Here’s a classic, comforting stuffed cabbage rolls recipe—tender cabbage leaves filled with a savory meat-and-rice mixture, baked in a rich tomato sauce. This is the traditional Eastern European–style version.

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls (Golubtsi / Holubky / Halupki)

Ingredients

For the Rolls

1 large head of green cabbage
1 lb (450 g) ground beef
1/2 lb (225 g) ground pork (optional — can use all beef)
1 cup cooked rice
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 egg
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika (optional)

For the Tomato Sauce

1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce OR 1 cup tomato juice
2 tbsp brown sugar (optional, balances acidity)
1–2 tbsp lemon juice or 1 tbsp vinegar
Salt & pepper to taste
1–2 tbsp butter (optional for richness)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cabbage

Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
Core the cabbage and place it in the water.
As the leaves soften, gently peel them off with tongs — about 10–15 leaves.
Set softened leaves aside to cool.
- If thick veins remain, shave them down with a knife for easier rolling.

2. Make the Filling

In a large bowl, combine:

Ground beef + pork
Cooked rice
Onion
Garlic
Egg
Salt, pepper, paprika

Mix gently until combined (don’t overwork).

3. Roll the Cabbage

Lay out a cabbage leaf.
Add 2–3 tablespoons of filling near the base.
Fold the sides over, then roll up tightly like a burrito.
Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.

4. Prepare the Sauce

In a bowl, combine:

Crushed tomatoes
Tomato sauce or juice
Brown sugar
Lemon juice
Salt & pepper

Taste and adjust — should be slightly sweet-sour.

5. Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line the bottom of a baking dish with leftover small cabbage leaves.
Place cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish.
Pour the tomato sauce over them.
Cover with a lid or foil.
Bake 1.5 to 2 hours, until tender.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with mashed potatoes, sour cream, or crusty bread.
Flavors intensify the next day — great leftovers!

If you’d like, I can also give you:

a Polish, Ukrainian, or Hungarian variation
a slow cooker version
a low-carb keto version
or a step-by-step shopping list