Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a timeless comfort food enjoyed across many cultures. Tender cabbage leaves are wrapped around a savory filling of ground meat, rice, onions, and herbs, then slowly cooked in a rich tomato sauce until perfectly tender. Hearty, flavorful, and deeply satisfying, this dish is made for cozy family dinners, Sunday meals, and special gatherings.

Best of all, cabbage rolls taste even better the next day, making them ideal for make-ahead cooking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Classic comfort food: Warm, hearty, and nostalgic
Simple ingredients: Pantry and fridge staples
Make-ahead friendly: Flavor improves overnight
Freezer-friendly: Perfect for batch cooking
Family favorite: Mild, savory flavors everyone enjoys

Ingredients (Serves 6–8)

For the Cabbage Rolls

1 large green cabbage
1½ lb (700 g) ground beef, pork, or a mixture
1 cup cooked rice
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 egg
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp dried parsley or oregano

For the Tomato Sauce

2½ cups crushed tomatoes or passata
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 cup beef or vegetable broth
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp sugar (optional)
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 place it into the boiling water. Cook for 5–8 minutes, gently removing softened leaves as they loosen.

Drain and allow leaves to cool. Trim the thick vein from the center of each leaf to make rolling easier.

Step 2: 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 3: Assemble the Rolls

Place 2–3 tablespoons of filling near the base of a cabbage leaf. Fold in the sides, then roll tightly from the bottom up. Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

In a bowl, mix crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, broth, olive oil, sugar (if using), salt, and pepper.

Step 5: Cook the Cabbage Rolls

Arrange cabbage rolls seam-side down in a large baking dish or Dutch oven. Pour the tomato sauce evenly over the rolls.

Cover tightly with foil or a lid and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 75–90 minutes, until cabbage is tender and filling is fully cooked.

Step 6: Serve

Let cabbage rolls rest for 10 minutes before serving. Spoon extra sauce over each portion.

Tips for Perfect Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Use cooked rice: Prevents undercooked filling
Don’t overfill: Rolls should be snug, not tight
Cover while baking: Keeps rolls moist
Extra sauce is best: Prevents drying out
Let rest before serving: Improves texture

Variations

Lighter Version: Use ground turkey or chicken
Vegetarian: Replace meat with lentils, mushrooms, and rice
Low-Carb: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice
Eastern European Style: Add sauerkraut to the baking dish
Slow Cooker: Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours

Serving Suggestions

Stuffed cabbage rolls pair well with:

Mashed potatoes or buttered noodles
Crusty bread or dinner rolls
Sour cream or plain yogurt
Simple green or cucumber salad

Storage & Freezing

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
Freezer: Freeze cooked cabbage rolls for up to 3 months
Reheat: Oven or stovetop with extra sauce

Why This Recipe Works

Slow cooking allows the cabbage to become tender while the filling absorbs flavor from the tomato sauce. The balance of meat, rice, and seasoning creates a filling that stays juicy without becoming dense. Covering the rolls ensures even cooking and rich, comforting results.

Final Thoughts

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are the definition of traditional comfort food—simple, hearty, and made to be shared. Whether you’re honoring a family recipe or trying them for the first time, this dish brings warmth and satisfaction to every table.

Once you make them from scratch, they’re sure to become a cherished favorite in your home.