Stuffed Cabbage Rolls (Beef & Rice)

A hearty dish made with tender cabbage leaves filled with a savory beef–rice mixture and simmered in tomato sauce.

---

Ingredients

For the cabbage rolls:

• 1 large green cabbage

• 500 g (1 lb) ground beef

• 1 cup cooked rice

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 small carrot, finely diced

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp cumin (optional)

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

For the sauce:

• 2 cups tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes)

• 1 cup beef broth or water

• 1 tbsp sugar (optional, balances acidity)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Salt & pepper to taste

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the cabbage leaves

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.

2. Core the cabbage and carefully remove outer leaves.

3. Blanch leaves for 2–3 minutes until soft and pliable.

4. Drain and let cool. Cut the thick stem part if needed.

---

2. Make the filling

1. In a large bowl, combine:

   • ground beef

   • cooked rice

   • onion

   • garlic

   • carrot

   • tomato paste

   • paprika

   • salt, pepper, cumin

   • chopped parsley

2. Mix until evenly combined (do not overmix).

---

3. Roll the cabbage

1. Place a cabbage leaf on a flat surface.

2. Add 2–3 tablespoons of filling near the base.

3. Roll tightly, folding in the sides like a burrito.

4. Repeat with remaining leaves.

---

4. Prepare the sauce

1. In a pot or pan, heat olive oil.

2. Add tomato sauce, broth, sugar, salt, and pepper.

3. Bring to a gentle simmer.

---

5. Cook the cabbage rolls

Stovetop method:

1. Line the pot bottom with leftover cabbage pieces.

2. Arrange the rolls tightly, seam-side down.

3. Pour the sauce over.

4. Cover and simmer on low heat for 45–60 minutes.

Oven method:

1. Place rolls in a baking dish.

2. Pour sauce over.

3. Cover with foil and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 1 hour.

---

6. Serve

Plate warm with extra sauce and garnish with chopped parsley.
Pairs beautifully with bread, mashed potatoes, or a light salad.