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Stuffed Cabbage Recipe

Why is my stuffed cabbage tough?

Discover the secrets to making perfectly tender and flavorful stuffed cabbage. We cover common mistakes to avoid, the importance of texture, cooking techniques (steaming, baking, pressure cooking), and how to enhance flavors with acidic ingredients and spices. A complete guide to a comforting and foolproof dish!

  • Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
  • Yield: 46 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large head of cabbage
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef & pork)
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp dried thyme
  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 2 tbsp vinegar (or lemon juice)
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar (optional)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prep Cabbage: Boil cabbage for 3–5 minutes, peeling off leaves.
  2. Make Filling: Mix meat, rice, onion, garlic, egg, and spices.
  3. Roll: Place filling on each leaf, roll tightly, and tuck sides.
  4. Make Sauce: Simmer tomato sauce, broth, vinegar, and sugar for 5 minutes.
  5. Cook: Arrange rolls in a dish, pour sauce over, cover, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1.5 hours or simmer for 45–60 minutes.
  6. Serve: Let rest for 10 minutes and enjoy!

Notes

  • For extra tenderness, refrigerate the rolls overnight before cooking.
  • Try adding sauerkraut or diced tomatoes to the sauce for added depth.
  • Works well with ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter version.
  • Author: Lisa Doddler
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking / Simmering
  • Cuisine: European / Comfort Food

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 rolls
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: stuffed cabbage, tender stuffed cabbage, comfort food, traditional recipe