Stuffed Cabbages Rolls

Here’s a classic and hearty Stuffed Cabbage Rolls recipe with detailed step-by-step directions

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Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

⏱ Prep Time:

30–40 minutes

⏱ Cook Time:

1–1.5 hours

🍽 Serves:

6–8 people

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🧾 Ingredients

For the Filling:

• Ground beef – 500 g (1 lb)

• Cooked rice – 1 cup

• Onion – 1 medium, finely chopped

• Garlic – 2 cloves, minced

• Egg – 1 large

• Salt – 1 teaspoon

• Black pepper – ½ teaspoon

• Paprika – 1 teaspoon

• Dried herbs – ½ teaspoon (thyme or oregano)

For the Rolls:

• Cabbage – 1 large head

• Olive oil – 1 tablespoon (for browning, optional)

For the Sauce:

• Tomato sauce – 2 cups

• Crushed tomatoes – 1 cup

• Tomato paste – 2 tablespoons

• Sugar – 1 teaspoon

• Salt – ½ teaspoon

• Black pepper – ¼ teaspoon

• Garlic – 1 clove, minced

• Optional: fresh parsley – 2 tablespoons, chopped

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👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Directions

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Step 1: Prepare Cabbage

1. Bring a large pot of water to boil.

2. Remove core from cabbage and carefully separate leaves.

3. Boil cabbage leaves 2–3 minutes until soft and pliable.

4. Drain and set aside to cool.

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Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, pepper, paprika, and herbs.

2. Mix gently until well combined.

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Step 3: Assemble the Rolls

1. Place 2–3 tablespoons of filling in the center of each cabbage leaf.

2. Fold sides over filling and roll tightly from stem end to top.

3. Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.

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Step 4: Prepare Sauce

1. In a saucepan, combine tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, salt, pepper, and minced garlic.

2. Simmer 5–10 minutes until slightly thickened.

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Step 5: Cook the Rolls

1. Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F).

2. Arrange cabbage rolls seam side down in a baking dish.

3. Pour sauce over rolls to cover.

4. Cover with foil and bake for 1–1.5 hours until cabbage is tender and meat is cooked through.

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Step 6: Serve

1. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

2. Serve hot with mashed potatoes, bread, or a side salad.

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🍽 Serving Suggestions

• Serve with sour cream on the side.

• Pair with boiled potatoes or rice.

• Accompany with pickled vegetables for extra tang.

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⭐ Tips for Best Results

• Blanch cabbage leaves just enough to make them pliable; overboiling makes them tear.

• Use slightly undercooked rice in the filling; it will finish cooking inside the rolls.

• Make extra sauce for pouring over the rolls at serving time.

• Roll tightly to prevent filling from spilling.

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🔁 Variations

• Use ground pork or turkey instead of beef.

• Add mushrooms or grated carrots to the filling for extra flavor.

• Cook on the stovetop in a covered skillet instead of the oven.