Hungarian-Style Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Tomato Sauce
Tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory mixture of ground pork, rice, and spices, simmered in a rich tomato sauce for a comforting classic. This hungarian-inspired pork ready in about 95 minutes blends leaves large cabbage leaves, pounds ground pork, uncooked white rice into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 leaves large cabbage leaves
- 1.5 pounds ground pork
- 3/4 cup uncooked white rice
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp Hungarian sweet paprika
- 1.5 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 3 cups tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 cup water
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully boil 12 large cabbage leaves for 3 minutes until pliable, then drain and set aside to cool.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine 1.5 pounds ground pork, 3/4 cup uncooked white rice, 1 finely chopped onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 large egg, 1 tbsp Hungarian sweet paprika, 1.5 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Mix thoroughly.
- Step 3: Lay one cabbage leaf flat, place about 3 tbsp of the pork mixture in the center, and fold in the sides before rolling tightly to enclose the filling. Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.
- Step 4: Preheat a large deep skillet over medium heat and add 2 tbsp vegetable oil. Place the cabbage rolls seam side down and brown for 5 minutes.
- Step 5: Pour 3 cups tomato sauce and 1 cup water over the rolls. Cover and simmer gently for 60 minutes until the pork is cooked and rice is tender.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Spoon extra tomato sauce over rolls on plates.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Hungarian-Style Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Tomato Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 95 minutes (25 min prep + 70 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Hungarian-Style Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Tomato Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Hungarian-Style Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Tomato Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Hungarian-Style Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Tomato Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Hungarian-Style Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Tomato Sauce?
Hungarian pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
