Few dishes can match the warm comfort of a recipe for stuffed cabbage rolls . This traditional dish, enjoyed throughout Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and beyond, combines tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a flavorful filling of meat, rice, and herbs, all slowly simmered in a fragrant tomato sauce. Perfect for family meals, parties, or a comforting weeknight dinner, stuffed cabbage rolls are both nourishing and delicious.
If you’ve always wanted to master this classic dish, this detailed guide will walk you through it step by step, from preparing the cabbage leaves to making the perfect sauce.
Ingredients for the Perfect Stuffed Cabbage Roll Recipe
For approximately 6 servings (12 to 14 rolls), here’s what you’ll need:
For the cabbage rolls
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1 large green cabbage (approximately 2 to 3 kg)
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500g of minced beef (or a beef/pork mixture)
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1 cup of cooked rice (long or medium grain preferred)
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1 medium onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves of garlic, minced
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1 large egg
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2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tablespoon of dried parsley)
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1 tsp paprika
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½ tsp dried thyme
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1 teaspoon of salt
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½ tsp black pepper
For the tomato sauce
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2 tablespoons of olive oil
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1 medium onion, chopped
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2 cloves of garlic, minced
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1 can (800 g) of crushed tomatoes
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2 tablespoons of tomato paste
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2 cups of beef or vegetable broth
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1 tsp of sugar (to balance the acidity)
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1 tsp paprika
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1 teaspoon of salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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1 bay leaf
Necessary Kitchen Utensils
