If you’re craving a classic comfort food with a hearty twist, this Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe is just what you need. Every bite offers the cozy embrace of tender cabbage leaves, savory ground meat, and flavorful rice, all nestled in a tangy-sweet tomato sauce. A beloved staple in many Eastern European kitchens (and my own family table), these rolls always feel like a warm hug. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish will fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and your plate with pure satisfaction.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This simple but essential list of ingredients lays the foundation for truly delicious cabbage rolls. Each item brings its own flair—think juicy meat, soft rice, aromatic spices, and that gorgeous red sauce—turning basic pantry staples into something extraordinary.
- Green cabbage: The star of the show, these sturdy leaves become meltingly tender when cooked.
- Ground beef: Provides rich, savory depth and hearty texture to the filling.
- Ground pork: Adds moisture and a subtle sweetness that complements the beef perfectly.
- Uncooked white rice: Helps bind the filling and gives each bite a satisfying softness.
- Onion (finely chopped): Infuses the filling with subtle sweetness and aromatic flavor.
- Garlic (minced): Brings a big pop of savory goodness—don’t skip it!
- Egg (lightly beaten): Acts as a binder to hold the meat and rice together.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the other flavors.
- Paprika: Lends gentle warmth and color to the filling.
- Fresh parsley: Adds brightness and a fresh herby note.
- Crushed tomatoes: Create the foundation for a robust, chunky sauce.
- Tomato sauce: Makes the sauce silky and helps everything meld together.
- Tomato paste: Deepens the tomato flavor for extra richness.
- Brown sugar: Balances out the acidity in the tomatoes for a well-rounded sauce.
- Lemon juice: Gives a subtle tang that brightens every bite.
- Water: Keeps the sauce perfectly saucy as it bakes.
How to Make Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage Leaves
Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil—this makes removing those cabbage leaves so much easier. Carefully cut out the core of your cabbage with a paring knife, then gently peel off 12 to 14 whole leaves. Blanch these in boiling water for just a few minutes until they’re soft and pliable, then drain and set them aside. You’ll be amazed how flexible and easy to roll they become!
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a big bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, uncooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, pepper, paprika, and fresh parsley. Use your hands (it’s a little messy, but worth it!) to gently blend everything until just mixed. The egg helps glue all the tasty elements together, while the uncooked rice will magically cook to perfection inside each roll.
Step 3: Make the Tomato Sauce
Grab another bowl and stir together the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, brown sugar, lemon juice, and water. This combination creates a beautifully balanced sauce—rich, tangy, just a touch sweet—that will blanket your cabbage rolls in flavor as they bake.
Step 4: Assemble the Rolls
Now comes the fun part! Lay a cabbage leaf flat, add about 1/4 cup of filling in the center, then fold in the sides and roll tightly from the bottom up (think of it like rolling a burrito). Place each finished roll seam-side down in a large baking dish or Dutch oven on top of a little sauce. Keep going until all the leaves and filling are used.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the rest of your tomato sauce over the rolls, making sure every one is cozily tucked under a blanket of sauce. Cover the dish tightly with foil or a lid and bake at 350°F for 1 hour 30 minutes. The result? Tender cabbage, juicy filling, and the kind of intoxicating aroma that draws everyone to the kitchen.
How to Serve Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Once out of the oven, top your rolls with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or dill for a flash of color and brightness. Some folks like a dollop of sour cream on top, which adds a luxuriously creamy finish to the tangy sauce and savory filling.
Side Dishes
These cabbage rolls love to share the table! Pair them with fluffy mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or a crusty slice of bread to soak up every bit of sauce. A simple green salad or stewed vegetables also makes a lovely, classic side.
Creative Ways to Present
For a contemporary twist, try slicing a roll into thick rounds and fanning them on a platter with spoonfuls of sauce in between. Or serve them family-style straight from the baking dish—there’s nothing like the look on everyone’s faces when you set a bubbling pan of Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe down in the center of the table!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover stuffed cabbage rolls taste even better the next day as the flavors meld. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To prevent the rolls from drying out, keep them submerged in some of that delicious tomato sauce.
Freezing
Cabbage rolls are freezer-friendly and perfect for meal prep. Arrange cooled rolls on a tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll keep for up to three months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place the rolls (with extra sauce) in an oven-safe dish and cover tightly. Bake at 325°F until heated through (about 20–25 minutes), or pop them in the microwave for a quicker option. Splash in a bit of extra sauce or water to keep everything moist and luscious.
FAQs
Can I use different meats in this Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap the beef and pork for ground turkey, chicken, or a meatless substitute for a lighter or vegetarian spin. Just keep an eye on the moisture level so the filling stays juicy.
Is it necessary to cook the rice before mixing it in?
No need—uncooked rice goes in with the meat mixture. It cooks perfectly inside the cabbage rolls as they bake, absorbing the flavorful juices from the filling and sauce.
Can I make this Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe ahead of time?
Definitely. You can assemble the rolls a day in advance, store them in the fridge, and bake them just before serving. In fact, the flavors deepen as they sit, making the dish even more delicious.
What’s the best way to prevent the rolls from falling apart?
Be gentle when blanching the cabbage leaves so they stay intact, and don’t overstuff each leaf. Make sure to place each roll seam-side down in the baking dish; this helps them hold together as they bake.
Is this Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe gluten-free?
Yes! As written, the recipe contains no gluten, making it a fantastic option for those avoiding wheat. Be sure to double-check your tomato sauce and paste just to be extra safe.
Final Thoughts
Few dishes feel as timeless (or as satisfying) as a bubbling tray of Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe shared with family and friends. No matter your skill level, this recipe is sure to inspire smiles, second helpings, and plenty of happy memories around the dinner table. Give it a try—you may find a new favorite comfort food!
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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 comforting and hearty dish, perfect for a satisfying meal. Tender cabbage leaves filled with a flavorful mixture of ground beef, ground pork, rice, and aromatic seasonings, all baked in a rich tomato sauce.
Ingredients
Filling:
- 1 large head green cabbage
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1/2 cup uncooked white rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Sauce:
- 2 cups crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Prepare Cabbage: Boil water, remove cabbage core, and blanch leaves.
- Make Filling: Mix beef, pork, rice, onion, garlic, egg, and seasonings.
- Prepare Sauce: Combine tomatoes, sauce, paste, sugar, lemon juice, and water.
- Assemble Rolls: Fill cabbage leaves, roll up, and place in baking dish.
- Bake: Pour sauce over rolls, cover, and bake at 350°F for 1 hour 30 minutes.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For a leaner option, use ground turkey instead of beef and pork.
- These rolls taste even better when made a day ahead.
- Leftovers freeze well for future meals.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 rolls
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
