Can I use frozen ground meat?

Yes, but thaw it completely in the fridge and squeeze out any excess liquid to help the patties hold their shape.

Why do my patties fall apart?

The mixture may be too wet or not have enough egg. Add another egg or 1-2 tablespoons of breadcrumbs to bind it.

Can I bake them without tomato sauce?

Yes, you can bake the patties with just oil on a baking sheet, but the sauce makes them much moister and more flavorful.

How long should I bake them?

About 40 minutes total — 20 minutes at 180°C and 20 minutes at 200°C. Time may vary based on patty size and your oven.

Lazy stuffed cabbage

Name: Lazy stuffed cabbage
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 3 порции
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: Homemade minced meat (assorted) — 500 g; White cabbage — 200 g; Green Onion — 15 g; Chicken egg — 55 g; Water — 1000 g; Tomato Paste — 40 g; Dill — 2 g; Parsley — 3 g

60min

1815g

Nutrition per 100g

These lazy cabbage rolls are a dish that combines simplicity with homey comfort. Juicy meat patties with cabbage and fresh herbs, baked in a flavorful tomato sauce, are incredibly tender and satisfying. Much simpler than classic cabbage rolls, but just as delicious. At only 15 calories, they're a light, wholesome, and filling dinner for the whole family.

LunchMeatFats & OilsBaked

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

From ingredients

8 products

Base

Homemade minced meat (assorted)500 g

Sauce

Garnish

SIMPLE PROCESS

Step by step recipe

The secret is finely chopping the cabbage in a blender so it blends perfectly into the meat mixture. Shape the patties with wet hands, then bake them in a tomato sauce at gradually increasing temperatures — first at 180°C for even cooking, then at 200°C for a golden crust. Follow these steps for perfect results every time.

Step 1

Prep Ingredients

Chop the cabbage into large pieces and blend until it resembles fine crumbs. Finely chop the green onion and fresh herbs.

Step 2

Make the Meat Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, cabbage, green onion, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.

Step 3

Shape the Patties

Wet your hands with water and form the mixture into oval or round patties. Place them in a baking dish in a single layer.

Step 4

Make the Sauce

In a separate bowl, mix water, tomato paste, salt, pepper, and your favorite spices. Pour the sauce over the patties until they are almost covered.

Step 5

Bake

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake for 20 minutes, then increase the temperature to 200°C (400°F) and bake for another 20 minutes until golden and crisp on top.

Step 6

Serve

Sprinkle with fresh herbs and serve hot with sour cream or as a standalone main dish. Enjoy!

CHEF'S TIP

Chop Cabbage Finely

Use a blender to chop the cabbage into fine crumbs — it mixes better with the meat and adds juiciness without being noticeable.

Shape Patties with Wet Hands

Wet your hands with water to prevent sticking and to shape neat, firm patties.

Gradual Temperature Increase

Bake at 180°C first for even heating, then raise to 200°C for a golden, crispy top.

Check for Doneness

The patties are ready when the sauce has thickened, and the meat is cooked through with no pink inside. Add 5-10 minutes if needed.

SUBSTITUTIONS

Add your taste

With Ground Chicken Replace mixed meat with ground chicken — the dish becomes lower in calories and more diet-friendly. Reduce baking time to 30-35 minutes.
With Rice Add 3.5 oz (100g) of cooked rice to the meat mixture — makes the rolls more filling and closer to the classic version.
With Sour Cream Sauce Instead of tomato paste, mix 7 oz (200g) of sour cream with water and spices — a creamy, mild version.
Add Garlic Add 2-3 minced garlic cloves to the meat mixture for a zesty kick.

HOW TO STORE

How to Store Lazy Cabbage Rolls

Cool the cabbage rolls, transfer to a container with the sauce, 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 in portions — thaw in the fridge and reheat in the oven.

GOOD TO KNOW