These classic stuffed cabbage rolls are a simple, traditional comfort food made with tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a rich mixture of ground beef and pork, then baked in tomato sauce until soft, savory, and deeply flavorful. It’s rustic, hearty, and the kind of dish that gets better the longer it simmers.
Even with just a few ingredients, the combination of beef, pork, and tomato sauce creates a balanced filling that is juicy and satisfying. The cabbage softens as it cooks, absorbing the savory juices from the meat and sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 medium head cabbage (about 3 pounds)
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce, divided
Instructions
1. Prepare the cabbage
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Carefully place the whole cabbage in the water.
- Boil for 3–5 minutes, peeling off leaves as they soften.
- Continue until you have 10–14 large, pliable leaves.
- Trim thick stem ends so they roll easily.
2. Make the filling
- In a bowl, mix:
- ground beef
- ground pork
- Combine until evenly blended (do not overmix).
3. Assemble the rolls
- Place a cabbage leaf flat.
- Add about 2–3 tablespoons of meat mixture.
- Fold sides inward, then roll tightly like a burrito.
4. Prepare the baking dish
- Spread a few spoonfuls of tomato sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Arrange cabbage rolls seam-side down.
5. Add sauce and bake
- Pour remaining tomato sauce evenly over the rolls.
- Cover tightly with foil.
Bake at:
- 350°F (175°C) for 60–75 minutes
6. Finish
- Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes to slightly thicken the sauce.
- Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
What you get (final result)
- Soft, tender cabbage
- Juicy, rich meat filling
- Slightly sweet, tangy tomato coating
- A deeply comforting baked dish with minimal ingredients
Honest note on this recipe
With only these 4 ingredients, this recipe relies heavily on:
- meat quality
- proper rolling
- and tomato sauce seasoning
So it’s simple, but not bland if cooked properly.
Optional upgrades (highly recommended)
If you decide to improve it later, the biggest upgrades are:
- garlic + onion (huge flavor boost)
- rice (traditional structure)
- salt + black pepper (essential seasoning)
- paprika or dill for depth
