The Perfect Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Tender cabbage rolls offer a comforting embrace of hearty flavors that dance across your palate.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this classic dish through love and patience.

Soft leaves wrap savory meat and rice like a delicious blanket of warmth.

Mediterranean and Eastern European kitchens have long treasured these delectable parcels of goodness.

Carefully rolled ingredients meld together, creating a symphony of textures and tastes.

Each bite tells a story of tradition and culinary craft.

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls – Savory Comfort Bundles

• Quick Family Comfort: Perfect weeknight dinner that brings everyone together around a warm, hearty meal packed with delicious flavors and nostalgic memories.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare cabbage rolls in advance and refrigerate or freeze, making meal planning easier and saving precious time during busy weekdays.
• Low-Effort Gourmet: Simple cooking techniques create restaurant-quality results without requiring advanced culinary skills, allowing home cooks to feel like professional chefs.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Uses affordable ingredients like ground beef, cabbage, and pantry staples while delivering maximum satisfaction and nutritional value for large families.

Components of Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Main Components:

• Ground Beef: Rich meat that provides hearty flavor and protein for the stuffing.

• Cabbage Leaves: Tender wrapper that holds the filling and adds nutritional value, choose fresh and flexible leaves.

Filling Ingredients:

• Rice, Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meat mixture and adds texture, use medium-grain rice for best results.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that provide depth and savory notes to the filling.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that brings brightness and color to the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for balanced taste.

Sauce Ingredients:

• Crushed Tomatoes: Provides rich, tangy foundation for the sauce.

• Tomato Paste: Concentrates tomato flavor and adds thickness.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Adds complex, slightly sweet tanginess.
• Brown Sugar: Balances acidity and adds subtle sweetness.
• Oregano: Classic herb that complements tomato-based sauces.

Cooking Ingredients:

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and adding smooth texture.
• Water: Needed for blanching cabbage leaves.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright garnish that adds color and fresh flavor.

How to Prep and Bake Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Step 1: Create Flavorful Tomato Sauce

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Sauté chopped onions until they become soft and translucent.

Add minced garlic, tomato paste, brown sugar, and balsamic vinegar, cooking until the aromas blend beautifully.

Pour in crushed tomatoes and sprinkle oregano.

Season with salt and pepper.

Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer gently for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop fully.

Step 2: Soften Cabbage Leaves

Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil.

Carefully submerge cabbage leaves and blanch for approximately one minute until they become pliable and tender.

Remove leaves and set aside to cool completely.

Step 3: Prepare Savory Meat Filling

• Ground beef
• Cooked rice
• Breadcrumbs
• Chopped onion
• Chopped parsley
• One cup of prepared tomato sauce

Mix ingredients thoroughly.

Season with salt and pepper, ensuring even distribution of flavors.

Step 4: Assemble Cabbage Rolls

Remove the tough white vein from each cabbage leaf.

Place about one-third cup of meat filling at one end of each leaf.

Roll tightly, folding in the sides to create neat parcels.

Position rolls seam-side down to prevent unraveling.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Spread one cup of tomato sauce across the bottom of a 9×13-inch casserole dish.

Arrange cabbage rolls in a single layer, seam-side down.

Generously spoon remaining sauce over the rolls.

Cover dish with foil and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from oven and let rest briefly.

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Serve hot and savor the delicious combination of tender cabbage, flavorful filling, and rich tomato sauce.

Pro Tips For Rolling Stuffed Cabbage

• Carefully remove the tough white stem before blanching to ensure easier rolling and a more tender texture.
• Mix ground beef with rice and other ingredients gently to prevent overworking, which can make the filling tough and dense.
• Spread sauce on the bottom and top of cabbage rolls to keep them moist and prevent burning during baking.
• Prepare extra rolls and freeze uncooked for up to 3 months, making future meals quick and convenient.
• Replace rice with cauliflower rice for a diabetic-friendly or keto-friendly version of this classic dish.

Storing Cabbage Rolls Without Soggy Leaves

• Store leftover cabbage rolls in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Stays good for up to 3 months.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place rolls in a baking dish, add a splash of water or extra sauce, cover with foil. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Place rolls on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 1-minute intervals, checking temperature between rounds to prevent drying out.

