🥬 Stuffed Cabbage Rolls in Tomato Sauce

✨ Introduction

These hearty cabbage rolls are filled with seasoned meat and rice, wrapped in tender leaves, and baked in a rich tomato sauce. A comforting classic from Eastern European kitchens!

🧂 Ingredients

For the rolls

• 1 large head of cabbage
• 1 lb ground beef or pork
• 1/2 cup cooked rice
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the sauce

• 2 cups tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup water or broth

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prep cabbage: Boil whole cabbage for 5–7 minutes until leaves soften. Peel off 10–12 large leaves and trim thick stems.
2. Make filling: In a bowl, mix ground meat, rice, onion, garlic, egg, salt, and pepper.
3. Stuff rolls: Place 2–3 tablespoons of filling in each leaf. Fold sides and roll tightly.
4. Make sauce: In a bowl, mix tomato sauce, paste, sugar, paprika, thyme, salt, pepper, and water.
5. Assemble: Place rolls seam-side down in a baking dish. Pour sauce over the top.
6. Bake: Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 60–75 minutes until tender.
7. Serve: Spoon extra sauce over rolls and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

💡 Tips

• Make ahead: Rolls can be assembled and refrigerated overnight before baking.
• Flavor boost: Add chopped mushrooms or grated carrot to the filling.
• Freezer-friendly: Freeze baked rolls in sauce for up to 2 months.