Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe: A Comforting Classic Filled With Flavor
Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are one of those timeless recipes that bring warmth to the table and comfort to the soul. Whether you grew up enjoying them at family gatherings or are discovering them for the first time, this dish is a celebration of hearty ingredients, slow-cooked flavor, and old-world charm.
Tender cabbage leaves wrap around a savory filling of seasoned meat and rice, all simmered in a rich tomato sauce. It’s simple, comforting, and deeply satisfying—perfect for chilly evenings, Sunday dinners, or anytime you want a meal that feels like home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Comforting & hearty – every bite is warm and satisfying.
✔️ Budget-friendly – made with simple pantry staples.
✔️ Great for meal-prep – tastes even better the next day.
✔️ Classic flavor – a traditional recipe loved around the world.
Whether you’re making them for a special gathering or a cozy family dinner, cabbage rolls are a dish everyone will remember.
Ingredients
For the cabbage rolls:
- 1 large head of green cabbage
- 1 lb ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the sauce:
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- Salt, pepper, and paprika to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the cabbage
Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
Carefully remove the core of the cabbage and place the whole head into the boiling water.
As the leaves soften, gently peel them off one by one and set them aside to cool.
2. Make the filling
In a large bowl, combine ground meat, cooked rice, chopped onion, garlic, egg, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix just until combined—don’t overwork it.
3. Assemble the rolls
Place 2–3 tablespoons of filling in the center of each cabbage leaf.
Fold the sides inward and roll tightly, like a small burrito.
4. Prepare the sauce
In a saucepan, combine tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth.
Simmer for 5–10 minutes to meld the flavors.
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5. Cook the cabbage rolls
Place the rolls seam-side down in a large baking dish or Dutch oven.
Pour the sauce over the top.
Cover tightly with foil or a lid and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 1½ to 2 hours, until the cabbage is tender and the flavors have come together.
Tips for Perfect Cabbage Rolls
✨ Soften leaves easily: Freeze the whole head of cabbage overnight. When it thaws, the leaves will peel off soft without boiling.
✨ Use mixed meat: A blend of beef and pork gives richer flavor.
✨ Don’t pack too tightly: Rolls need a little space to cook evenly.
✨ Make ahead: They taste even better the next day as the flavors develop.
Flavor Variations
🌶 Spicy version: Add red pepper flakes or chili powder.
🍚 Low-carb: Replace rice with cauliflower rice.
🧀 Creamy twist: Add a spoonful of sour cream to the sauce.
🥬 Vegetarian: Use lentils or mushrooms instead of meat.
A Heartwarming Meal Worth Sharing
Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are more than a recipe—they’re a tradition. The tender cabbage, flavorful filling, and rich tomato sauce come together to create a dish that feels warm, nostalgic, and truly satisfying.
Serve it with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or a simple green salad for the perfect comforting meal.
