If you’re craving a comforting, hearty dish with a touch of homestyle magic, this Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe will absolutely delight your taste buds. Tender cabbage leaves embrace a savory blend of ground beef, pork, rice, and spices, all simmered in a rich tomato sauce, making it a perfect meal for cozy dinners or special occasions. Every bite is like a warm hug from the inside, revealing layers of flavors and textures that come together beautifully in this classic favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each bringing a unique flavor or texture to the Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe. From the tender cabbage leaves to the flavorful meat mixture and saucy finish, these components work together to create a dish that’s both satisfying and delicious.
- 1 large head of cabbage: Provides sturdy, pliable leaves that wrap the filling perfectly.
- 1 pound ground beef: Adds rich, hearty flavor and moistness.
- 1/2 pound ground pork: Brings a slightly sweeter and tender texture to the filling.
- 1 cup cooked rice: Helps to bind the filling and adds a lovely bite.
- 1 onion, finely chopped: Adds subtle sweetness and depth.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the filling with aromatic warmth.
- 1 egg: Binds the filling ingredients together for easy rolling.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors of the filling.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Provides a gentle spice kick.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Adds a smoky, vibrant hint of flavor and color.
- 2 cups tomato sauce: Creates a rich, tangy base for baking the rolls.
- 1 cup beef broth: Keeps the rolls moist and infused with savory goodness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For browning the rolls and adding a silky texture.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional): Offers a fresh herbal finish when sprinkled on top.
How to Make Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Cabbage Leaves
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready when your rolls are assembled. Next, carefully remove the core from the cabbage, then peel off 12 to 15 large leaves. Blanch these leaves in boiling water for about 3 to 5 minutes until they become soft and pliable—this makes them easier to roll without cracking. Once blanched, set the leaves aside to cool; this pre-step anchors the success of perfect rolls.
Step 2: Combine the Filling Ingredients
In a big mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and pork with cooked rice, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and the beaten egg. Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and paprika for a beautiful depth of flavor and warmth. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything thoroughly. This mixture will be the savor-filled heart inside each cabbage leaf.
Step 3: Roll the Cabbage Leaves
Lay out each blanched cabbage leaf on a flat surface. Place about two to three tablespoons of the meat mixture near the stem end of the leaf. Fold the sides inward and roll the leaf tightly from the stem end upward to enclose the filling completely. If necessary, secure each roll with a toothpick. Repeat this process with the remaining leaves and filling until all are wrapped, bringing the dish closer to completion.
Step 4: Prepare the Tomato Sauce Mixture
In a separate bowl, stir together the tomato sauce and beef broth. This mixture will create a lovely, flavorful bath for your cabbage rolls as they bake, infusing them with moisture and tangy richness.
Step 5: Brown the Rolls
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the stuffed cabbage rolls carefully in the skillet and brown them lightly on all sides for about five minutes. This step adds a pleasing caramelized touch and extra depth of flavor—work in batches if your skillet isn’t large enough. The aroma at this stage will be irresistible!
Step 6: Bake the Rolls
Arrange the browned rolls seam side down in a baking dish, then pour the tomato sauce mixture evenly over them. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1.5 hours. Be sure to baste the rolls occasionally with the sauce to keep them perfectly moist. By the end, your cabbage will be tender and the filling fully cooked, ready to serve.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
When you take the dish out of the oven, remove any toothpicks, and sprinkle the rolls with freshly chopped parsley if you like. This final touch adds a lovely pop of color and freshness that brightens the entire plate.
How to Serve Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or dill not only brings vibrant color but also adds a fresh herbal note that complements the richness of the rolls beautifully. A dollop of sour cream on the side can also enliven each bite with creamy tanginess.
Side Dishes
This Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles that soak up the savory tomato sauce. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast, balancing the meal with some crispness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming twist, serve individual rolls in small ramekins with a drizzle of extra sauce and a sprinkle of herbs on top. Alternatively, stack the rolls in a layered casserole dish for a hearty family-style presentation everyone can dig into.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cabbage rolls are a treat on their own! Simply place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors intensify as they rest, making for a delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
You can freeze stuffed cabbage rolls for up to three months. Arrange the rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, pouring the sauce over or storing it separately to pour when reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen rolls overnight in the fridge. Warm them gently in the oven at 325°F (160°C) covered with foil to keep them moist, or heat them on the stovetop in a pan with a little broth or additional tomato sauce to refresh their juiciness.
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat in the Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian mixture with lentils and mushrooms to personalize your rolls to your taste or dietary needs.
Do I have to blanch the cabbage leaves?
Blanching softens the cabbage leaves, making them flexible and easier to roll without tearing. Skipping this step can result in tougher leaves and more difficult rolling, so it’s highly recommended.
Is it possible to make these casserole-style rather than individual rolls?
Yes! Instead of rolling each leaf, you can layer shredded cabbage, meat mixture, and sauce in a baking dish to create a deconstructed stuffed cabbage casserole that’s quicker and just as tasty.
How spicy is this recipe?
This recipe has a gentle warmth thanks to paprika and black pepper but is not spicy. You can easily adjust the heat by adding chili flakes or more pepper if you prefer a kick.
Can I prepare the Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the rolls a day in advance. Store them covered in the fridge and simply bake when you’re ready. It’s a great way to save time on busy days.
Final Thoughts
This Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe is a true comfort food classic that deserves a spot in your recipe collection. It’s hearty, flavorful, and surprisingly approachable to make. Whether you’re cooking for family, guests, or just treating yourself, this dish promises a satisfying, homely meal filled with love and rich taste. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite!
Print
Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 30m
- Cook Time: 1h 30m
- Total Time: 2h 0m
- Yield: 12-15 cabbage rolls, serves approximately 6-8
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Eastern European
Description
Classic cabbage rolls stuffed with a hearty mixture of ground beef, ground pork, and rice, simmered in a savory tomato sauce and baked to tender perfection. This comforting dish combines tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a flavorful filling, perfect for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Cabbage Rolls:
- 1 large head of cabbage
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Tomato Sauce:
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the cabbage rolls.
- Prepare Cabbage Leaves: Remove the core from the cabbage head and carefully peel off 12-15 large leaves. Blanch the leaves in boiling water for 3-5 minutes until they are soft and pliable. Drain and set aside to cool.
- Make Filling: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine ground beef, ground pork, cooked rice, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, black pepper, and paprika until evenly mixed.
- Form Rolls: Lay a cabbage leaf flat and spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the meat mixture near the stem end. Fold in the sides and roll tightly to encase the filling. Secure with a toothpick if needed. Repeat for all leaves and filling.
- Prepare Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix together the tomato sauce and beef broth until well blended.
- Brown Rolls: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Lightly brown the stuffed cabbage rolls on all sides for about 5 minutes, working in batches if necessary, to enhance flavor and texture.
- Arrange in Baking Dish: Place browned rolls seam side down in a baking dish. Pour the tomato sauce mixture evenly over the cabbage rolls.
- Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 30 minutes. Baste occasionally with sauce to keep them moist while cooking until cabbage is tender and filling is cooked through.
- Serve: Remove from oven, discard any toothpicks, sprinkle with fresh parsley if using, and serve hot for a delicious and comforting meal.
Notes
- Blanching the cabbage leaves makes them easier to roll and prevents tearing.
- Use a mix of ground beef and pork for a richer flavor and juicier filling.
- Brown the rolls before baking to add depth of flavor and improve texture.
- Basting during baking keeps the cabbage rolls moist and flavorful.
- Optional: Add fresh parsley for garnish to brighten the dish visually and add fresh flavor.
