Here’s a classic and comforting recipe for Stuffed Cabbage Rolls — tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a flavorful meat and rice filling, simmered in a rich tomato sauce. This dish is hearty, budget-friendly, and great for leftovers.
🥬 Stuffed Cabbage Rolls (Golabki / Holubtsi-style)
🕒 Total Time: ~2 hours
🍽️ Makes: 10–12 rolls (Serves 4–6)
🛒 Ingredients:
For the cabbage:
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1 large head green cabbage
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Large pot of boiling salted water
For the filling:
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1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef & pork)
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½ cup uncooked rice (white or parboiled)
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 large egg
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1 tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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Optional: 1 tsp paprika, 2 tbsp chopped parsley
For the tomato sauce:
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1 tbsp oil or butter
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1 small onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 can (15 oz / 425g) tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
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1 tbsp tomato paste (optional, for richer flavor)
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1 tsp sugar
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Optional: splash of vinegar or lemon juice for brightness
🔪 Instructions:
1. Prep the Cabbage:
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Remove the core from the cabbage.
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Boil the whole head in a large pot for 5–10 minutes. As the leaves soften, carefully peel them off with tongs and set aside to cool.
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Trim the thick vein at the base of each leaf so it’s flexible for rolling.
2. Make the Filling:
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In a large bowl, mix together the raw ground meat, uncooked rice, onion, garlic, egg, salt, and pepper (plus any extras like parsley or paprika).
3. Make the Sauce:
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In a saucepan, heat oil and sauté onion until soft. Add garlic, cook briefly.
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Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, salt, pepper, and a splash of vinegar or lemon juice if desired. Simmer for 5–10 minutes.
4. Assemble the Rolls:
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Place ~¼ cup filling on each cabbage leaf. Fold in the sides, then roll tightly like a burrito.
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Place seam-side down in a greased baking dish or Dutch oven.
5. Bake:
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Pour the tomato sauce evenly over the rolls.
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Cover tightly with foil or a lid.
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Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, until the rolls are tender and the rice is cooked.
🍽️ Serving Ideas:
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Serve with sour cream, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
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Add a sprinkle of fresh dill or parsley before serving.
✅ Tips:
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Rolls can be made ahead and reheated — even better the next day!
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You can freeze uncooked or cooked rolls for later meals.
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Short on time? Use precooked rice and simmer on the stovetop for 30–40 minutes instead of baking.