Ground Beef Cabbage Rolls with Tomato Sauce are a classic comfort-food dish enjoyed across many cultures, from Eastern Europe to the Middle East and beyond. Known by many names—golabki, sarma, or stuffed cabbage—this dish features tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a flavorful filling of seasoned ground beef and rice, then gently simmered or baked in a rich tomato sauce.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s wholesome, filling, and incredibly comforting. There’s something rewarding about rolling the cabbage leaves and watching them transform into a beautifully tender, flavorful dish. It’s also a fantastic make-ahead meal that tastes even better the next day.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

• Timeless comfort food with rich flavor
• Hearty, satisfying, and family-friendly
• Perfect for meal prep and leftovers
• Budget-friendly with simple ingredients
• Customizable across cuisines

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 25 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Servings, Calories, Course & Cuisine

• Servings: 6
• Calories: ~420 calories per serving
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Eastern European–Inspired

Ingredients

For the Cabbage Rolls

• 1 large green cabbage
• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• ½ cup uncooked white rice
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp dried thyme or oregano

For the Tomato Sauce

• 2 cups tomato sauce
• 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• 1 cup beef or vegetable broth

Cooking Directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Remove core from cabbage and blanch leaves until pliable.
3. Set cabbage leaves aside to cool.
4. In a bowl, mix ground beef, rice, onion, garlic, egg, and seasonings.
5. Place filling on cabbage leaves and roll tightly.
6. Spread a layer of tomato sauce in a baking dish or pot.
7. Arrange cabbage rolls seam-side down.
8. Pour remaining sauce over rolls.
9. Cover and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour.
10. Let rest briefly before serving.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Prepare cabbage: Blanch leaves until soft and flexible.
2. Make filling: Combine beef, rice, aromatics, and spices.
3. Assemble rolls: Wrap filling snugly in cabbage leaves.
4. Layer sauce: Coat bottom of dish to prevent sticking.
5. Bake: Cook covered until tender and juicy.
6. Rest: Allow flavors to settle before serving.

How to Serve

Serve cabbage rolls hot, spooned generously with tomato sauce. Pair with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or a fresh green salad for a complete and comforting meal.

Recipe Tips

• Choose large cabbage leaves for easier rolling
• Don’t overfill—rolls may burst
• Trim thick ribs from leaves if needed
• Let rolls rest before serving for best texture

Variations (In Detail)

• Stuffed Cabbage with Pork: Substitute half the beef with ground pork
• Vegetarian Cabbage Rolls: Use lentils or mushrooms instead of beef
• Low-Carb Version: Replace rice with cauliflower rice
• Spicy Rolls: Add chili flakes or paprika
• Slow Cooker Version: Cook on low for 6–7 hours

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Freezing: Freeze cooked cabbage rolls for up to 3 months
• Reheating: Reheat covered in oven or microwave until hot

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot for blanching cabbage
• Baking dish or Dutch oven
• Mixing bowl
• Sharp knife
• Tongs

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make cabbage rolls ahead of time?
A: Yes, they’re perfect for make-ahead meals.

Q: Do I need to cook the rice first?
A: No, uncooked rice cooks during baking.

Q: What cabbage works best?
A: Green cabbage is traditional and easiest to roll.

Q: Can I cook this on the stovetop?
A: Yes, simmer gently on low heat until cooked through.

Conclusion

Ground Beef Cabbage Rolls with Tomato Sauce are the definition of hearty, homemade comfort food. With tender cabbage, juicy beef filling, and rich tomato sauce, this dish brings warmth and tradition to the table. Whether enjoyed fresh or reheated as leftovers, it’s a timeless recipe that never fails to satisfy.