Cabbage Rolls with Potato, Rice and Tomato Sauce

Name: Cabbage Rolls with Potato, Rice and Tomato Sauce
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 95 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Ukrainian
Ingredients: 1 whole large cabbage; 500 g potatoes, peeled and grated; 100 g rice, par-cooked; 1 whole medium onion, diced; 1 whole medium carrot, grated; 150 ml tomato sauce; 150 g sour cream; 2 tbsp neutral oil; 1 tsp fine salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper

Cabbage leaves wrapped around grated potato, rice and vegetables in a creamy tomato sauce.

By Savva LoginovUpdated October 5, 2026

Total 1 hr 35 minMakes 6 servings

Jump to Recipe

These cabbage rolls fill softened leaves with grated potato, rice, onion and carrot, then simmer in tomato and sour cream sauce. This version leaves out the optional ground meat so the filling stays coherent and vegetarian. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Lower cabbage in and remove leaves as they soften; trim thick ribs. Cook rice until partly tender and drain. Sauté onion and carrot in oil until soft. Mix with grated potato, rice, salt and pepper. Place 1 to 2 tablespoons filling on each leaf, fold sides inward and roll snugly. Mix tomato sauce, sour cream and 200 ml water. Arrange rolls seam-side down in a pot and pour sauce over.

Cabbage Rolls with Potato, Rice and Tomato Sauce

How to tell when it is ready

Cabbage is tender and the potato filling is fully cooked.

Tips

Prepare and measure ingredients before cooking.
Cut ingredients into even pieces.
Taste and adjust seasoning near the end.
Cool leftovers promptly and refrigerate covered.

Troubleshooting

If the dish is too dry, add a little liquid gradually.
If browning too quickly, reduce the heat.

Substitutions

Use a suitable neutral oil if needed.
Choose vegetable broth for a vegetarian version where appropriate.

Variations

Adjust herbs or spices to taste.
Add a squeeze of lemon for brightness.

Serving suggestions

Serve as part of a balanced meal.
Pair with a crisp green salad.
Offer fresh herbs at the table.
Serve with bread or a suitable grain.

Make ahead

Measure ingredients ahead; refrigerate perishable components and cook shortly before serving.

Storage

Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and use within 3 days.

Food safety

Contains dairy. Keep rolls refrigerated until cooking; refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Frequently asked questions

Can I prepare this ahead?

Prepare components ahead and refrigerate promptly.

How should I store cabbage rolls with potato and rice?

Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and use within 3 days.

Serve promptly and refrigerate leftovers safely.

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.

Cabbage Rolls with Potato, Rice and Tomato Sauce