Description
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Authentic Ukrainian Cabbage Rolls (Holubtsi) – tender cabbage leaves stuffed with savory ground meat, rice, and seasonings, slow-cooked in a rich tomato sauce. A comforting, make-ahead-friendly dish perfect for family meals and holidays!
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Ingredients
Scale
For the Cabbage Rolls
- 1 large green cabbage
- 1 lb (450g) ground pork and/or beef
- 1 cup (200g) cooked rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried dill (or 1 tbsp fresh dill)
For the Tomato Sauce
- 2 cups (480ml) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz / 410g) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup (240ml) beef or vegetable broth
- 2 bay leaves
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Cut out the core of the cabbage and place the whole head into the boiling water.
- Simmer for a few minutes until the outer leaves soften. Remove them carefully and set aside to cool. Repeat as needed.
Step 2: Make the Filling
- In a large bowl, mix the ground meat, cooked rice, onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, paprika, and dill until well combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Cabbage Rolls
- Trim the thick stem from each cabbage leaf.
- Place a spoonful of the filling near the base of the leaf, then roll it up tightly, tucking in the sides.
- Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
- In a large pot or baking dish, combine the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, broth, and bay leaves.
Step 5: Cook the Rolls
- Arrange the cabbage rolls in layers, seam-side down.
- Pour the tomato sauce over the rolls, ensuring they are mostly covered.
- Cover and simmer on low for 1.5 to 2 hours, or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1.5 hours.
Step 6: Serve
- Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve warm with sour cream on top.
Notes
- Vegetarian – Swap meat for mushrooms or lentils.
- Low-Carb – Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
- Spicy – Add red pepper flakes or cayenne.
- Different Sauce – Try a creamy mushroom sauce instead of tomato sauce.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course, comfort food
- Method: boiling, baking , simmering
- Cuisine: Ukrainian, Eastern European
Keywords: Ukrainian cabbage rolls, holubtsi recipe, stuffed cabbage rolls, traditional Eastern European dish, cabbage rolls in tomato sauce