Delicious Cabbage Rolls Cooked in Tomato Sauce
Enjoy these traditional Romanian sarmale, delicious cabbage rolls filled with meat and rice, cooked in a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for family dinners!

Recipe Video
YouTubeOven-Baked Stuffed Cabbage Rolls (Using Frozen Cabbage Leaves)
Prep Time
30 min
Cook Time
90 min
Total Time
120 min
Servings
4
Ingredients
Directions
- 1
Remove the core from the cabbage and boil the whole head in salted water until the leaves soften, about 10-15 minutes.
- 2
In a large bowl, mix ground pork, rice, chopped onion, grated carrots, tomato paste, thyme, salt, pepper, and dill.
- 3
Carefully peel off the cabbage leaves, and spoon about 2 tablespoons of filling onto each leaf, rolling tightly.
- 4
In a large pot, heat olive oil and layer any leftover cabbage leaves on the bottom, then arrange the rolled cabbage on top.
- 5
Pour water over the rolls, cover, and simmer on low heat for about 90 minutes until cooked through.
- 6
Serve hot with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh dill on top for added flavor.
Chef's Essential Tip
Essential for Delicious Cabbage Rolls Cooked in Tomato Sauce
A pro tip matched to this dish — not a generic kitchen shortcut.
After searing, add wine, stock, or water and scrape the fond. It dissolves into a quick pan sauce that ties the whole dish together.
Kitchen Tip
Make sure to use a large enough pot to prevent the cabbage rolls from overcrowding during cooking.
Related Kitchen Tips
All tips
Tips & Tricks
The Olive Oil & Lemon Juice Shield: Kitchen Magic
Discover how the Olive Oil and Lemon Juice Shield can protect your meals from oxidation and enhance flavors. A must-know kitchen trick!

Tips & Tricks
How Many Grams Are in 1 Cup of Milk? Your Essential Kitchen Conversion Guide
Understanding how to convert cups of milk to grams is essential for precise cooking and baking. Get the scoop on this important measurement!

Tips & Tricks
The Red Onion Method: 5-Day Freshness Miracle
Discover the Red Onion Method to keep your produce fresh for up to 5 days. Simple tips that make a big difference in your kitchen!
Nutrition Facts
Per serving
fat
15g
carbs
30g
fiber
3g
sodium
600mg
protein
20g
calories
350
