Lebanese Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Beef

Tender cabbage leaves wrapped around spiced beef and rice, simmered in a garlicky tomato-mint broth. Finished with fresh lemon juice for the perfect bright, savory flavor. A true Sunday meal classic! 

---

📌 Ingredients

• 1 head green cabbage (2–2½ lbs)
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce, divided
• 2½ tsp salt, divided
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground pepper
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp dried mint
• 3 cups water
• Juice of 1 lemon

---

👩‍🍳 Directions

1️⃣ Prepare the Cabbage

• Remove the core with a paring knife and discard the outer leaves.
• Place the cabbage in a large pot, cover with water, and simmer 5–10 minutes until the leaves are soft and pliable.
• Remove and gently separate the leaves without tearing.

2️⃣ Make the Filling

In a bowl, mix together:

• Ground beef
• Rice
• 3 tbsp tomato sauce
• 1½ tsp salt
• Cinnamon
• Pepper

Mix with your hands until just combined—don’t overwork.

3️⃣ Prepare the Leaves

• Cut large leaves in half along the rib, then remove the rib fully.
• Leaves should be approx. 4×6 inches.
• Keep small leaves whole and reserve the ribs.

4️⃣ Roll the Cabbage

• Place 1 generous tablespoon of filling near the base of each leaf.
• Roll tightly, folding in the sides for a neat cylinder.
• Repeat with all filling and leaves.

5️⃣ Layer the Pot

• Line the bottom of a large pot with half of the reserved cabbage ribs.
• Add half of the rolls in a tight layer.
• Drizzle with ⅓ of the tomato sauce, sprinkle with ⅓ garlic, ⅓ mint, and ½ tsp salt.
• Add the remaining ribs on top.
• Add the remaining rolls.
• Drizzle with ½ of the remaining tomato sauce and sprinkle with ½ of the remaining garlic, ½ mint, and ½ tsp salt.

6️⃣ Add Liquid & Cook

• Mix water with the remaining tomato sauce, garlic, and mint.
• Pour over the rolls.
• Place a plate on top to keep rolls submerged.
• Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook until a thermometer inserted into a roll reads 160°F.

7️⃣ Finish

• Remove the plate and drizzle with fresh lemon juice before serving.