Short Description
Stuffed cabbage rolls are a cherished dish in many cultures, featuring tender cabbage leaves enveloping a savory mixture of ground meats, rice, and aromatic herbs, all simmered in a rich tomato sauce. This comforting meal is both hearty and flavorful, making it a favorite for family dinners and special occasions alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Hearty and Satisfying: The combination of meats, rice, and cabbage creates a filling meal that satisfies hunger and warms the soul.

Flavorful: The blend of spices and herbs infuses the rolls with a depth of flavor that is both comforting and delicious.

Versatile: Easily adaptable to suit dietary preferences, including vegetarian or gluten-free variations.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare in advance and reheat for convenience without compromising taste.

Cultural Classic: Enjoy a dish that has been beloved across generations and cultures.

Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 medium head cabbage (approximately 3 pounds)

1/2 pound uncooked ground beef

1/2 pound uncooked ground pork

1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce, divided

1 small onion, chopped

1/2 cup uncooked long grain rice

1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon snipped fresh dill or dill weed

1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained

1/2 teaspoon sugar

Directions
Prepare the Cabbage: Cook the whole head of cabbage in boiling water just until the outer leaves can be easily removed. Carefully peel off 12 large leaves and set aside.

Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, 1/2 cup of the tomato sauce, chopped onion, uncooked rice, parsley flakes, salt, dill, and cayenne pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.

Assemble the Rolls: For each cabbage leaf, cut out the thick vein at the base to make folding easier. Place approximately 1/4 cup of the meat mixture onto the center of each leaf. Fold in the sides and roll up tightly from the base, securing the filling inside.

Prepare the Baking Dish: Slice the remaining cabbage and place it in the bottom of a Dutch oven or large baking dish to create a bed for the rolls.

Arrange the Rolls: Place the cabbage rolls seam side down over the sliced cabbage in the dish.

Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the undrained diced tomatoes, the remaining tomato sauce, and sugar. Mix well and pour evenly over the cabbage rolls.

Bake: Cover the dish and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the meat is fully cooked.

Servings and Timing
Servings: This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.

Preparation Time: 30 minutes

Cooking Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour and 45 minutes

Variations
Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground meats with a mixture of cooked lentils, mushrooms, and additional vegetables for a meat-free version.

Different Meats: Use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to beef and pork.

Spice Level: Adjust the cayenne pepper to taste, or add other spices such as paprika or cumin for different flavor profiles.

Grain Alternatives: Replace rice with quinoa or bulgur for a different texture and nutritional profile.

Storage/Reheating
Refrigeration: Store leftover cabbage rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing: Cabbage rolls can be frozen either before or after cooking. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating: To reheat, place the rolls in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 30 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, microwave individual rolls on medium power until hot.

FAQs
What type of cabbage is best for cabbage rolls?
Green cabbage is commonly used due to its large, pliable leaves. Savoy cabbage is also a good choice as its leaves are tender and easy to roll.

Can I prepare stuffed cabbage rolls in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the rolls a day ahead and refrigerate them. Bake them just before serving for best results.

Is it necessary to cook the meat before stuffing the cabbage leaves?
In this recipe, the meat is mixed raw with the other filling ingredients and cooks thoroughly during the baking process.

Can I use cooked rice instead of uncooked rice in the filling?
This recipe is designed for uncooked rice, which absorbs moisture during cooking. Using cooked rice may alter the texture and moisture content.

How do I prevent the cabbage leaves from tearing?
Blanching the cabbage leaves in boiling water softens them, making them more flexible and less likely to tear during rolling.

What can I serve with stuffed cabbage rolls?
They pair well with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or a simple green salad.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, ensure all canned products and spices are gluten-free, and use rice or a gluten-free grain in the filling.

How do I know when the cabbage rolls are fully cooked?
The rolls are done when the cabbage is tender and the internal temperature of the meat filling reaches 160°F (71°C).

Can I cook stuffed cabbage rolls in a slow cooker?
Yes, assemble the rolls as directed and cook them in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

Why is sugar added to the tomato sauce?
A small amount of sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes, resulting in a more rounded flavor.

Conclusion
Stuffed cabbage rolls are a timeless dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to any meal. With their savory filling and rich tomato sauce, they are perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or meal prepping for the week. Their versatility allows for various adaptations to suit dietary preferences, making them a valuable addition to any culinary repertoire.

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

Author: Olivia
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Yield: 6-servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Eastern European
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the classic comfort of Stuffed Cabbage Rolls—a hearty dish made with tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a flavorful filling of ground beef, pork, rice, and herbs, all simmered in a rich tomato sauce. This cozy, savory recipe is perfect for family dinners and traditional cuisine lovers. Keywords: stuffed cabbage rolls, cabbage rolls recipe, comfort food, traditional cabbage dish, oven-baked cabbage rolls.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook the whole cabbage in boiling water until outer leaves loosen. Remove 12 large leaves and set aside.
In a bowl, mix ground beef, pork, 1/2 cup of tomato sauce, onion, rice, parsley, salt, dill, and cayenne pepper.
Cut a V-shape at the base of each cabbage leaf to remove the thick vein.
Place 1/4 cup of meat mixture onto each cabbage leaf, fold in sides, and roll up starting from the cut end.
Slice remaining cabbage and spread it at the bottom of a Dutch oven.
Arrange cabbage rolls seam-side down over sliced cabbage.
Mix remaining tomato sauce with diced tomatoes and sugar, then pour over the rolls.
Cover and bake for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, until cabbage rolls are tender.