Classic Cabbage Rolls with Ground Beef and Rice

These Classic Cabbage Rolls are a hearty and delicious dish, perfect for a comforting dinner. The combination of seasoned ground beef, rice, and a rich tomato sauce wrapped in tender cabbage leaves creates a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes

Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 6-8 servings

Ingredients

1 cup cooked long-grain rice

1.5 pounds lean ground beef (or ‘extra lean’)
1.5 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 large egg

1 yellow onion, peeled and minced
⅓ cup parsley, roughly chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced

1.5 teaspoons salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon dried dill

½ teaspoon onion powder
½ to 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
42 ounces tomato sauce (three 14-ounce cans or roughly 5 cups, divided)
1 medium head green cabbage (you’ll need about 18 leaves for the rolls and 8-10 extra leaves for layering)
½ cup water (leftover from boiling cabbage)
Fresh dill, chopped (optional garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Rice

Cook 1 cup of rice according to the package instructions. Set aside to cool.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a large bowl, combine 1.5 pounds of ground beef, 1.5 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 large egg, cooked rice, minced onion, parsley, garlic, salt, pepper, dried dill, onion powder, red chili flakes (optional), and ½ cup of tomato sauce. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.

Step 3: Prepare the Cabbage

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the whole head of cabbage and boil for 8-10 minutes, carefully turning the cabbage halfway through.
Remove the cabbage from the water and let it cool enough to handle. Reserve ½ cup of the boiling water for the sauce.
Peel off about 18 cabbage leaves, trimming out the tough core from each leaf. If the leaves are difficult to remove, return the cabbage to the boiling water to soften further.

Step 4: Assemble the Rolls

Line the bottom of a deep 9″x13″ baking dish or roasting pan with a few cabbage leaves.
Take one cabbage leaf at a time and place about ¼ cup of the ground beef mixture in the center. Fold in the sides and roll it up tightly, placing the roll seam-side down in the baking dish.
Continue with the remaining ground beef mixture and cabbage leaves, arranging them in the baking dish.

Step 5: Prepare the Tomato Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together the remaining tomato sauce with ½ cup of cabbage water. If desired, stir in 1 tablespoon of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
Pour the tomato sauce mixture evenly over the cabbage rolls.

Step 6: Bake the Cabbage Rolls

Cover the cabbage rolls with a few extra cabbage leaves.
Tightly cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes.

Step 7: Serve

Carefully remove the foil, as steam will escape. Discard the top cabbage leaves.
Let the cabbage rolls cool for about 20 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh dill if desired, and serve warm.

Tips for Success

Be sure to save some of the cabbage water for the tomato sauce. It adds flavor and helps to thin out the sauce.
If you prefer a milder tomato flavor, add a tablespoon of sugar to the sauce mixture.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Final Thoughts

These homemade Cabbage Rolls are a comforting and flavorful dish, filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, and spices. The long baking time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in tender cabbage and a delicious sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner!