Tender cabbage leaves stuffed with seasoned ground beef, rice, and tomato sauce are a comforting Eastern European-American classic. This high protein family dish is hearty, freezer-friendly, and deeply satisfying.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bring a large pot of water to a gentle boil and carefully peel 12 cabbage leaves from the head; blanch leaves for 2 minutes until flexible but not mushy.
Finely dice yellow onion and mince garlic. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, cooked rice, diced onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and paprika. Mix just until blended to avoid tough filling.
Lay a cabbage leaf flat, fill with about 1/3 cup of meat mixture, and roll up, tucking in sides for a secure seal. Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.
Spread 1 cup of tomato sauce on the bottom of a large baking dish. Arrange cabbage rolls seam-side down in a single layer. Pour remaining tomato sauce evenly over the rolls.
Cover the dish tightly with foil. Bake for 75–90 minutes, until cabbage is tender and filling reaches 160°F internal temperature. Uncover during the last 15 minutes to thicken the sauce if desired. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.