Go Back
Old-Fashioned Cabbage Rolls Recipe

Old-Fashioned Cabbage Rolls Recipe

Recipes Walay
If you love homey, comforting meals, this Old-Fashioned Cabbage Rolls Recipe is for you. Soft cabbage leaves wrapped around savory meat and rice make every bite perfect.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large head of cabbage
  • 1 lb 450 g ground beef
  • 1/2 lb 225 g ground pork
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 egg beaten
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp paprika optional
  • 1 can 15 oz/425 g tomato sauce
  • 1 can 14.5 oz/410 g diced tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1/2 cup water or beef broth
  • Fresh parsley for garnish optional

Instructions
 

Prepare the Cabbage Leaves

  • Bring a large pot of water to boil. Remove the core from the cabbage. Boil leaves 2–3 minutes until soft. Drain and set aside.

Make the Filling

  • In a bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, cooked rice, onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix well until evenly combined.

Trim the Leaves

  • Remove thick veins from cabbage leaves with a knife. This makes rolling easier and prevents tearing.

Fill the Leaves

  • Place 2–3 tablespoons of filling in the center of a leaf. Fold sides over and roll tightly from the bottom up.

Prepare the Sauce

  • In a separate bowl, mix tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, and water or broth. Stir until smooth.

Layer the Rolls

  • Place a few tablespoons of sauce at the bottom of a Dutch oven or large skillet. Arrange rolls seam-side down in a single layer. Pour remaining sauce over them.

Cover and Cook

  • Cover with lid. Simmer on low heat for 1–1.5 hours. Check occasionally to make sure sauce does not dry out.

Rest Before Serving

  • Let rolls rest 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps them set and keeps them from falling apart.

Notes

  • For a healthier version, use lean ground turkey instead of beef and pork.
  • Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky flavor.
  • For extra tenderness, bake rolls in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour instead of simmering.
  • Mix half rice and half quinoa for a different texture.
  • Top with sour cream for a traditional Eastern European touch.
Keyword Old-Fashioned Cabbage Rolls Recipe