Classic Baked Cabbage Rolls with Tomato Sauce

Cabbage rolls are a beloved comfort food in many cultures, combining tender cabbage leaves filled with a savory mixture of meat and vegetables. This recipe features ground meat, such as beef or pork, seasoned with spices and wrapped in softened cabbage leaves. The rolls are baked in a rich tomato and sour cream sauce, creating a deliciously hearty meal that’s perfect for family dinners. With a balance of flavors from garlic, coriander, and fresh parsley, this dish is simple yet packed with flavor. Whether you’re familiar with cabbage rolls or trying them for the first time, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Cabbage Rolls:

  • 1 Onion (chopped)
  • 1 Carrot (grated)
  • 1/2 Medium Head of Cabbage
  • Vegetable Oil (for sautéing)
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Black Pepper (to taste)
  • 600g Ground Meat (beef, pork, or a combination)
  • 1/2 tsp Ground Coriander (optional, based on preference)
  • 2 Cloves Garlic (minced)

For the Tomato Sauce:

  • 1 Onion (chopped)
  • 1 Carrot (grated)
  • 2 Tomatoes (grated or finely chopped)
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Black Pepper (to taste)
  • 1 tsp Sugar
  • 6 tbsp Sour Cream

Other:

  • Vegetable Oil (for frying and greasing the baking dish)
  • Chopped Fresh Parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage Leaves

  1. Boil the cabbage: Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Core the cabbage and carefully remove the outer leaves without tearing them. Cut the cabbage into wedges if needed to make the leaves easier to handle.
  2. Soften the cabbage leaves: Add the cabbage leaves to the boiling water and simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until they are soft and pliable. This makes them easier to roll without breaking. Remove the leaves from the water and let them cool slightly. If necessary, use a knife to cut away the thick center vein from each leaf.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables for the Filling

  1. Cook the onions and carrots: Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 2 minutes until softened. Then, add the grated carrot and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Set the cooked vegetables aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

  1. Mix the filling: In a large bowl, combine the cooked onions and carrots with the ground meat. Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, ground coriander (if using), and minced garlic. Mix well to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the meat and vegetables.

Step 4: Assemble the Cabbage Rolls

  1. Fill the cabbage leaves: Take one softened cabbage leaf and place a spoonful of the meat mixture at the wide part of the leaf. Fold the sides of the cabbage over the filling, then roll the leaf tightly, like a burrito. Repeat this process with the remaining cabbage leaves and filling until all the rolls are assembled.

Step 5: Sauté the Vegetables for the Sauce

  1. Prepare the sauce base: In the same pan used for the filling, heat more vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2 minutes until softened. Then, add the grated carrot and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6: Make the Tomato Sauce

  1. Add the tomatoes: Grate or finely chop 2 tomatoes and add them to the pan with the onions and carrots. Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  2. Season the sauce: Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Stir in 6 tablespoons of sour cream, mixing until the sauce is creamy and smooth.

Step 7: Bake the Cabbage Rolls

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
  2. Prepare the baking dish: Grease a baking dish with vegetable oil to prevent the cabbage rolls from sticking. Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the baking dish, making sure they are snug but not overcrowded.
  3. Add the sauce: Pour the prepared tomato sauce evenly over the cabbage rolls, ensuring each roll is coated.
  4. Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the sauce is bubbly.

Step 8: Serve

  1. Garnish and enjoy: Once the cabbage rolls are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy these cabbage rolls with crusty bread or a side of mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 320
  • Protein: 24g
  • Fat: 20g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 450mg

Note: These values are approximate and can vary depending on the exact ingredients used.

FAQs

1. Can I make these cabbage rolls ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the cabbage rolls and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, simply add the sauce and bake as directed.

2. Can I freeze the cabbage rolls?
Yes, cabbage rolls freeze well. After assembling the rolls and adding the sauce, freeze them in an airtight container before baking. When ready to eat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

3. Can I use different meat?
Absolutely. You can use a combination of ground beef and pork, or opt for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Each type of meat brings its own flavor to the dish.

4. What sides go well with cabbage rolls?
Cabbage rolls pair beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or even a simple green salad. The rolls themselves are quite filling, so a light side dish works well.

Tips for Making the Perfect Cabbage Rolls

  1. Soften the cabbage leaves: Boiling the cabbage leaves until they’re soft and pliable makes rolling much easier and prevents the leaves from tearing.
  2. Don’t overfill the rolls: Use a spoonful of filling for each leaf to avoid overstuffing, which can cause the rolls to burst during cooking.
  3. Sauté the filling vegetables: Cooking the onions and carrots before mixing them into the meat enhances their flavor and adds sweetness to the filling.
  4. Use sour cream for creaminess: Sour cream added to the tomato sauce balances out the acidity of the tomatoes and gives the sauce a rich, creamy texture.

Storage Tips

  1. Refrigeration: Store any leftover cabbage rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
  2. Freezing: Cabbage rolls can be frozen for up to 3 months. After baking, allow them to cool completely, then freeze in individual portions or as a whole dish. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
  3. Reheating: To reheat, place the cabbage rolls in a baking dish and warm them in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Conclusion

These Classic Baked Cabbage Rolls with Tomato Sauce are a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. The tender cabbage leaves, wrapped around a savory meat filling, and baked in a rich tomato sauce, create a satisfying and hearty meal. Whether you’re new to making cabbage rolls or a seasoned pro, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers delicious results every time. Enjoy this traditional dish with fresh parsley and your favorite sides for a meal that’s sure to please!