Halupki (Stuffed Cabbage Rolls)

Tender cabbage leaves stuffed with seasoned meat and rice, baked slowly in rich tomato sauce — pure comfort food and holiday tradition.
Ingredients
For the Cabbage Rolls
1 large head green cabbage
1½ lb ground beef (or beef & pork mix)
1 cup cooked white rice (slightly undercooked is best)
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 egg
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
For the Sauce
2 cans (15 oz each) tomato sauce
1 can crushed tomatoes
1 tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
👩‍🍳 Instructions
Prepare the cabbage
Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
Core the cabbage and boil whole for 5–8 minutes, gently peeling off softened leaves.
Set aside and let cool.
Make the filling
In a bowl, mix ground meat, rice, onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder until combined.
Assemble the rolls
Place about ¼ cup filling on each cabbage leaf.
Fold in the sides and roll tightly.
Prepare the sauce
Mix tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, sugar, salt, and pepper.
Bake
Spread a little sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
Arrange rolls seam-side down.
Pour remaining sauce over top.
Cover tightly with foil.
Cook low and slow
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 2 to 2½ hours, until tender and flavorful.
🌟 PA-Style Tips
Line the pan with extra cabbage leaves for extra flavor.
Many families add sauerkraut between layers.
Halupki always tastes even better the next day.