Stuffed cabbage rolls are a timeless comfort food, blending savory ground meat, aromatic herbs, and tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a flavorful filling. This hearty dish is perfect for family dinners, meal prepping, or even special occasions. Follow this step-by-step guide to create mouthwatering stuffed cabbage rolls that will become a staple in your home!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty & Satisfying – A balanced mix of protein, vegetables, and rice makes this meal fulfilling.
- Budget-Friendly – Uses affordable, everyday ingredients.
- Meal Prep Friendly – Freezes well for future meals.
- Customizable – Adjust the filling to your preference with different meats or grains.
Ingredients Breakdown
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Cabbage: Softens when boiled, making it easy to wrap around the filling.
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Ground Beef: Provides a savory, juicy base for the stuffing.
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Tomato Sauce & Diced Tomatoes: Provide a tangy, rich base for cooking.
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Onion: Adds a mild sweetness and depth of flavor.
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Rice: Absorbs moisture and helps bind the filling.
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Parsley, Dill & Cayenne: Add layers of freshness and warmth.
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Salt & Sugar: Enhance and balance flavors.
Tips and Tricks
- Blanch the Cabbage – If leaves are too stiff, boil them slightly longer.
- Prevent Unraveling – Secure rolls with toothpicks if needed.
- Extra Flavor Boost – Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or smoked paprika to the filling.
Variations and Customizations
- Vegetarian Version – Swap meat for lentils, mushrooms, or tofu.
- Keto-Friendly – Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
- Spicy Kick – Add more cayenne or diced jalapeños to the filling.
Pairing Suggestions
- Side Dishes: Mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or roasted vegetables.
- Bread: Garlic bread or crusty rolls to soak up the sauce.
- Drinks: A light red wine like Pinot Noir or a sparkling water with lemon.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Place cooled cabbage rolls in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes or microwave until warm.
Popular Questions
Can I make stuffed cabbage rolls ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble them a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator before cooking.
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What type of cabbage works best?
Green cabbage is the most common choice, but Savoy cabbage also works well due to its softer leaves.
How do I prevent the rolls from falling apart?
Rolling tightly and placing them seam-side down ensures they stay intact during cooking.
Print
Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Tender cabbage leaves filled with a flavorful blend of ground beef and rice, then simmered in a rich tomato sauce for a comforting and hearty meal. This classic dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner.
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Ingredients
- 1 medium head cabbage (about 3 pounds)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce, divided
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup uncooked long-grain rice
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon fresh or dried dill
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- ½ teaspoon sugar
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Carefully place the whole cabbage into the boiling water and cook for 2–3 minutes, or until the outer leaves loosen.
- Remove the cabbage, peel off 12 large leaves, and set them aside.
- Slice the remaining cabbage and place it at the bottom of a Dutch oven or baking dish.
Step 2: Make the Filling
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ½ cup of tomato sauce, chopped onion, minced garlic, rice, parsley, salt, dill, and cayenne pepper.
- Mix thoroughly until well combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Rolls
- Cut a V-shaped notch at the thick vein of each cabbage leaf to help with rolling.
- Place about ¼ cup of the meat mixture onto each leaf.
- Fold in the sides and roll up tightly from the cut end.
- Place the rolls seam side down over the sliced cabbage in the Dutch oven.
Step 4: Cook the Cabbage Rolls
- Pour the diced tomatoes (with juice) and the remaining tomato sauce over the cabbage rolls.
- Sprinkle with sugar to balance acidity.
- Cover and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1.5 hours or simmer on the stovetop over low heat for the same duration.
- Remove from heat and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- This dish tastes even better the next day as flavors meld together.
- Adjust seasoning levels according to personal preference.
- If you have extra filling, use it to make mini meatballs and cook them alongside the cabbage rolls.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Eastern European, American
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