Stuffed cabbage rolls according to a family recipe – hearty, juicy and popular with children and adults

Name: Stuffed cabbage rolls according to a family recipe – hearty, juicy and popular with children and adults
Prep time: 80 min
Cook time: 80 min
Total time: 80 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 1 large white cabbage; 1 tablespoon salt (for blanching the leaves); 2 medium onions; 600 g ground meat (beef, chicken or mix); 1 large tomato, grated; 1/2 cup rice; Salt, freshly ground black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon turmeric; 1–2 teaspoons sweet paprika; 2 tablespoons melted butter; Fresh dill to taste; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1/2 cup clarified butter; 2.5 cups cold water

i-Recipe.comRecipesStuffed cabbage rolls according to a family recipe – hearty, juicy and popular with children and adults

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Easy to prepare
6 portions
80 minutes

Jan, 09. 01. 2026

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If you love classic family dishes that taste as good as childhood memories, also try the recipe for stuffed cabbage leaves with ground meat and rice, which is one of the tried-and-true family classics with rich flavor, or treat yourself to a slightly unconventional variation in the form of the Záhorácký roll for hearty diners, suitable for a substantial lunch. Both of these recipes perfectly complement traditional cabbage variants and inspire more cooking.

For 6 portions

Ingredients

For the cabbage rolls:

1 large white cabbage
1 tablespoon salt (for blanching the leaves)
2 medium onions
600 g ground meat (beef, chicken or mix)
1 large tomato, grated
1/2 cup rice
Salt, freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1–2 teaspoons sweet paprika
2 tablespoons melted butter
Fresh dill to taste

For the sauce:

1 tablespoon tomato paste
1/2 cup clarified butter
2.5 cups cold water

Preparation procedure

Carefully separate the large leaves from the cabbage head. Put them into boiling lightly salted water for 1–2 minutes to soften and become pliable for rolling. Then remove them and let them cool briefly. Trim the tough central rib from each leaf so the leaf rolls well.
In a bowl, mix the ground meat with the grated tomato, half a cup of rice, salt, pepper, turmeric and sweet paprika. Add the tomato paste, melted butter and chopped fresh dill. Mix everything well into a homogeneous meat mixture.
Place approximately 1 large tablespoon of filling on each cabbage leaf. Fold the edges of the leaf inward and roll it tightly so the filling does not slip out during cooking.
Place the leftover chopped cabbage on the bottom of a large pot to prevent the rolls from sticking. Arrange the rolls close together in the pot.
In a bowl, mix the tomato paste, clarified butter and cold water. Pour this mixture over the rolls so they are almost submerged. Cover with a lid and cook over low heat for about 60 minutes, until the meat filling and rice are well cooked and the flavors have melded.

Quick information

Servings: 6–8 servings
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 60 minutes
Total time: approx. 80 minutes

How to serve cabbage rolls

Carefully remove the finished cabbage rolls onto a plate and pour some of the sauce from the pot over them. They taste great with fresh bread, boiled potatoes or a light vegetable salad. For a creamier experience you can also serve with a spoonful of sour cream or sprinkled with fresh herbs to taste.