Tender cabbage leaves stuffed with a savory meat and rice filling, cooked over a flavorful vegetable base.
Servings: 4–6
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Air Fry Time: 35–45 minutes
Ingredients
For the Cabbage Rolls
- 1 large green cabbage
- 500 g (1 lb) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Vegetable Bed & Sauce
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 2 cups crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup vegetable or beef broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage Leaves
- Remove the core from the cabbage.
- Place the cabbage in boiling water for 5–7 minutes, removing leaves as they soften.
- Trim the thick vein from each leaf to make rolling easier.
- Pat leaves dry.
Step 2: Make the Filling
- In a bowl, combine:
- Ground meat
- Cooked rice
- Onion
- Garlic
- Egg
- Parsley
- Paprika
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
- Mix until well combined.
Step 3: Roll the Cabbage
- Place 2–3 tablespoons of filling in the center of each cabbage leaf.
- Fold in the sides and roll tightly like a small parcel.
- Repeat until all filling is used.
Step 4: Prepare the Vegetable Bed
- In an air fryer-safe baking dish, add:
- Sliced carrots
- Onion
- Bell pepper
- Olive oil
- Mix together crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, broth, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the sauce over the vegetables.
Step 5: Air Fry the Cabbage Rolls
- Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down on top of the vegetable bed.
- Cover the dish tightly with foil.
Air Fry:
- 170°C (340°F) for 30–35 minutes covered.
- Remove foil and continue cooking:
Final Cook:
- 180°C (350°F) for 5–10 minutes until the top is lightly browned and the sauce is bubbling.
