Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These stuffed cabbage rolls are:
- Tender and juicy
- Packed with flavorful beef and rice filling
- Covered in rich tomato sauce
- Oven baked for deep flavor
- Budget friendly
- Great for leftovers
- Perfect for family meals
- Easy to prepare ahead
It’s pure comfort food at its best.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the cabbage rolls
- 1 large green cabbage
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
For the sauce
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Simple ingredients, big flavor.
How to Make Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Step 1 – Prepare the Cabbage
Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
Carefully remove the cabbage core and place the whole cabbage into boiling water.
Cook for 3–5 minutes until leaves soften.
Peel off leaves gently and set aside to cool.
Soft leaves make rolling easy and prevent tearing.
Step 2 – Make the Filling
In a bowl, combine:
Ground beef
Cooked rice
Onion
Garlic
Egg
Parsley
Salt, pepper, and paprika
Mix until well combined but don’t overwork the meat.
This keeps the filling tender and juicy.
Step 3 – Roll the Cabbage
Lay one cabbage leaf flat.
Place 2–3 tablespoons of filling near the bottom.
Fold sides inward, then roll tightly like a burrito.
Repeat until all filling is used.
Keep rolls snug so they hold shape while baking.
Step 4 – Prepare the Sauce
In a saucepan, mix tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, olive oil, sugar, salt, and pepper.
Simmer for 5–7 minutes to deepen flavor.
The sauce should be slightly thick and rich.
Step 5 – Bake
Spread some sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
Arrange cabbage rolls seam side down.
Cover with remaining sauce.
Cover dish with foil.
Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 45–60 minutes.
Slow baking makes the cabbage tender and the filling perfectly cooked.
Step 6 – Serve
Spoon extra sauce over each roll.
Garnish with fresh parsley.
Serve hot and enjoy.
Tips for Perfect Cabbage Rolls
Choose large cabbage leaves for easy wrapping.
Pre-cook rice for best texture.
Roll tightly to prevent filling from escaping.
Bake covered to keep moisture in.
Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
These small steps guarantee success.
Flavor Variations
Try switching things up:
Use ground turkey or chicken
Add shredded carrots to filling
Mix in herbs like thyme or dill
Add cheese on top before baking
Make spicy with chili flakes
Use brown rice for healthier option
You can easily customize to your taste.
What to Serve With Cabbage Rolls
They pair beautifully with:
Mashed potatoes
Fresh bread
Green salad
Steamed vegetables
Garlic bread
Rice or couscous
A complete, satisfying meal.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in airtight container up to 4 days.
Reheat in oven or microwave.
Freeze for up to 2 months.
They taste even better the next day as flavors deepen.
Perfect for meal prep.
Make-Ahead Friendly
You can assemble rolls the day before.
Keep covered in fridge.
Bake fresh when ready.
Saves time and stress.
Great for busy schedules.
Why This Recipe Works
Blanching the cabbage softens leaves without breaking them. The combination of beef and rice creates the perfect balance of protein and texture. Baking slowly in tomato sauce allows flavors to blend beautifully while keeping everything moist.
The result is tender cabbage, juicy filling, and rich savory sauce in every bite.
Simple technique. Incredible flavor.
Final Thoughts
These classic stuffed cabbage rolls are warm, hearty, and deeply comforting. With tender cabbage, savory beef filling, and rich tomato sauce, they’re the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table.
Easy to make, budget friendly, and perfect for sharing, this recipe is a must-have for any home cook.