
For the Sauce
  • 2 cups tomato sauce coats the rolls in a rich, tangy layer that’s simply irresistible
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes (about 14 ounces) adds texture and enhances the sauce’s flavor
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste thickens the sauce, intensifying the tomato flavor
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar balances acidity with a hint of sweetness
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice brightens up the sauce, adding a zesty kick
  • ½ cup beef broth provides moisture and depth to the sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil used to sauté the sauce ingredients, enhancing richness

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Mixing Bowl
  • medium saucepan
  • baking dish
  • Kitchen tongs

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. In a large pot, bring enough water to a gentle boil. Remove the tough core from the large head of green cabbage, and carefully place the cabbage in the boiling water. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the outer leaves soften.
  3. Using kitchen tongs, carefully take out the softened cabbage leaves one by one. Place them on a plate to cool.
  4. Rinse the uncooked white rice under cold water. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, rinsed rice, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and the egg. Season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried parsley, then pour in the Worcestershire sauce. Mix gently until well combined.
  5. In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add in the tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and brown sugar, stirring to combine. Allow the sauce to simmer for 5 minutes, then add lemon juice and beef broth.
  6. Spread a thin layer of the sauce across a baking dish. Take one cabbage leaf, spoon about a quarter cup of filling near the base, then fold sides over and roll tightly to form a parcel.
  7. Place the rolls seam side down in the baking dish. Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the rolls and cover with aluminum foil.
  8. Transfer the baking dish to the oven and bake for 75 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check that the centers reach at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
  9. Once cooked, remove the foil and spoon sauce over the rolls. Return to the oven and bake uncovered for another 15 minutes.
  10. Allow the rolls to rest for about 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1rollCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 20gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Using fresh cabbage leaves makes rolling easier. Avoid overcooking the filling to maintain tenderness. Adjust sauce thickness as needed and always check internal temperature for safety.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!