Classic Matches For Cabbage Rolls

• Savor Robust Red Wine Pairing: Rich cabernet sauvignon or merlot perfectly complement the hearty beef and tomato-based sauce, enhancing the deep umami flavors of the stuffed cabbage rolls.
• Craft Crisp Beer Selection: Choose a malty amber ale or smooth lager that balances the savory meat filling and cuts through the tangy tomato sauce, creating a delightful dining experience.
• Elevate with Fresh Side Salad: Prepare a light mixed green salad with vinaigrette dressing to provide a refreshing contrast to the dense, rich cabbage rolls, adding brightness and palate-cleansing qualities to the meal.
• Complement with Tangy Sour Cream: Serve a dollop of cool, creamy sour cream alongside the rolls to balance the warm spices and add a smooth, cooling element that softens the tomato sauce's acidity.

Cabbage Roll Stuffing Twists

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace ground beef with a mixture of lentils, quinoa, and finely chopped mushrooms for a protein-packed plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free crackers to accommodate wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice and replace cabbage with large lettuce leaves for a lighter, carb-reduced meal.
• Mediterranean Spin: Incorporate feta cheese, pine nuts, and swap oregano for fresh mint to give the rolls a Greek-inspired flavor profile.

FAQs

• Is this a traditional recipe?

This stuffed cabbage rolls recipe has roots in Eastern European cuisine, particularly popular in Poland, Ukraine, and Russia, where cabbage rolls (known as golabki or golubtsy) are beloved comfort food.

• Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground pork, or a mixture of meats. Ground lamb also works well and adds a rich, unique flavor to the rolls.

• How do I prevent cabbage leaves from tearing?

Carefully blanch the leaves in boiling water for about 1 minute, then immediately transfer to an ice bath. This softens the leaves and makes them more pliable for rolling without breaking.

• What if I don't have breadcrumbs?

You can replace breadcrumbs with crushed crackers, rolled oats, or even cooked quinoa. These alternatives help bind the meat mixture and add texture to the filling.

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Stuffed Cabbage Rolls bring comfort from Eastern European kitchens, blending tender cabbage leaves with savory meat and rice. Warm spices and rich tomato sauce create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 (28 ounces / 794 grams) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Filling and Wrapping Ingredients:

• 15 cabbage leaves
• 1/4 cup uncooked white rice
• 1/4 cup Italian breadcrumbs
• 1/2 large onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley (plus extra for garnish)
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Craft a robust tomato sauce by sautéing diced onions in olive oil until they transform into a translucent golden hue.
2. Introduce minced garlic, tomato paste, brown sugar, and balsamic vinegar, stirring vigorously to release their aromatic essence.
3. Pour in crushed tomatoes, sprinkle oregano, and season with salt and pepper, allowing the sauce to develop depth through gentle simmering.
4. Prepare a large pot of boiling water to transform robust cabbage leaves into pliable wrappers.
5. Delicately blanch cabbage leaves for approximately one minute, ensuring they become soft and flexible without tearing.
6. Drain and allow leaves to cool, creating a comfortable workspace for rolling.
7. Meticulously trim the tough white central vein from each leaf to facilitate smoother wrapping.
8. Combine ground beef with cooked rice, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, and fresh parsley in a mixing bowl.
9. Incorporate a portion of the prepared tomato sauce into the meat mixture, seasoning generously with salt and pepper.
10. Position each cabbage leaf strategically, placing a precise portion of the meat mixture near one edge.
11. Execute a precise rolling technique, carefully tucking in sides to create neat, compact parcels.
12. Prepare a baking vessel by spreading a protective layer of tomato sauce across the bottom.
13. Arrange the cabbage rolls methodically, ensuring they rest seam-side down in the sauce-lined dish.
14. Lavish the remaining sauce over the carefully crafted rolls, ensuring complete coverage.
15. Shield the dish with aluminum foil and transfer to a preheated oven set at 350°F.
16. Allow the rolls to bake, transforming into a tender, flavor-packed masterpiece for approximately 75 minutes.
17. Upon completion, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, creating a vibrant final presentation.

Notes

• Tenderize cabbage leaves gently by blanching briefly to prevent tearing and ensure easy rolling.
• Customize filling by substituting ground beef with ground turkey, lamb, or plant-based protein for dietary preferences.
• Control moisture by draining excess liquid from meat mixture to prevent soggy cabbage rolls.
• Enhance flavor complexity by adding herbs like dill or thyme to the sauce and meat mixture for depth.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Eastern European

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 560 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg