Stuffed cabbage rolls are a comforting, hearty dish that combines tender cabbage leaves filled with a savory meat and rice mixture. Smothered in a rich tomato sauce, these rolls are then baked to perfection, resulting in a satisfying meal full of flavor and texture. This classic dish has been a family favorite for generations and is perfect for dinner gatherings, holidays, or whenever you’re craving a wholesome, homemade meal.

Cabbage rolls are versatile, making them a great option for meal prep, as they can be made ahead of time and stored for later. The combination of ground beef, rice, and vegetables wrapped in cabbage leaves and baked in a savory tomato sauce makes for a filling meal that’s both comforting and nutritious. Whether you’re making this dish for the first time or it’s a regular on your dinner table, stuffed cabbage rolls never fail to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This stuffed cabbage roll recipe is packed with flavor, from the seasoned meat mixture to the rich tomato sauce that soaks into the cabbage as it bakes. The combination of tender cabbage and savory filling makes each bite satisfying. Plus, it’s an easy recipe that can be made ahead, making it perfect for busy weeknights or Sunday dinners. The dish also works well for leftovers, and it’s even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld.

Ingredients

Green cabbage
Ground beef
Uncooked long-grain rice
Onion
Carrots
Celery
Crushed tomatoes
Beef broth
Paprika
Garlic powder
Salt and pepper

Variations

Use Ground Turkey or Chicken

If you prefer a lighter version of stuffed cabbage rolls, you can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. These leaner options will still provide a hearty filling but with less fat.

Add Herbs for Extra Flavor

For added depth of flavor, you can mix in some dried or fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, or parsley into the meat mixture. These herbs will bring a fragrant, earthy quality to the cabbage rolls.

Try a Tomato-Based Sauce Alternative

If you want to give the dish a twist, try using a marinara or a tomato basil sauce instead of the crushed tomatoes for a more flavorful sauce. This will give the rolls an Italian-style flair.

Make It Vegetarian

For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with cooked lentils or a mixture of chopped mushrooms and rice. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to the filling.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage and place the whole head of cabbage in the boiling water. Boil for 2 minutes, then carefully remove the outer leaves. Continue boiling and removing leaves until you have 12 large leaves. Set the leaves aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, uncooked rice, chopped onion, carrots, celery, 1/2 cup of crushed tomatoes, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.

Step 3: Fill the Cabbage Leaves

Place a spoonful of the meat mixture in the center of each cabbage leaf. Roll up the leaves, tucking in the sides to form a tight roll. Place each cabbage roll seam side down in a greased baking dish.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

In a separate bowl, mix together the remaining crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Pour this mixture evenly over the cabbage rolls.

Step 5: Bake the Cabbage Rolls

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 1 hour. After 1 hour, remove the foil and continue baking for another 30 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the meat is cooked through.

Step 6: Serve

Once the cabbage rolls are fully cooked, remove them from the oven. Serve them hot, and enjoy a delicious, homemade meal!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Blanch the Cabbage Leaves Properly: To make the cabbage leaves easier to roll, ensure they are softened by blanching them in boiling water. Don’t skip this step as it will make rolling much simpler.
Don’t Overfill the Leaves: Be careful not to overstuff the cabbage leaves. This could make the rolls difficult to seal, and they may burst open during cooking.
Use a Sharp Knife: When removing the core from the cabbage, a sharp knife will make the process quicker and easier.
Season Well: Make sure to season the meat mixture thoroughly with salt, pepper, and paprika. These spices enhance the flavor of the filling and give the rolls their signature taste.

How to Serve

Stuffed cabbage rolls are a satisfying main dish that can be served with a side of mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or a simple green salad. The richness of the tomato sauce pairs wonderfully with any starchy side, balancing the meal. For an extra touch, drizzle with a little sour cream or top with fresh herbs like parsley or dill for added flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover stuffed cabbage rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to develop as the rolls sit in the sauce.

Freezing

Stuffed cabbage rolls freeze well. After baking, let them cool to room temperature, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or wrap them tightly in foil. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven.

Reheating

To reheat stuffed cabbage rolls, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the rolls in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings for a quicker option.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different kind of meat?

Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or pork can be substituted for ground beef. You can also try a vegetarian version with lentils or mushrooms.

2. How do I prevent the cabbage rolls from falling apart?

Be sure to blanch the cabbage leaves properly and don’t overstuff them. Tuck in the sides of the leaves while rolling to ensure they stay secure.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the stuffed cabbage rolls in advance and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. You can also freeze them for later.

4. How long do I bake the cabbage rolls?

Bake the cabbage rolls for 1 hour covered with foil, then uncover and bake for another 30 minutes to allow the cabbage to become tender.

5. Can I make a vegetarian version?

Yes, use lentils, mushrooms, or a mixture of vegetables in place of the ground beef for a delicious vegetarian alternative.

6. How do I store leftover stuffed cabbage rolls?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.

7. How do I reheat stuffed cabbage rolls?

Reheat the rolls in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes, or microwave individual servings until heated through.

8. What kind of rice should I use?

Long-grain rice works best, but you can also use short-grain rice or even brown rice for a heartier dish.

9. Can I add other vegetables to the filling?

Yes, you can add bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the meat filling for extra flavor and texture.

10. What is the best way to freeze stuffed cabbage rolls?

Let the cabbage rolls cool completely, then wrap them tightly in foil or store them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Conclusion

Stuffed cabbage rolls are a comforting, flavorful meal that is perfect for family dinners or special occasions. With a hearty filling of ground beef, rice, and vegetables, all wrapped in tender cabbage leaves and baked in a savory tomato sauce, this dish will surely satisfy your hunger and warm your heart. Easy to make and even better the next day, stuffed cabbage rolls are a classic recipe that everyone will love.