Comforting, hearty, and filled with old-fashioned flavor, Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a timeless classic made with tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory filling of ground meat and rice, then simmered in a rich tomato sauce. This beloved dish is cozy, filling, and perfect for family dinners, holidays, or make-ahead meals.
Whether you grew up eating them or you’re making them for the first time, stuffed cabbage rolls deliver pure comfort in every bite.
Why You’ll Love Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
- Classic comfort food recipe
- Tender cabbage with flavorful filling
- Perfect for make-ahead and freezing
- Feeds a crowd easily
- Budget-friendly and satisfying
Ingredients You’ll Need
Stuffed Cabbage Rolls – Ingredients Table
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Green cabbage | 1 large head | Wrapping |
| Ground beef (or beef/pork mix) | 1 lb | Filling |
| Cooked rice | 1 cup | Texture & bulk |
| Onion (finely diced) | 1 medium | Flavor |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves | Aromatic |
| Egg | 1 | Binding |
| Salt | 1 tsp | Seasoning |
| Black pepper | ½ tsp | Balance |
| Paprika | 1 tsp | Warm flavor |
| Tomato sauce | 2 cups | Simmering sauce |
| Diced tomatoes (optional) | 1 cup | Extra texture |
| Sugar (optional) | 1 tsp | Balance acidity |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp | Cooking |
How to Make Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
1. Prepare the Cabbage
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Remove the core from the cabbage and carefully place the head into the boiling water. Cook for 2–3 minutes, gently peeling off softened leaves as they loosen.
Set leaves aside to cool. Trim thick veins if needed for easier rolling.
👉 Tip: Don’t overcook—the leaves should be pliable, not mushy.
2. Make the Filling
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, cooked rice, onion, garlic, egg, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix gently until just combined.
3. Assemble the Rolls
Place about ⅓ cup of filling near the base of each cabbage leaf. Fold in the sides, then roll tightly from the bottom up like a burrito.
4. Prepare the Sauce
In a bowl, mix tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (if using), sugar, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
5. Bake or Simmer
Oven Method (Recommended):
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
- Spread a thin layer of sauce in a baking dish
- Arrange cabbage rolls seam-side down
- Pour remaining sauce over the rolls
- Cover tightly with foil and bake for 75–90 minutes
Stovetop Method:
- Place rolls in a large pot
- Cover with sauce
- Simmer gently for 60–75 minutes
6. Serve
Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Spoon extra sauce over the top.
Tips for the Best Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
- Use cooked rice for proper texture
- Trim thick cabbage ribs
- Roll tightly so filling stays inside
- Let rolls rest before serving
Variations & Substitutions
Filling Variations
- Use ground turkey or chicken
- Add fresh herbs like parsley or dill
- Mix beef and pork for richer flavor
Sauce Variations
- Add crushed tomatoes for chunkier sauce
- Use marinara instead of tomato sauce
- Add a splash of beef broth for depth
Diet-Friendly Options
- Low-carb: replace rice with cauliflower rice
- Gluten-free as written
- Dairy-free naturally
What to Serve With Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
- Mashed potatoes
- Crusty bread or rolls
- Roasted vegetables
- Simple cucumber salad
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing:
Freeze fully cooked rolls for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
Reheat covered in the oven or gently on the stovetop.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make stuffed cabbage rolls ahead of time?
Yes, they’re perfect for make-ahead meals and taste even better the next day.
2. Do I have to cook the cabbage first?
Yes, softening the leaves makes them easy to roll.
3. Can I freeze cabbage rolls?
Absolutely—freeze before or after cooking.
4. What meat works best?
Ground beef or a beef-pork blend gives the best flavor.
5. Can I make them in a slow cooker?
Yes—cook on LOW for 6–7 hours.
6. Why are my cabbage rolls tough?
They need more cooking time or more sauce moisture.
7. Can I use red cabbage?
Green cabbage works best; red cabbage is firmer.
8. How do I keep rolls from falling apart?
Roll tightly and place seam-side down.
9. Is this recipe healthy?
Yes—packed with protein, fiber, and vegetables.
10. Can I skip the sugar in the sauce?
Yes—it’s optional and only balances acidity.
Conclusion
Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are the ultimate comfort food—hearty, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. With tender cabbage, savory filling, and rich tomato sauce, this timeless recipe is perfect for cozy dinners and special occasions alike.