Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls—also known as Golumpki, Holubtsi, or simply Cabbage Rolls—are a classic comfort-food dish made of tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory filling of seasoned ground meat and rice, all simmered in a rich tomato sauce. This recipe is hearty, homey, and perfect for family dinners.

---

⭐ Why You’ll Love These Cabbage Rolls

• Classic old-fashioned flavor
• Cozy and comforting
• Budget-friendly ingredients
• Even better the next day
• Freezer-friendly meal

---

🥬 Ingredients

For the Cabbage

• 1 large head of green cabbage
• Salt, for boiling water

For the Filling

• 1 lb ground beef (or half beef/half pork)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional)

For the Tomato Sauce

• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (or a drizzle of maple syrup)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

---

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Cabbage

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Carefully peel off the outer leaves and blanch them for 2–3 minutes, until soft and flexible.
3. Remove, drain, and let cool.
4. Trim the thick vein at the base of each leaf to make rolling easier.

---

2. Make the Filling

In a large bowl, combine:

• Ground beef
• Onion
• Garlic
• Cooked rice
• Egg
• Worcestershire
• Paprika
• Salt & pepper
• Parsley

Mix gently until fully combined (don’t overmix).

---

3. Fill and Roll the Cabbage

1. Lay a cabbage leaf flat.
2. Add 2–3 tablespoons of filling in the center.
3. Fold in the sides, then roll up tightly like a burrito.
4. Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.

---

4. Make the Tomato Sauce

In a pot, stir together:

• Tomato sauce
• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Brown sugar
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Salt and pepper

Simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.

---

5. Assemble & Cook

1. Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce in the bottom of a baking dish or Dutch oven.
2. Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down.
3. Pour remaining sauce over the rolls.
4. Cover tightly with foil.

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour 30 minutes
—or simmer gently on the stovetop for the same time.

---

🍽️ Serve With

• Mashed potatoes
• Crusty bread
• Sour cream
• Pickled vegetables
• Steamed green beans

---

🔥 Tips for Perfect Cabbage Rolls

• Use extra-soft leaves. If a leaf is too stiff, blanch it again.
• Mix beef + pork for the best flavor.
• Add more rice for a lighter filling, more meat for a heartier one.
• Let rest 10 minutes before serving—this helps the rolls firm up.

---

🍛 Variations

• Ukrainian Style: Add carrots and sautéed onion to the sauce.
• Polish Style: Add a bit of sauerkraut to the baking dish.
• Low-Carb: Replace rice with riced cauliflower.
• Slow Cooker: Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours.

Print