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Oven-Baked Cabbage Rolls

Oven-Baked Cabbage Rolls

Oven-Baked Cabbage Rolls are a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory mixture of seasoned ground meat, rice, and aromatic herbs, all baked in rich tomato sauce. This wholesome recipe offers simple ingredients and hands-off baking, making it perfect for a cozy family dinner that’s easy to prepare and delicious to enjoy.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Cabbage Leaves

  • Fresh large cabbage leaves, enough to wrap filling (about 12-15 leaves)

Filling

  • 1 lb ground meat (beef, pork, turkey, or a mix)
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large egg
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley or dill, chopped

Tomato Sauce

  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • Salt and pepper, to taste (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cabbage leaves: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully boil the whole cabbage head for several minutes until the outer leaves soften enough to peel away without tearing. Set the tender leaves aside to cool and dry.
  2. Make the filling: In a bowl, combine ground meat, cooked rice, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, and your chosen seasonings including salt, pepper, and herbs. Mix everything thoroughly until well incorporated to create a flavorful, cohesive filling.
  3. Assemble the rolls: Place a cabbage leaf flat on your work surface and trim the thick stem if necessary. Spoon a generous amount of filling onto the base of the leaf and fold the sides in, then roll it up tightly like a burrito, ensuring the filling is fully enclosed.
  4. Prepare baking dish and sauce: Spread a bit of tomato sauce onto the bottom of a baking pan to prevent sticking and add flavor. Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the pan, then pour the remaining tomato sauce evenly over the top to keep everything moist during baking.
  5. Bake until tender: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 45-60 minutes, or until the cabbage is completely tender and the filling is cooked through.

Notes

  • Blanch the cabbage just enough to make rolling easier without breaking the leaves.
  • Do not overfill the rolls to prevent tearing and ensure neat presentation.
  • Season the filling well with herbs, salt, and pepper for maximum flavor.
  • Covering with foil during baking locks in moisture for tender cabbage and juicy filling.
  • Allow the rolls to rest a few minutes after baking to let juices redistribute, making slicing easier.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Eastern European
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cabbage roll
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: cabbage rolls, baked cabbage rolls, ground meat recipe, comfort food, healthy dinner, gluten free cabbage rolls