If you’re on the hunt for comfort food that touches the soul, look no further than these Stuffed Cabbage Rolls. Each savory roll wraps a magical blend of meat, rice, and aromatics in tender cabbage, all bathed in a tangy tomato sauce. This timeless dish brings people together around the table, filling your kitchen with the wonderful aroma of home-cooked goodness. Whether you’re introducing this classic to new palates or carrying on a cherished family tradition, these rolls have a heartbeat of their own—one that radiates warmth, flavor, and pure satisfaction.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be fooled by the short ingredient list—each addition serves a special purpose! The beauty of Stuffed Cabbage Rolls lies in the honest, straightforward flavors where every ingredient shines to create a deeply comforting dish.
- Green cabbage: The leaves become lusciously soft “wrappers” that soak up sauce and flavor beautifully.
- Ground beef: Provides that rich, hearty texture that’s essential to every satisfying bite.
- Ground pork: Adds juiciness and a boost of flavor that perfectly balances the beef.
- Cooked white rice: Brings a tender, slightly chewy base to bind the filling—make sure it’s fully cooked and cooled.
- Onion (finely chopped): Works its quiet magic, melting into the mixture for sweet, subtle depth.
- Garlic (minced): A couple of cloves go a long way, rounding out the savory notes.
- Large egg: This is your glue—binding everything together while keeping it tender.
- Salt and black pepper: The must-haves for seasoning, enhancing every layer.
- Paprika: Adds color and a mild warmth that ties beautifully with the meat and rice.
- Dried thyme: Just a pinch delivers a lovely herbaceous note that peeks through every mouthful.
- Crushed tomatoes: Forms the backbone of the vibrant sauce; opt for good-quality tomatoes if you can.
- Tomato sauce: Blends into the crushed tomatoes for a smoother, silkier consistency.
- Tomato paste: Concentrated tomato goodness that enriches the whole sauce.
- Brown sugar: Just a hint balances the acidity and makes the flavors sing.
- White vinegar: Lifts the sauce with a bright tang that keeps every bite lively.
- Water: Loosens the sauce so it envelops every roll as they bake.
- Olive oil: Adds body to the sauce and a gentle, fruity finish.
How to Make Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Step 1: Soften the Cabbage Leaves
Bring a large pot of water to a roaring boil. Carefully core your cabbage and nestle the whole head into the water. As the outer leaves soften after 3 to 5 minutes, gently peel them off with tongs and set aside. Keep going until you have a generous stack of 12 to 14 large, pliable leaves—they’re the perfect vehicles for your delicious filling!
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a roomy bowl, combine your ground beef, ground pork, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Mix it gently until just combined. You want the filling cohesive but not overworked, so it stays juicy and light inside each cabbage roll.
Step 3: Prepare the Tomato Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together your crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, brown sugar, vinegar, water, and olive oil. This sauce will bring everything together, infusing each roll with tangy, slightly sweet depth as it bakes.
Step 4: Fill and Roll
Lay a cabbage leaf flat, place 1/4 to 1/3 cup of filling at the base, and fold in the sides. Then roll up tightly, like a little burrito. Repeat until all your leaves are filled. These bundles of joy are ready for their big bake!
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Spoon a thin layer of the prepared tomato sauce into the bottom of a large baking dish. Arrange your rolls seam-side down, nestled in snugly together. Pour the rest of the sauce over the top, making sure each roll is lovingly coated. Cover tightly with foil and bake at 350°F for 1 hour and 30 minutes. Once done, let them rest for about 10 minutes—this short wait makes them even more irresistible when you serve.
How to Serve Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped dill or parsley adds brightness and a pop of color that will make your Stuffed Cabbage Rolls look as amazing as they taste. For a creamy touch, a dollop of sour cream can be absolutely delightful, melting over those hot rolls for an added layer of indulgence.
Side Dishes
These hearty rolls are fabulous alongside fluffy mashed potatoes, crusty bread to mop up any extra sauce, or a simple cucumber salad to add a fresh, cooling contrast. If you want a vegetable boost, roasted carrots or green beans are perfect companions.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Stuffed Cabbage Rolls family-style, right from a vintage casserole dish—everyone loves to dig in together. Or, for a special occasion, plate two rolls per person with a ladle of sauce, sprinkle of herbs, and a swoosh of sour cream. If you’re entertaining, consider mini rolls made with smaller leaves for crowd-pleasing appetizers!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are one of those magical foods that get even tastier the next day. Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container with the sauce spooned over the rolls; they’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days, maintaining their wonderful flavor and texture.
Freezing
These rolls freeze like a dream. Place cooled rolls (with plenty of sauce) in a freezer-safe container, layering parchment between the stacks if needed. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. To use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture.
Reheating
You can gently reheat Stuffed Cabbage Rolls in the oven, covered with foil at 325°F until warmed through, or pop individual servings in the microwave. If they seem a little dry, add a splash of tomato sauce or broth before reheating to ensure every bite is saucy and tender.
FAQs
Can I use only ground beef or substitute another meat?
Absolutely! While the mix of beef and pork provides extra flavor and tenderness, you can make Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with just beef—or substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner twist. Adjust seasoning if you switch up the meats to keep the filling flavorful.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms, rice, and lentils for a hearty vegetarian take. Consider adding a bit more seasoning, and use vegetable broth in the sauce for even more depth of flavor.
Why do my cabbage leaves tear when rolling?
If the leaves are tearing, they may not be soft enough. Make sure they’ve been gently boiled until supple. You can also trim the thickest part of each leaf’s core with a sharp knife so they roll without splitting.
What’s the best kind of rice to use?
Classic white rice works perfectly here—it’s neutral and holds its shape well. Make sure the rice is fully cooked and cooled before mixing into the filling, so it doesn’t become mushy in the oven.
Can I prepare Stuffed Cabbage Rolls in advance?
Definitely! Feel free to assemble the rolls and sauce a day ahead and stash them in the fridge overnight. When you’re ready, pop them in the oven and bake as directed. They’re delicious freshly baked or reheated the next day!
Final Thoughts
Stuffed Cabbage Rolls come together with just a bit of love, bringing joy to every forkful and every face around your table. Whether you’re making them for family, friends, or simply to treat yourself, you’re in for a meal that carries tradition and flavor in each bite. Try them soon and enjoy every hearty, saucy, cozy moment!
Print
Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Eastern European
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a classic Eastern European dish featuring tender cabbage leaves filled with a savory mixture of beef, pork, rice, and seasonings, all baked in a flavorful tomato sauce until tender and delicious.
Ingredients
Cabbage Rolls:
- 1 large head green cabbage
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp dried thyme
Tomato Sauce:
- 2 cups crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare Cabbage: Boil cabbage, separate leaves, and set aside to cool.
- Make Filling: Mix beef, pork, rice, onion, garlic, egg, and seasonings in a bowl.
- Prepare Sauce: Combine tomatoes, sauce, paste, sugar, vinegar, water, and oil.
- Assemble Rolls: Fill cabbage leaves, roll up, and place in baking dish.
- Bake: Cover rolls with sauce, bake at 350°F for 1 hour 30 minutes.
- Rest and Serve: Let the rolls rest before serving.
Notes
- Prepare a day ahead for convenience.
- Leaner option: Use ground turkey.
- Add crushed red pepper for extra heat.
- Leftovers reheat well.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 rolls
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
