Classic Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Hearty & Filling : Combines ground meat, rice, and vegetables for a satisfying meal.
Comfort Food Magic : The slow-cooked tomato sauce infuses every roll with rich, savory flavor.
Make-Ahead Friendly : Perfect for preparing in advance and reheating for busy weeknights.
Customizable : Add your favorite spices or ingredients to make it your own.
Crowd-Pleasing : A classic dish that’s loved by all generations.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cabbage Rolls:
1 large head of green cabbage (about 2–3 lbs)
1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
1/2 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
1 small onion , finely chopped
1 egg , beaten
2 cloves garlic , minced
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp dried thyme
Salt and pepper , to taste
For the Sauce:
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup tomato sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar (adjust to taste)
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
Salt and pepper , to taste
Optional Garnish:
Fresh parsley , chopped
Sour cream (for serving)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage Leaves
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully submerge the whole head of cabbage into the boiling water for 2–3 minutes, until the outer leaves soften. Use tongs to remove softened leaves one at a time, placing them on a plate to cool. Repeat until you have about 12–14 usable leaves. Trim the thick rib from the base of each leaf to make rolling easier.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, beaten egg, minced garlic, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined