Step 1: Soften the Cabbage
Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
Remove the core from the cabbage and carefully place it in the boiling water.
Boil 3–5 minutes, peeling off softened leaves as they loosen.
Set leaves aside to cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a large bowl, combine:
- Ground meat
- Cooked rice
- Onion
- Garlic
- Egg
- Salt, pepper, paprika
Mix gently until combined (don’t overmix).
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In a saucepan, mix tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, brown sugar, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
Step 4: Assemble the Rolls
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Place a cabbage leaf flat.
Add about 2–3 tablespoons of filling near the base.
Fold sides inward and roll tightly.
Repeat with remaining leaves.
Step 5: Bake
Spread a thin layer of sauce in a baking dish.
Arrange cabbage rolls seam-side down.
Pour remaining sauce over the top.
Cover with foil and bake 60–75 minutes until tender.
Step 6: Rest & Serve
Let rest 10–15 minutes before serving.
Spoon extra sauce over each roll.
🌟 Pro Tips
- Trim thick rib of cabbage leaves for easier rolling
- Add a little sauce between layers if stacking
- Tastes even better the next day
🌍 Variations
- Add fresh herbs (dill or parsley)
- Use ground turkey for a lighter version
- Make sweet-and-sour style with extra brown sugar
- Polish-style (Golumpki), Middle Eastern, or Ukrainian variations