cheesy stuffed cabbage rolls

Cheesy Stuffed Cabbage Rolls (Comfort Food Classic with a Creamy Twist)

Cheesy stuffed cabbage rolls are a comforting, hearty dish that combines tender cabbage leaves with a flavorful filling of seasoned meat, rice, and melted cheese, all baked in a savory tomato sauce. This classic recipe gets an indulgent upgrade with gooey cheese that melts beautifully inside each roll.

Perfect for cozy dinners, meal prep, or gatherings, these cabbage rolls are filling, satisfying, and even better the next day.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Tender cabbage leaves that roll easily

• Savory, juicy filling with melted cheese

• Rich tomato sauce that keeps everything moist

• Great for make-ahead meals and freezing

• Family-friendly and comforting

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Ingredients

For the Cabbage Rolls

• 1 large green cabbage

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or beef/pork mix)

• 1 cup cooked rice

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese

• 1 egg

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp paprika

• ½ tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning

For the Sauce

• 2 cups tomato sauce

• 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) crushed tomatoes

• 1 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes

• Fresh parsley or dill

• Extra shredded cheese

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

2. Remove the core from the cabbage and gently place it in boiling water.

3. Boil for 2–3 minutes, peeling off leaves as they soften.

4. Set leaves aside to cool and trim thick stems for easy rolling.

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Step 2: Make the Filling

1. In a large bowl, combine ground meat, cooked rice, onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano.

2. Mix gently until combined.

3. Fold in 1 cup shredded cheese, reserving the rest for topping.

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Step 3: Assemble the Rolls

1. Place a spoonful of filling onto each cabbage leaf.

2. Fold in the sides and roll tightly.

3. Place seam-side down in a greased baking dish.

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Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

1. In a bowl, mix tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, salt, and pepper.

2. Pour sauce evenly over the cabbage rolls.

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Step 5: Bake

1. Cover dish with foil.

2. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 50–60 minutes.

3. Remove foil, sprinkle remaining cheese over the rolls, and bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.

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Step 6: Serve

• Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

• Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot.

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Tips for Perfect Cheesy Cabbage Rolls

• Use fully softened cabbage leaves to prevent tearing

• Don’t overfill—rolls should close easily

• Trim thick ribs for smooth rolling

• Let rest before serving so rolls hold together

• Cheese inside keeps filling moist and flavorful

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Variations

• Creamy Cheesy Version: Add ricotta or cream cheese to the filling

• Low-Carb: Replace rice with cauliflower rice

• Vegetarian: Use lentils, mushrooms, and cheese

• Spicy: Add chili flakes or hot paprika

• Polish-Style: Use pork and add smoked paprika

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Storage & Freezing

• Refrigerate leftovers for 3–4 days

• Freeze baked or unbaked rolls up to 3 months

• Reheat covered in oven until hot

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Serving Suggestions

• Mashed potatoes or crusty bread

• Simple cucumber salad

• Sour cream on the side

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Final Thoughts

Cheesy stuffed cabbage rolls are the perfect blend of tradition and comfort, with tender cabbage wrapped around a savory, cheesy filling and baked in rich tomato sauce. This cozy dish is satisfying, freezer-friendly, and always a crowd-pleaser—ideal for family meals or make-ahead dinners.