Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Wrap your taste buds in warmth with this hearty Stuffed Cabbage Rolls recipe, where tender cabbage leaves are filled with seasoned meat and rice, then simmered in a rich tomato sauce.

Whether it’s a chilly evening or a weekend family dinner, this classic comfort dish brings old-fashioned flavor straight to your table. With each bite, you get the cozy taste of home cooking that’s slow-baked and deeply satisfying.

Perfect for meal prep or for feeding a hungry crowd, this Stuffed Cabbage Rolls recipe delivers a wholesome blend of texture, spice, and sweet-tangy tomato flavor.

Hearty and Flavorful: The Best Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe

This Stuffed Cabbage Rolls recipe combines savory ground meat with fluffy rice and herbs, all gently wrapped in boiled cabbage leaves. Baked in a sweet tomato sauce, the rolls absorb the flavors beautifully, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

It’s a dish passed down through generations, and for good reason—it’s affordable, filling, and incredibly delicious. Even better, it’s a complete meal in one dish, perfect with a simple side like crusty bread or mashed potatoes.

Serving Suggestions:

Pro Tips for Perfect Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

1. Choose a Large Cabbage: Look for a big, tight head so the leaves are wide enough to roll.
2. Don’t Overfill the Leaves: A small amount of filling goes a long way. Leave room to roll them tightly.
3. Boil, Then Peel: Blanch the cabbage in boiling water and peel the leaves off as they soften. This makes it easier to work with.
4. Use Equal Parts Beef and Pork: This mix adds depth and keeps the filling juicy.
5. Bake Covered: Keeping the dish covered ensures the cabbage turns soft and the rolls stay moist during baking.

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe:

• Preparation time: 30 minutes
• Cooking time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Equipment: Large pot, mixing bowls, baking dish, foil

With this Stuffed Cabbage Rolls recipe, your kitchen will smell like a cozy Sunday dinner, and your guests will be asking for seconds.

Ingredients:

• 1 large head of green cabbage
• 1 pound ground beef
• ½ pound ground pork
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
• ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Directions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a large baking dish or coat it with cooking spray.
2. Boil the Cabbage: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Remove the core from the cabbage, then add it to the water. Boil for 5 minutes. Gently peel off the softened outer leaves and repeat until you have about 12 good ones.
3. Make the Filling: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, pork, cooked rice, onion, garlic, egg, and all seasonings. Mix until everything is well incorporated.
4. Roll the Cabbage: Lay a cabbage leaf flat. Add about ¼ cup of the meat mixture in the center. Fold in the sides and roll up tightly from the base to the tip. Repeat with the rest.
5. Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, brown sugar, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until combined.
6. Assemble the Dish: Pour a little sauce into the bottom of the baking dish. Place the rolls seam-side down in a single layer. Cover with the rest of the sauce.
7. Bake Covered: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the cabbage is very tender and the filling is fully cooked.
8. Let Them Rest: Remove from the oven and let the rolls rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.
9. Serve and Enjoy: Spoon some extra sauce over each roll and serve with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad.

Ready to Relish!

This Stuffed Cabbage Rolls recipe is everything you want in comfort food. It’s flavorful, filling, and made with love in every layer. The combination of savory meat, tender cabbage, and that sweet-tangy tomato sauce makes it a dinner you’ll want to repeat often.

Make it for a holiday gathering, a quiet Sunday, or as part of your freezer meal prep—these rolls taste even better the next day.

Storage Solutions:

To store, place leftover rolls in an airtight container with some sauce to keep them moist. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions with extra sauce in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through, and enjoy that same homestyle flavor all over again.

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