If you have a craving for a warm, comforting meal that brings a touch of Eastern European tradition right to your table, this Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender cabbage leaves envelop a savory blend of ground beef, pork, and perfectly spiced rice, all simmered in a rich, tangy tomato sauce that hits just the right balance of sweet and savory. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a big, cozy hug—perfect for family dinners or impressing guests with a classic made-from-scratch meal. Each bite is packed with flavor, texture, and heartwarming nostalgia that keeps you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, wholesome ingredients make this Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe shine. Each component plays a vital role in creating layers of flavor, texture, and that irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen.
- Green cabbage: Fresh and sturdy leaves provide the perfect vessel to hold all the delicious filling together.
- Ground beef: Adds juicy, savory depth that’s a classic in any cabbage roll.
- Ground pork: Brings a subtle richness and extra tenderness to the mix.
- Cooked white rice: Soaks up flavors and ensures every bite has a satisfying texture.
- Small onion, finely chopped: Delivers a sweet, aromatic base that brightens the filling.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Adds warmth and a subtle punch that rounds out the meat mixture.
- Egg: Acts as a natural binder to keep everything together beautifully.
- Salt, black pepper, paprika: Season perfectly to enhance the taste with just the right kick.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: Brings a burst of herby freshness and color contrast.
- Tomato sauce and crushed tomatoes: Create the luscious, tangy sauce that makes these rolls irresistible.
- Brown sugar: Adds a gentle sweetness to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Lemon juice: Lifts the whole dish with a subtle, zesty brightness.
- Worcestershire sauce: Infuses a savory, umami depth that’s simply magical.
- Dried thyme: Offers an earthy, aromatic hint that complements the savory flavors.
How to Make Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage Leaves
Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove 12 to 14 large cabbage leaves and blanch them in the boiling water for 2 to 3 minutes until they are soft and pliable. This step is crucial, as it makes the leaves easy to roll without tearing. Drain them well and set aside to cool slightly before filling.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, cooked rice, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, pepper, paprika, and fresh parsley. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed, and the texture is well combined for a juicy filling that’s easy to work with.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, brown sugar, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and dried thyme. This sauce will envelop the rolls and bake into a luscious, tangy layer that’s sweet, savory, and absolutely mouthwatering.
Step 4: Stuff and Roll the Cabbage
Spread half of the tomato sauce mixture evenly on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place about 1/4 cup of the meat mixture onto the center of each cabbage leaf. Fold the sides in and roll each leaf like a burrito, making sure the filling is tightly enclosed. Arrange the rolls seam-side down in the baking dish for stability during baking.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the remaining tomato sauce evenly over the cabbage rolls, covering them lovingly. Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes. The goal is for the rolls to be tender, fully cooked through, and infused with all those rich, comforting flavors.
How to Serve Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream on top instantly elevates your cabbage rolls, adding a touch of creaminess and bright color that’s as inviting visually as it is delicious.
Side Dishes
Perfect accompaniments include creamy mashed potatoes or rustic crusty bread, both ideal for soaking up the rich tomato sauce and making every bite feel like a festive occasion.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the rolls in individual ramekins with extra sauce ladled over or slice them into rounds to serve as an appetizer at your next gathering. They also pair wonderfully with a fresh green salad for a lighter meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover stuffed cabbage rolls are a blessing! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing the flavors to deepen and develop even more overnight.
Freezing
This Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe freezes beautifully. Place cooled rolls in a freezer-safe container with sauce, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers in a covered baking dish at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes until warmed through, or heat individual servings in the microwave for convenience. The sauce will remain delectably moist and your rolls just as comforting as the first time.
FAQs
Can I use different types of meat in this recipe?
Absolutely! While the classic version uses ground beef and pork, you can swap pork for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Just keep the moisture balance in mind to keep the rolls juicy.
Is it necessary to blanch the cabbage leaves?
Yes, blanching softens the leaves, making them flexible and easy to roll without cracking, which helps keep your rolls intact during baking.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can! Replace the meat with a combination of cooked lentils, mushrooms, and extra vegetables, and adjust seasoning accordingly. The sauce keeps the rolls flavorful and hearty.
What’s the best way to prevent the rolls from unraveling?
Rolling tightly and placing the rolls seam-side down in the baking dish is key. The sauce helps hold everything together as it bakes.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the rolls a day ahead, refrigerate them covered, and bake when ready. This makes it a fantastic dish for entertaining or busy days.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making and sharing this Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe — a dish filled with love, tradition, and incredible flavor. It’s perfect for cozy nights or special gatherings and a wonderful way to bring people together around the table. Give it a try, and I promise it will become one of those treasured family favorites you’ll want to make again and again!
Print
Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Eastern European
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delicious and hearty stuffed cabbage rolls made with a savory mixture of ground beef, pork, rice, and aromatic spices, baked in a rich tomato sauce. This Eastern European classic is perfect for a comforting main course and is naturally gluten-free.
Ingredients
For the Cabbage Rolls
- 1 large head green cabbage
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the Tomato Sauce
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
- Prepare the cabbage leaves: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove 12 to 14 large cabbage leaves and blanch them in the boiling water for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Drain and set aside to cool.
- Make the meat filling: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, cooked rice, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, black pepper, paprika, and chopped parsley. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Prepare the sauce: In a separate bowl, stir together tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, brown sugar, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and dried thyme until well blended.
- Assemble the rolls: Spread 1/2 cup of the tomato sauce mixture evenly on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place about 1/4 cup of the meat mixture in the center of each cabbage leaf. Fold in the sides and roll them up tightly like a burrito. Arrange the rolls seam-side down in the baking dish.
- Add the remaining sauce and bake: Pour the remaining tomato sauce evenly over the cabbage rolls. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, or until the meat is fully cooked and the cabbage is tender.
- Serve: Let the rolls cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with mashed potatoes or crusty bread if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, substitute regular crushed tomatoes with fire-roasted tomatoes in the sauce.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce for a subtle spicy kick.
- These cabbage rolls can be prepared ahead of time, refrigerated overnight, and baked just before serving.
- Serve alongside mashed potatoes or crusty bread for a complete meal.
