Ukrainian Holubtsi with Beef, Rice, and Savory Tomato Sauce
Tender cabbage rolls filled with beef and rice, topped with savory tomato sauce in about 1 hour.
About This Recipe
Ukrainian Holubtsi, or stuffed cabbage rolls, feature tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory beef and rice filling. The key move here is to bake them covered in tomato sauce, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Holubtsi are a traditional Ukrainian dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table. These cabbage rolls are stuffed with a hearty mixture of ground beef and rice, then baked in a delicious tomato sauce.
We’re using the baking method to ensure the cabbage becomes tender while soaking up the rich flavors of the sauce. Keep an eye on them towards the end; we want the rolls to be heated through but not mushy.
Expect a texture where the cabbage is soft and the filling is juicy. One common pitfall is overcooking the cabbage leaves when blanching, which can lead to tearing. Just a quick soak is all they need!
Serve these holubtsi with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad. The combination of rich, savory cabbage rolls and a light salad makes for a balanced meal.
Why This Recipe Works
Warm Sauce Enhances Flavor: Baking the rolls in tomato sauce allows the cabbage and filling to absorb moisture and flavor.
Tender Cabbage, Flavorful Filling: Blanching the cabbage leaves ensures they’re pliable, making them easier to roll without tearing.
Covering Locks in Steam: Covering the dish while baking traps steam, ensuring the cabbage cooks evenly and stays moist.
Chef's Pro Tip: If you have leftover filling, you can use it as a tasty filling for peppers or as a base for a skillet meal.
Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
40 min
Total Time
60 min
Servings
Ingredients
Handy tools while you cook
Directions
- 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully remove leaves from the cabbage and blanch them for about 2 minutes until soft.
- 2
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté onions and garlic until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- 3
In a bowl, combine ground beef, cooked rice, sautéed onions, garlic, salt, pepper, and thyme. Mix well.
- 4
Place a generous scoop of the beef mixture onto each cabbage leaf. Roll tightly, tucking in the sides to secure.
- 5
In a baking dish, spread some tomato sauce on the bottom. Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down.
- 6
Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the rolls and cover the dish with foil. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
- 7
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to let the sauce thicken slightly.
- 8
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley for an extra touch of flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving
fat
12g
carbs
40g
fiber
3g
sodium
600mg
protein
25g
calories
350
Related Kitchen Tips
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