Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Tomato Sauce A Hearty Classic for Your Meal Plan

If you’re looking for a comforting, nutritious, and budget-friendly meal to add to your meal plan, Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Tomato Sauce are a top-tier choice. Packed with tender ground meat, rice, and flavorful seasonings, all wrapped in soft cabbage leaves and simmered in a tangy tomato sauce, this timeless dish is as satisfying as it is practical.

Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, cabbage rolls deliver both flavor and function—and they reheat beautifully.

Why Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Are a Meal Plan Powerhouse

Stuffed cabbage rolls check all the boxes for a great meal plan recipe:

• Balanced nutrition: With protein, fiber, and complex carbs

• Meal prep-friendly: Make ahead, freeze, or reheat throughout the week

• Budget-conscious: Uses simple, affordable ingredients

• Family-approved: Comforting and flavorful for all ages

They also freeze exceptionally well, so you can cook once and enjoy several times.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of stuffed cabbage rolls is how humble and wholesome the ingredients are:

• Green cabbage (whole head)

• Ground beef or ground pork (or a mix)

• Cooked white rice

• Onion & garlic

• Tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes

• Salt, pepper, paprika, and herbs (like dill or parsley)

You can also customize with lean meats or add veggies like grated carrots or zucchini for extra nutrition.

How to Make Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Tomato Sauce

Ingredients:

For the rolls:

• 1 large head of green cabbage

• 1 lb ground beef (or pork, or a combination)

• 1 cup cooked white rice

• 1 small onion, finely diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 egg (optional, for binding)

• Salt, pepper, paprika to taste

For the tomato sauce:

• 2 cups tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes

• 1 tbsp tomato paste (for richness)

• 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

• Salt and pepper

• 1 tsp dried basil or oregano

Instructions:

1. Prepare the cabbage: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully peel whole leaves from the cabbage. Boil leaves for 2–3 minutes until softened. Drain and set aside.

2. Mix the filling: In a bowl, combine ground meat, cooked rice, onion, garlic, egg (if using), salt, pepper, and paprika.

3. Fill and roll: Place 2–3 tablespoons of filling onto each cabbage leaf. Fold the sides over and roll tightly, like a burrito.

4. Make the sauce: In a saucepan, combine tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar (if using), and seasonings. Simmer for 5–10 minutes.

5. Layer and bake: In a baking dish, spoon a little sauce on the bottom. Arrange cabbage rolls seam-side down. Cover with remaining sauce.

6. Bake covered at 350°F (175°C) for 60–75 minutes until cooked through and tender.

Tip: For even more flavor, cook the rolls low and slow in a Dutch oven or slow cooker!

Serving Ideas for Your Meal Plan

Stuffed cabbage rolls are versatile and pair beautifully with:

• Mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash

• Steamed green beans or roasted root vegetables

• Crusty bread to soak up the sauce

• A crisp cucumber-dill salad for freshness

They're filling enough to stand alone, but easy to stretch with sides for a family meal.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Freezer Tips

Perfect for meal prep, these rolls store and reheat like a dream:

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freeze: Place cooled rolls in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months.

• Reheat: Thaw overnight and warm in the oven or microwave with extra sauce.

You can even freeze uncooked rolls and bake fresh when ready!

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Final Thoughts

When it comes to building a comforting, nourishing meal plan, Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Tomato Sauce bring together old-world flavor and modern-day practicality. They’re delicious, freezer-friendly, and hearty enough to satisfy everyone at the table. Whether you enjoy them fresh from the oven or as a grab-and-go lunch, these cabbage rolls are a cozy, feel-good dish you’ll come back to again and again.