Prep time: 45 mins | Cook time: 90 mins | Servings: 10–12 rolls
1. Ingredients
| Component | Ingredients |
|—|—|
| The Cabbage | 1 large head of green cabbage, 1 tbsp salt |
| The Filling | 1 lb ground beef, 1/2 lb ground pork, 2 cups cooked rice, 1 finely diced onion, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 egg, salt & pepper |
| The Sauce | 15 oz tomato sauce, 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp lemon juice (or vinegar), 1/2 tsp thyme |
2. Preparation Steps
Prepare the Leaves
* Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
* Cut the core out of the cabbage head. Place the whole head in the boiling water.
* After about 3–5 minutes, the outer leaves will soften and begin to peel off. Remove them with tongs as they become pliable.
* Trim the thick “rib” (the vein) from the back of each leaf so it rolls easily.
Mix the Filling
* In a large bowl, combine the beef, pork, cooked rice, onion, garlic, and egg.
* Season generously with salt and pepper. Mix by hand until just combined—don’t overwork it, or the meat will become tough.
Assemble the Rolls
* Place about 1/4 cup of the meat mixture at the stem end of a cabbage leaf.
* Fold the sides in and roll it up tightly (like a burrito).
* Repeat until you run out of filling or leaves.
Cook to Perfection
* Whisk all the Sauce ingredients together in a bowl.
* Line the bottom of a Dutch oven or large pot with any leftover cabbage scraps (this prevents burning).
* Place the rolls seam-side down in the pot, layering them if necessary.
* Pour the tomato sauce over the top.
* Cover and simmer on low heat for 75–90 minutes, or bake at 350°F (175°C) for the same amount of time until the cabbage is buttery soft.
Pro Tips for the Best Results
* The Rice: Make sure your rice is fully cooked before mixing. It absorbs the juices from the meat while simmering.
* The Sauce Balance: If you like it more “sweet and sour,” add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar and lemon juice.
* Resting: Let the rolls sit for 10 minutes after cooking; the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors settle.
