The cabbage leaves themselves are not so flavorful, but they make a nice and sturdy wrap whose flavor simply matches the beefiness. They serve as a blanket and hold together the delicious meat mixture.

Also, I like how you can easily serve each portion of this dish in individual rolls, with no hassle and great presentation.

While the recipe has a few steps, they are totally worth it. First, I encourage you to make a double batch of homemade tomato sauce. Because it is so good, and you can store it in the fridge and use it on pasta during the week. This way you plan in advance and save yourself some extra effort!

Ingredients needed:
For the Homemade Tomato Sauce:

Olive oil: We use extra virgin.
Onion: I like to finely dice it, so it almost melts when cooked.
Garlic: Use fresh for the optimal flavor.
Crushed tomatoes: Make sure that you use sweeter tomatoes, that is not too acidic, I like San Marzano.
Tomato sauce
Tomato paste
Salt and pepper
Brown sugar: We add just a little to balance the tangy tomato sauce.
Red wine vinegar
Worcestershire sauce: It enhances the meat flavor
Dried Italian herbs

Classic Cabbage Rolls:

Lean ground beef: Leaner is better.
Cooked rice: Use white or brown rice, even other grains, like quinoa or bulgur will work.
Onion powder
Garlic: We use fresh, but garlic powder also can be used.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, paprika, dried Italian herbs.
Worcestershire sauce
Fresh parsley
Egg
A whole head of cabbage: Savoy cabbage works great.
How do you make traditional stuffed cabbage rolls: