Stuffed Cabbage Rolls – Classic Comfort Food 💚🍽️
These Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a timeless comfort dish made with tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory filling of ground beef and rice, then baked slowly in a rich, slightly sweet tomato sauce. The result is a hearty and satisfying meal that’s packed with flavor and perfect for family dinners.
This classic recipe has roots in both American and Eastern European cuisine, where cabbage rolls have long been a beloved home-cooked favorite. As the rolls bake, the cabbage becomes tender while the filling stays juicy and flavorful, absorbing the delicious tomato sauce.
Not only are cabbage rolls comforting and delicious, but they’re also great for meal prep. They store well in the refrigerator and freeze beautifully, making them a practical dish for busy weeks.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic homestyle comfort food
- Perfect balance of savory beef, rice, and tomato sauce
- Great for family dinners or meal prep
- Freezer-friendly
- Easy to customize with different meats
Recipe Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Course | Dinner |
| Cuisine | American / Eastern European |
| Servings | 8 rolls |
Cooking Time
| Time | Duration |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 25 minutes |
| Cook Time | 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour 40 minutes |
Ingredients
For the Cabbage Rolls
- 1 large head green cabbage
- 1 cup cooked long-grain rice
- 1½ lbs lean ground beef
- 1 large egg
- 1 yellow onion, minced
- 1½ tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
For the Tomato Sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage Leaves
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage head. Place the whole cabbage into the boiling water and allow the outer leaves to soften. As each leaf softens (about 2–3 minutes), gently peel it away and set aside to cool.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, egg, minced onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix until evenly combined, but avoid overmixing to keep the filling tender.
Step 3: Roll the Cabbage
Trim the thick stem portion from each cabbage leaf to make rolling easier. Place 2–3 tablespoons of filling in the center of each leaf. Fold the sides inward and roll tightly, similar to a burrito.
Step 4: Prepare the Tomato Sauce
In a medium bowl, mix together the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, brown sugar, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish. Pour the remaining sauce over the rolls, making sure they are well covered.
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 75 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the filling is fully cooked.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 310 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Protein | 22 g |
| Fat | 16 g |
| Sodium | 680 mg |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
Recipe Notes & Tips
Meat Substitutions
You can replace the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or lamb for a different flavor.
Freezing Instructions
Cabbage rolls freeze very well. You can freeze them before baking or after cooking. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Make it Spicy
Add crushed red pepper flakes or hot paprika to the filling for a spicy version.
