Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Garlic Tomato Sauce & Cheese

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Cuisine: Eastern European-Inspired
Category: Dinner, Comfort Food
Difficulty: Medium

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About This Recipe

These stuffed cabbage rolls are hearty, comforting, and packed with flavor. Made with tender cabbage leaves filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, onion, and spices, then baked in a tangy, spicy chili garlic tomato sauce and topped with melty cheese—this dish is a family favorite with rustic charm.

It’s the kind of meal that feels like home, and it’s perfect for batch cooking, dinner parties, or cozy weekends.

“Soft cabbage. Savory filling. A touch of spice. This is comfort food wrapped in leaves.”

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Ingredients

For the Filling

• 8–10 cabbage leaves

• 1 lb lean ground beef

• 1 beaten egg

• 1 cup cooked rice (precooked recommended)

• 1/2 cup milk

• 2 cloves garlic, crushed

• 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 1/2 tsp black pepper

• Cheese of your choice, for topping (mozzarella, cheddar, or Parmesan)

For the Sauce

• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce

• 1/2 tbsp sugar

• 2–3 tbsp chili garlic sauce

• 1/2 tsp lemon juice

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‍ Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage Leaves

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

2. Core the cabbage by cutting around the stem at a 45° angle, about 1 1/2 inches deep. Remove the core.

3. Carefully place the whole cabbage into the boiling water.

4. Boil for about 5 minutes, then use tongs to peel away 8–10 outer leaves.

5. Set the leaves aside to cool. You may trim the thick stem of each leaf to make rolling easier.

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Step 2: Make the Filling

1. In a mixing bowl, beat the egg with milk.

2. Add ground beef, crushed garlic, chopped onion, salt, pepper, and cooked rice.

3. Mix until well combined. This will be your savory stuffing.

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Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. In a separate bowl, combine:

   • Tomato sauce

   • Sugar

   • Chili garlic sauce

   • Lemon juice

2. Stir until fully incorporated. Taste and adjust spice level if needed.

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Step 4: Assemble the Rolls

1. Take a cooled cabbage leaf and place about 1/4 cup of filling in the center.

2. Fold in the sides, then roll it up like a burrito.

3. Repeat until all filling is used.

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Step 5: Bake the Rolls

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Spread a thin layer of sauce in the bottom of a casserole dish.

3. Place cabbage rolls seam-side down, tightly packed together.

4. Pour the remaining sauce over the rolls.

5. Cover the dish with foil or a lid.

6. Bake for 1 hour, until the meat is fully cooked and the flavors meld.

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Step 6: Add Cheese & Finish

1. Remove from the oven.

2. Sprinkle grated cheese over the hot rolls.

3. Return to oven for 5–10 minutes, uncovered, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

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️ Serve & Enjoy

Serve hot with:

• A side of mashed potatoes or crusty bread

• Sour cream or a dollop of plain yogurt

• A crisp green salad or pickled vegetables

“The kind of dish that brings people together—it’s warm, filling, and full of flavor.”

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Storage & Reheating

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Freeze tightly wrapped rolls before or after baking for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

• Reheat: Bake covered at 350°F until heated through or microwave individual portions.

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Variations & Tips

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FAQ

Can I use uncooked rice?
It’s best to use precooked rice. Uncooked rice may not cook evenly inside the rolls.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the rolls and store them in the fridge (unbaked) for up to 24 hours before baking.

Is it spicy?
You can control the heat! Use less chili garlic sauce for a milder flavor.

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Nutrition (Per Roll – Approximate)

• Calories: 240

• Protein: 17g

• Carbs: 14g

• Fat: 12g

• Fiber: 2g

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More Comfort Food Recipes You’ll Love

• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet

• Savory Cheese & Potato Bread in a Pan

• No-Flour Oat Pancakes with Egg & Chicken Filling

• Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef and Rice

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“Stuffed cabbage rolls are like a warm hug from the kitchen—wholesome, filling, and made with love.”