Can I make it without an egg?

The egg binds the mixture. If you don't have one, add 1–2 tablespoons of sour cream or water — the rolls will be less firm but still hold together.

Why do my rolls fall apart?

The mixture may not have been kneaded enough, or the cabbage is too coarse. Mix well and add an extra egg if needed.

Can I use frozen cabbage?

Yes, but thaw and squeeze out excess water first to prevent a watery casserole.

How long should I bake them?

Bake for 30 minutes at 180°C (350°F). If the rolls are large, increase to 40 minutes. Check for a golden top and firm texture.

Lazy cabbage rolls

Name: Lazy cabbage rolls
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 1 порция
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: Homemade minced meat (assorted) — 1000 g; Onion — 30 g; White cabbage — 500 g; Chicken egg — 55 g; Mayonnaise — 80 g; Tomato ketchup — 50 g; Sour cream — 50 g; Garlic — 10 g

60min

1775g

Nutrition per 100g

These lazy cabbage rolls are a great option for a tasty and hearty dinner without extra hassle. Juicy ground meat with cabbage, baked under a tangy sauce of mayonnaise, ketchup, and sour cream, turns out incredibly flavorful and tender. At only 77 calories per serving, you can enjoy this classic dish guilt-free.

BreakfastLunchMeatVegetablesBoiled

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

From ingredients

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Основа

Homemade minced meat (assorted)1000 g

Соус

SIMPLE PROCESS

Step by step recipe

To keep the cabbage rolls moist and intact, knead the meat mixture thoroughly and wet your hands with water when shaping. Shred the cabbage finely so it blends well with the meat. The sauce of mayo, ketchup, and sour cream adds richness. Bake at 180°C for about 30 minutes, and add garlic at the end for extra aroma.

Step 1

Prep Ingredients

Peel and finely chop the onion. Shred the cabbage thinly, then chop into small pieces (you can use a food processor or blender).

Step 2

Mix the Meat

In a large bowl, combine ground meat, chopped onion, cabbage, egg, salt, and spices. Knead thoroughly until smooth.

Step 3

Shape the Rolls

Wet your hands with cold water and form round or oval rolls (like large meatballs). Place them in a baking dish.

Step 4

Make the Sauce

In a separate bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, and sour cream until smooth. Pour the sauce over the rolls, covering them almost completely.

Step 5

Bake

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake for 30 minutes. Add minced garlic 5 minutes before the end.

Step 6

Serve

Let the rolls rest for 5–10 minutes, then serve with sauce and garnish with fresh herbs. Enjoy!

CHEF'S TIP

Choose Quality Ground Meat

For juiciness, use a mix of pork and beef with a bit of fat. If using lean meat, add 1–2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.

Shred Cabbage Finely

The finer the cabbage, the better it blends with the meat and won't be noticeable in the rolls. Use a knife or food processor.

Don't Overbake

Bake at 180°C for 30 minutes. Overbaking makes them dry. Check for a golden crust and firmness.

Add Garlic at the End

Add minced garlic 2–3 minutes before turning off the oven to preserve its fresh flavor without bitterness.

SUBSTITUTIONS

Add your taste

With Ground Chicken Replace mixed meat with ground chicken — calories drop to about 55, making it more diet-friendly. Reduce baking time to 25–30 minutes.
With Tomato Sauce Instead of the mayo-sour cream sauce, use tomato sauce — mix 100g tomato paste with water and spices. A more tangy, robust version.
Add Rice Fold 3.5 oz (100g) of cooked rice into the meat mixture for a heartier, more traditional cabbage roll taste.
Bake Without Sauce Simply place the rolls in a greased dish and bake for 30–40 minutes — a lighter version with less dressing.

HOW TO STORE

How to Store Lazy Cabbage Rolls

Cool the rolls, place in an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 160°C (320°F) for 10–15 minutes or in the microwave. Freeze raw or cooked rolls — thaw in the fridge and reheat in the oven.

GOOD TO KNOW