Lazy Cabbage Roll Patties in Tomato Sour Cream Sauce

Name: Lazy Cabbage Roll Patties in Tomato Sour Cream Sauce
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 80 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Eastern European-inspired
Ingredients: 500 g ground beef and pork blend; 600 g green cabbage, finely chopped; 150 g long-grain rice, rinsed; 1 whole large onion, diced; 1 whole large carrot, grated; 1 whole large egg; 2 tbsp neutral oil; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 180 g sour cream; 300 ml water or broth; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp chopped dill or parsley

Chopped cabbage, rice and ground meat bake together under a tomato-sour-cream sauce.

By Savva LoginovUpdated October 2, 2026

Total 1 hr 20 minMakes 8 servings

Jump to Recipe

These lazy cabbage rolls combine chopped cabbage, rice and seasoned ground meat in a baked casserole, so there is no need to wrap individual leaves. Briefly soften the cabbage and partially cook the rice before mixing; this helps both finish at the same pace. A tomato and sour-cream sauce keeps the patties moist as they bake. Pour boiling water over chopped cabbage and stand 5 minutes; drain very well and cool. Simmer rice in water 8 minutes until partly tender; drain. Heat oil and cook onion and carrot 5 to 7 minutes until softened; cool slightly. Mix meat, cabbage, rice, vegetables, egg, salt and pepper; shape into 8 oval patties and arrange in a baking dish.

Lazy Cabbage Roll Patties in Tomato Sour Cream Sauce

How to tell when it is ready

Whisk tomato paste, sour cream and water; pour around patties and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 40 to 50 minutes until centers reach 71°C (160°F).

Tips

Pour boiling water over chopped cabbage and stand 5 minutes.
Simmer rice in water 8 minutes until partly tender.
Heat oil and cook onion and carrot 5 to 7 minutes until softened.
Mix meat, cabbage, rice, vegetables, egg, salt and pepper.

Troubleshooting

If mixture feels wet, drain cabbage and rice more thoroughly.
If patties brown unevenly, space them apart in the dish.

Substitutions

Use ground turkey, cooking patties to 74°C (165°F).
Use plain yogurt in place of sour cream, stirring gently.

Variations

Use buckwheat instead of rice, cooked until nearly tender.
Add chopped dill into the meat mixture.

Serving suggestions

Serve with extra sour cream.
Add chopped dill or parsley.
Pair with rye bread.
Offer a cucumber and tomato salad.

Make ahead

Prepare the measured ingredients in advance. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours for up to 3 days; reheat until steaming hot.

Storage

Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours for up to 3 days; reheat until steaming hot.

Food safety

Cook ground meat to 71°C (160°F); keep raw-meat utensils separate and refrigerate promptly.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know lazy cabbage rolls with rice and tomato sauce is ready?

Whisk tomato paste, sour cream and water; pour around patties and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 40 to 50 minutes until centers reach 71°C (160°F).

How should I store lazy cabbage rolls with rice and tomato sauce?

Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours for up to 3 days; reheat until steaming hot.

Serve with extra sour cream. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours for up to 3 days; reheat until steaming hot.

About the author

Savva Loginov

Savva Loginov writes about traditional Ukrainian cooking, including regional dishes, heritage baking and the customs behind familiar recipes. His English guides explain each dish’s context alongside clear, practical cooking instructions.

Lazy Cabbage Roll Patties in Tomato Sour Cream Sauce