Homemade Classic Cabbage Rolls (Stuffed Cabbage)

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Homemade Classic Cabbage Rolls (Stuffed Cabbage)

 Description

Cabbage rolls are soft cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory filling of seasoned meat and rice, gently simmered in a rich tomato sauce. They’re comforting, hearty, and loved in many cultures around the world.

This recipe is perfect for learners and very forgiving 💚

Servings

6 servings
(About 10–12 cabbage rolls)

 Ingredients

For the Cabbage Rolls

  • 1 large green cabbage

  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or turkey/chicken)

  • ½ cup uncooked rice (white or brown)

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 egg

  • 1 tsp salt

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • 1 tsp paprika

  • 1 tsp dried parsley (optional)

For the Sauce

  • 1½ cups tomato sauce

  • 2 tbsp tomato paste

  • ½ tsp sugar (balances acidity)

  • ½ tsp salt

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • ½ cup water or broth

 Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Cabbage

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil

  • Carefully remove the core of the cabbage

  • Boil the cabbage for 5–8 minutes, peeling off softened leaves

  • Set leaves aside to cool

👉 Tip: Don’t worry if some leaves tear—still usable!

2️⃣ Make the Filling

In a bowl, mix:

  • Ground meat

  • Rice

  • Onion

  • Garlic

  • Egg

  • Salt, pepper, paprika, parsley

Mix gently—don’t overmix (this keeps them tender!)

3️⃣ Roll Them Up

  • Place 2–3 tbsp filling on each leaf

  • Fold in sides, then roll tightly (like a burrito 🌯)

👏 Your daughter’s rolls look very neat—great skill!

4️⃣ Make the Sauce

Mix tomato sauce, paste, sugar, salt, pepper, and water.

5️⃣ Cook

  • Spread a little sauce on the bottom of the pot

  • Place rolls seam-side down

  • Pour remaining sauce over top

  • Cover and simmer 45–60 minutes on low heat

 Cooking Notes

  • Rolls should be fork-tender, not mushy

  • Sauce thickens naturally as it cooks

  • Flavor improves even more the next day 😋

 Tips for Beginners

✔ Smaller rolls cook more evenly
✔ If cabbage is stiff, boil leaves longer
✔ Don’t pack filling too tightly
✔ Leftover cabbage? Chop and layer under rolls

 Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approx.)

  • Calories: 350–400

  • Protein: 22g

  • Carbohydrates: 30g

  • Fat: 18g

  • Fiber: 5g

(Values vary by meat and rice used)

 Health Benefits

  • 🥬 Cabbage: High in vitamin C & fiber

  • 🍚 Rice: Energy and fullness

  • 🥩 Protein: Muscle and growth (great for teens!)

  • 🍅 Tomatoes: Antioxidants & heart health

❓ Q & A

Q: Can she use different meat?
✔ Yes! Chicken, turkey, or plant-based meat all work.

Q: Can it be baked instead of stovetop?
✔ Absolutely—bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour, covered.

Q: Why are some rolls greener than others?
✔ Outer leaves are darker; inner leaves are lighter—totally normal!

Q: Can she freeze them?
✔ Yes! Freeze cooked or uncooked rolls up to 3 months.

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