Lazy stuffed cabbage rolls in the oven
WHAT YOU WILL NEED
From ingredients
8 products
SIMPLE PROCESS
Step by step recipe
The secret to this recipe is properly preparing the vegetables. Grate the cabbage, carrot, and onion on a coarse grater — they should be finely shredded to distribute evenly through the meat. Knead the meat mixture thoroughly so it becomes firm and uniform — this prevents the rolls from falling apart during baking. For the sauce, use sour cream, ketchup, and broth for a rich, flavorful finish. Bake at 180°C for exactly 1 hour to ensure they're cooked through.
Prep Vegetables
Grate the cabbage, carrot, and onion on a coarse grater. If the cabbage is tough, gently massage it with your hands to soften it.
Make the Meat Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, grated vegetables, egg, salt, and pepper. Knead thoroughly until smooth and uniform.
Shape the Rolls
Wet your hands with water, shape the mixture into round or oval rolls. Place them on a baking sheet or in a baking dish.
Make the Sauce
In a separate bowl, mix together the sour cream, chicken broth (or water), and ketchup. Season with salt and pepper, whisk until smooth.
Pour and Bake
Pour the sauce over the rolls so they are almost fully covered. Place the dish in a preheated oven at 180°C and bake for 1 hour until golden.
Serve
Let the rolls rest for 5-10 minutes, then serve with the sauce and garnish with fresh herbs. Enjoy hot!
CHEF'S TIP
Grate Vegetables Finely
Grate the cabbage, carrot, and onion on a coarse grater — this helps them distribute evenly through the meat and adds moisture. If the cabbage is tough, massage it slightly with your hands.
Knead the Meat Thoroughly
The better you knead the mixture, the firmer the rolls will be and the less likely they'll fall apart. You can even slap the mixture against the bowl a few times to compact it.
Sauce Should Cover the Rolls
Pour enough sauce so the rolls are almost fully covered — this ensures they stay moist and cook evenly.
Don't Open the Oven
Sudden temperature changes can affect the cooking process. Bake for exactly 1 hour without opening the oven door.
SUBSTITUTIONS
Add your taste
- Use Ground Chicken Replace pork with ground chicken — the dish becomes lighter, calories drop to ~170. Baking time remains the same.
- Add Rice Add 100 g of cooked rice to the meat mixture — the rolls become heartier and more like classic cabbage rolls.
- Skip Ketchup — Use Tomato Sauce Replace ketchup with 2 tbsp of tomato paste diluted in water, or use fresh grated tomatoes.
- Mushroom Sauce Replace the sour cream-tomato sauce with a cream and mushroom sauce for a richer, earthier flavor.
HOW TO STORE
How to Store Lazy Cabbage Rolls
Cool the rolls, transfer to a covered container, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened. Freeze in portions for up to 1 month — thaw in the fridge and reheat in the oven or on the stovetop.
GOOD TO KNOW