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Easy Oven-Baked Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Tomato Sauce

Tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory meat and rice filling, then baked in a rich homemade tomato sauce until everything is tender and flavorful. Classic comfort food that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
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Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the cabbage rolls:
  • 1 large head green cabbage (3–4 lbs)
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 3/4 cup cooked white rice
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp sweet paprika
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
For the tomato sauce:
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 cup water or chicken broth
  • Fresh parsley or dill for garnish

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Core the cabbage and blanch in boiling salted water for 8–10 minutes until leaves are pliable. Drain and cool slightly, then peel off 8–10 large leaves and trim thick ribs.
  3. In a bowl, mix ground meat, cooked rice, onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, paprika, and parsley until just combined.
  4. Make the sauce: Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until soft. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, salt, pepper, and water. Simmer 10 minutes.
  5. Assemble: Place ~¼ cup filling on each cabbage leaf, fold sides in, and roll tightly. Arrange seam-side down in the baking dish.
  6. Pour sauce over the rolls. Cover tightly with foil and bake 1 hour.
  7. Remove foil and bake uncovered 20–30 minutes more until tender and sauce has thickened with some browning on top.
  8. Rest 5–10 minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve.

Notes

Make ahead and freeze before baking.
Leftovers reheat beautifully and taste even better the next day.
If leaves tear, just patch them — it won’t show under the sauce.
Great with mashed potatoes or crusty bread.