Stuffed Cabbage Rolls A Classic Comfort Food Recipe That Warms the Soul 🥬🍅

Why You’ll Love These Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

✅ Wholesome and hearty – A full meal in one bite
✅ Freezer-friendly & meal prep approved
✅ Customizable with different meats and grains
✅ Naturally gluten-free (with rice)
✅ Budget-friendly with basic ingredients

Ingredients – What You’ll Need

For the Cabbage Rolls:

1 large head green cabbage
1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 egg
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika (optional)
1 tbsp fresh parsley or dill, chopped

For the Tomato Sauce:

1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp vinegar or lemon juice
Salt & pepper to taste
1 tsp dried oregano or basil (optional)

📝 Optional Toppings: Sour cream, fresh herbs, lemon wedges

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Core the cabbage and carefully peel off 10–12 leaves. Blanch the leaves in boiling water for 2–3 minutes, until soft and pliable. Drain and set aside.

If the center vein of each leaf is thick, trim it down with a knife to make rolling easier.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a large bowl, combine:

Ground beef
Cooked rice
Onion
Garlic
Egg
Seasonings and herbs

Mix until well combined. Do not overmix—just until the ingredients are incorporated.

Step 3: Assemble the Rolls

Lay a cabbage leaf flat. Add about 2–3 tablespoons of filling to the center, fold in the sides, and roll tightly like a burrito.

Repeat until all filling is used.

Step 4: Layer and Sauce

In a large baking dish or Dutch oven:

Spoon a little tomato sauce to coat the bottom
Arrange cabbage rolls seam-side down in a single layer
Pour the remaining sauce over the rolls

Cover with foil or a lid.

Step 5: Bake

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the rolls are tender and the sauce is bubbling.

Let them rest for 10–15 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Slow Cooker or Instant Pot Variation

Slow Cooker:
Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours. Add a bit of broth if needed for moisture.

Instant Pot:
Cook on manual high pressure for 18 minutes with 10-minute natural release.

Tips for Perfect Cabbage Rolls

✔️ Use leftover rice to save time
✔️ Blanch cabbage carefully so it’s soft but not falling apart
✔️ Make extra sauce—cabbage soaks up flavor!
✔️ Let rolls rest before serving to hold shape and flavor
✔️ Freeze leftovers for up to 3 months—perfect for batch cooking!

Flavor Variations to Try

🥩 Beef & Pork Combo – Traditional Eastern European style

🌿 Mediterranean – Add cinnamon, pine nuts, and currants to the filling
🍚 Quinoa or Lentils – For a healthy twist or meat-free version
🌶️ Spicy Tex-Mex – Use salsa instead of tomato sauce and add cumin
🧀 Cheesy – Add a bit of shredded mozzarella inside each roll

Serving Suggestions

Stuffed cabbage rolls pair beautifully with:

Crusty bread or garlic toast
Mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash
A crisp cucumber salad
Sour cream or Greek yogurt on the side
Steamed veggies or roasted carrots

Make-Ahead & Storage

Make Ahead:
Assemble rolls and refrigerate (unbaked) for up to 24 hours.

Fridge:
Store cooked rolls in an airtight container for 4–5 days.

Freeze:
Wrap individual rolls and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen or thaw overnight and warm in the oven.

Nutrition (Per Serving – 2 rolls)

Calories: ~320
Protein: 22g
Fat: 14g
Carbs: 22g
Fiber: 4g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use red cabbage instead of green?
Red cabbage is tougher and less ideal for rolling, but can be used with extra blanching time.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Use lentils, mushrooms, or a plant-based meat substitute with rice.

Why are my cabbage rolls falling apart?
Make sure to blanch the leaves long enough and don’t overfill. Tuck tightly and use enough sauce to hold them together.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Use a larger pan or make in two batches.

Final Thoughts

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls may look impressive, but they’re surprisingly easy and well worth the effort. With their flavorful filling, slow-simmered tomato sauce, and melt-in-your-mouth texture, they’re the kind of dish that tastes like home—no matter where you are.

Whether you’re making them for your family, a dinner party, or just craving something soulful and satisfying, this recipe is a true classic that never goes out of style.

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