Homemade Cabbage Rolls and Stuffed Red Peppers
Homemade Cabbage Rolls and Stuffed Red Peppers are classic comfort foods found in many kitchens around the world. Hearty, flavorful, and deeply satisfying, these dishes combine tender vegetables with a savory filling of meat, rice, herbs, and spices, all gently cooked in a rich tomato sauce.
This recipe uses one versatile filling for both cabbage rolls and red peppers, making preparation easier while delivering delicious variety on the plate. Perfect for family dinners, Sunday meals, or make-ahead cooking, this dish tastes even better the next day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Classic comfort food: Warm, filling, and nostalgic
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One filling, two dishes: Saves time and effort
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Great for meal prep: Stores and reheats beautifully
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Family-friendly: Mild, savory flavors everyone enjoys
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Freezer-friendly: Ideal for batch cooking
Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
For the Filling
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1½ lb (700 g) ground beef or beef and pork mix
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1 cup cooked rice
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1 medium onion, finely chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 egg
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1 tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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1 tsp paprika
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1 tsp dried parsley or oregano
For the Vegetables
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1 large green cabbage
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5–6 red bell peppers
For the Tomato Sauce
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2½ cups crushed tomatoes or passata
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2 tbsp tomato paste
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1 cup beef or vegetable broth
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1 tbsp olive oil
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½ tsp sugar (optional, balances acidity)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Remove the core from the cabbage and carefully lower it into the boiling water. Cook for 5–8 minutes, gently peeling off softened leaves as they loosen. Drain and allow to cool.
Trim the thick vein from the center of each leaf to make rolling easier.
Step 2: Prepare the Red Peppers
Cut the tops off the red peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Rinse and set aside. Finely chop the edible pepper tops and add them to the filling mixture for extra flavor.
Step 3: Make the Filling
In a large bowl, combine ground meat, cooked rice, onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, paprika, and herbs. Mix gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the filling tender.
Step 4: Roll the Cabbage
Place 2–3 tablespoons of filling near the base of a cabbage leaf. Fold in the sides and roll tightly. Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.
Step 5: Stuff the Peppers
Fill each red pepper with the meat mixture, pressing gently so they are full but not tightly packed.
Step 6: Prepare the Sauce
In a bowl, stir together crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, broth, olive oil, sugar (if using), salt, and pepper.
Step 7: Assemble and Cook
Arrange cabbage rolls seam-side down in a large baking dish or Dutch oven. Place stuffed peppers between the rolls. Pour the tomato sauce evenly over everything.
Cover with foil or a lid and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 80–90 minutes, until the meat is fully cooked and vegetables are tender.
Serving Suggestions
Serve cabbage rolls and stuffed red peppers with:
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Mashed potatoes or buttered noodles
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Crusty bread or dinner rolls
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Sour cream or plain yogurt
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Simple green or cucumber salad
Helpful Tips
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Use cooked rice: Prevents undercooked filling
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Cover tightly while baking: Keeps everything moist
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Don’t overfill: Allows even cooking
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Let rest 10 minutes before serving: Improves texture
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Extra sauce is better: Keeps leftovers juicy
Variations
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Lighter Version: Use ground turkey or chicken
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Vegetarian: Substitute lentils, mushrooms, and rice
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Low-Carb: Replace rice with cauliflower rice
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Spicy: Add chili flakes or smoked paprika
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Slow Cooker: Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours
Storage & Freezing
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Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
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Freezer: Freeze fully cooked cabbage rolls and peppers for up to 3 months
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Reheat: Oven, stovetop, or microwave with extra sauce
Why This Recipe Works
Slow cooking allows the cabbage and peppers to become tender while the filling absorbs flavor from the tomato sauce. Using the same filling for both vegetables ensures consistent seasoning while offering different textures. The result is a hearty, comforting dish that feels homemade in the best possible way.
Final Thoughts
Homemade Cabbage Rolls and Stuffed Red Peppers are timeless comfort foods that bring warmth to the table. Simple ingredients, familiar flavors, and a cozy presentation make this dish perfect for family meals or special gatherings.