If you have ever craved a comforting, hearty meal that brings warmth to your soul, this Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, and aromatic spices, all baked in a luscious tomato sauce, create a dish that feels like a loving embrace on a plate. This recipe combines simplicity and rich flavors perfectly, making it a timeless favorite that never fails to impress family and friends alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each chosen to build layers of flavor and texture. From the fresh crunch of cabbage leaves to the hearty ground beef and the subtle warmth of spices, every component plays a crucial role in the final dish.
- 1 large head of cabbage: Provides tender, flexible leaves that are perfect for rolling the filling.
- 1 lb ground beef: Adds richness and a satisfying meaty texture to the rolls.
- 1 cup cooked rice: Helps bind the filling while adding a comforting chewiness.
- 1 onion, chopped: Offers sweetness and depth when cooked with the meat.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Lends a fragrant bite that complements the rest of the filling.
- 1 can diced tomatoes: Brings acidity and freshness to brighten the dish.
- 1 can tomato sauce: Creates a luscious base to bake the rolls in.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances all the savory flavors perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a warm, smoky note to the filling.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Infuses herbal earthiness for balance.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Gives a gentle kick for those who enjoy a little heat.
- 1 cup beef or vegetable broth: Keeps the rolls moist and flavorful during baking.
How to Make Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage
Begin by boiling the whole head of cabbage in a large pot of water for about 5 minutes. This softens the outer leaves, making them flexible enough to roll without tearing. Carefully peel off these softened leaves and set them aside to cool—these will be the vessels holding your delicious filling.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a hot skillet, cook the ground beef until it browns to perfection, releasing those rich meaty flavors. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, stirring together until they become soft and fragrant. Then, mix in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, paprika, oregano, red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of spice), salt, and pepper. Stir everything well, letting the spices meld with the meat and rice for a filling that’s bursting with flavor.
Step 3: Assemble the Cabbage Rolls
Grab one of your cabbage leaves and place a generous spoonful of the meat mixture in the center. Roll the leaf up tightly, folding in the sides as you go to trap the filling inside. Lay each roll seam-side down into a baking dish to keep everything neatly in place during cooking.
Step 4: Bake the Cabbage Rolls
Pour the tomato sauce and broth evenly over the stuffed rolls, which will keep them moist and impart even more flavor while baking. Cover the dish with foil to lock in the steam, then pop it into a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for one hour. This slow baking stage lets all the components meld beautifully, resulting in tender, juicy rolls with a rich sauce that’s perfect for spooning over.
How to Serve Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic garnish for stuffed cabbage rolls. Its bright, herbaceous notes add a lovely contrast and a pop of color that makes the dish even more inviting. Feel free to sprinkle a little extra paprika on top for an eye-catching finish.
Side Dishes
These rolls pair wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or a simple buttered egg noodle side. A crisp green salad or steamed vegetables make excellent companions to balance the richness of the rolls while keeping the meal wholesome and well rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to add a fun twist to this Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe, serve individual rolls on warm plates drizzled with extra tomato sauce and garnished with microgreens. Alternatively, layering the rolls in a deep casserole dish and serving them family-style straight from the oven creates a cozy vibe that’s perfect for gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, leftover cabbage rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your next meal just as delicious.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze leftover stuffing cabbage rolls. Place them in a freezer-safe dish or bag with sauce and freeze for up to 3 months. To prevent freezer burn, wrap them tightly with plastic wrap before sealing.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated rolls in a covered baking dish at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, usually about 20–30 minutes. You can also warm them gently in the microwave, but baking helps maintain their texture and flavor best.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work well in this Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe. Just keep an eye on cooking times as leaner meats might cook faster and benefit from added moisture or seasoning.
How do I prevent the cabbage leaves from tearing?
Boiling the cabbage until the outer leaves soften is key. Also, handle the leaves gently when rolling, folding the sides over the filling to keep everything snug.
Is it necessary to cook the rice before mixing it with the meat?
Yes, the rice should be fully cooked before combining with the meat. This ensures it’s tender inside the finished rolls and helps bind the filling nicely.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Replace the ground beef with cooked lentils or a mixture of sautéed mushrooms and walnuts for a hearty vegetarian filling that still pairs beautifully with the cabbage and tomato sauce.
What can I serve if I want a low-carb version?
Simply omit the rice or substitute it with cauliflower rice. The rolls will still taste incredible and will be much lighter on carbs.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making and sharing this Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe. It brings comfort, tradition, and plenty of delicious moments to your table. Whether for a family dinner or a cozy night in, these rolls promise satisfaction with every tender, flavorful bite. Give it a try—you might find your new favorite go-to comfort food!
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Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Eastern European
Description
Delicious homemade stuffed cabbage rolls filled with a flavorful mixture of ground beef, rice, and spices, baked in a rich tomato sauce. This comforting dish is perfect for family dinners and showcases tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory filling, slow-baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Cabbage Rolls
- 1 large head of cabbage
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Tomato Sauce & Seasoning
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 can tomato sauce (15 oz)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
Instructions
- Prepare the Cabbage: Boil the whole head of cabbage in a large pot of water for about 5 minutes until the outer leaves soften enough to peel off easily. Remove the softened leaves carefully and set them aside to cool.
- Prepare the Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant. Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, paprika, oregano, red pepper flakes if using, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Assemble the Cabbage Rolls: Lay each cabbage leaf flat and place a spoonful of the meat mixture in the center. Roll the leaf tightly around the filling, folding in the sides to enclose the mixture securely. Place each roll seam-side down in a baking dish to prevent them from unraveling.
- Bake: Pour the tomato sauce and broth evenly over the cabbage rolls in the baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake for 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld and the rolls to cook through completely.
- Serve: Remove the baked cabbage rolls from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting, flavorful dish.
Notes
- Boiling the cabbage heads for just the right amount of time ensures the leaves are pliable but not too soft to handle during rolling.
- Using cooked rice in the filling helps bind the meat mixture and adds texture.
- The baking step slowly cooks the rolls and infuses them with tomato and broth flavor.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or lamb for variation.
- Leftover cabbage rolls can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
