Josephine Gresko's Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Delight in the comforting taste of tradition with "Josephine Gresko's Stuffed Cabbage Rolls," a hearty and flavorful family recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a soul-warming feast. Tender leaves of green cabbage are lovingly filled with a savory mix of ground beef, ground pork, and perfectly seasoned cooked rice, then simmered to perfection in a rich, tangy tomato sauce with a hint of sweetness. This classic dish combines old-world cooking techniques like blanching cabbage and slow-cooking in a flavorful broth, ensuring unmatched tenderness and flavor. Ready in just over two hours, these stuffed cabbage rolls are ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or when you crave a slice of nostalgic comfort. Serve them warm, generously smothered in their tomato-based sauce, for a meal that’s both delicious and heartfelt. Perfect for fans of traditional Eastern European cuisine, this recipe is your go-to for a cozy, home-cooked masterpiece.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:40 mins

Cook Time:120 mins

Total Time:160 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 head Green cabbage
• 1 pound Ground beef
• 0.5 pound Ground pork
• 1 cup Cooked white rice
• 1 medium Yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 large Egg
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon Paprika
• 16 ounces Tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
• 2 cups Chicken or beef broth
• 2 teaspoons Sugar
• 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil

Directions

Step 1

Prepare the cabbage: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully remove the core of the cabbage with a sharp knife and place the whole head into the pot, stem side down. Cook for 5-7 minutes, gently peeling off the softened outer leaves with tongs as they become pliable. Set the leaves aside on a tray to cool. Repeat until you have 12-14 large leaves.

Step 2

Prepare the filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, cooked rice, diced onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix well until thoroughly combined.

Step 3

Trim the cabbage leaves: Using a sharp knife, carefully trim the thick vein from the center of each cabbage leaf without cutting all the way through. This will make the leaves easier to roll.

Step 4

Assemble the rolls: Place a cabbage leaf on a flat surface, vein side down. Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the filling near the base of the leaf. Fold the sides over the filling, then roll up tightly from the base to the top. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.

Step 5

Prepare the sauce: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to caramelize. Stir in the tomato sauce, broth, and sugar. Bring the sauce to a simmer.

Step 6

Cook the rolls: Place the cabbage rolls seam side down in the pot of sauce, arranging them in a single layer. If necessary, stack them but keep them snug. Cover and simmer on low heat for 1.5-2 hours, occasionally spooning sauce over the rolls.

Step 7

Serve: Carefully remove the rolls and transfer to a serving platter. Spoon the sauce over the top and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2408.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2606.5

Total Fat 171.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 56.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 18.9g
Cholesterol 724.7mg	0%
Sodium 5680.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 114.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 17.6g	0%
Total Sugars 40.1g
Protein 160.3g	0%

Vitamin D 53.8IU	0%
Calcium 400.6mg	0%
Iron 16.5mg	0%
Potassium 2491.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 58.3%

Protein: 24.3%

Carbs: 17.4%