Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe (The Ultimate Comfort Food)

There are few dishes as heartwarming and satisfying as a classic Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe. This is the kind of meal that fills the kitchen with an incredible aroma, promising a delicious and comforting dinner. Each cabbage leaf is tenderly wrapped around a savory filling of beef and rice, then simmered in a rich, tangy tomato sauce until perfectly tender. It’s a timeless dish, perfect for a family dinner or a cozy Sunday supper. This recipe walks you through every step, ensuring you get perfect, delicious results every single time.

Why This is the Best Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe

This isn’t just any recipe; it’s a guide to creating the ultimate comfort food experience. We break down the process into simple, manageable steps, from perfectly softening the cabbage leaves to creating a rich, flavorful sauce that brings everything together. We also share tips and tricks to ensure your cabbage rolls are tender, flavorful, and hold their shape beautifully. Whether you call them gołąbki or simply stuffed cabbage, this recipe is designed to become a cherished favorite in your home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients to create its signature comforting flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to gather.

For the Cabbage Rolls

• Large Head of Cabbage: One large head (about 3 lbs) of green cabbage is ideal.
• Ground Beef: One pound of lean ground beef (85/15) provides the best flavor and texture.
• Cooked Rice: One cup of cooked white rice. Leftover rice works perfectly here.
• Yellow Onion: One medium yellow onion, finely chopped.
• Egg: One large egg to bind the filling together.
• Garlic: Two cloves of garlic, minced.
• Salt & Pepper: One teaspoon of salt and a half teaspoon of black pepper, or to taste.

For the Sauce

• Tomato Sauce: One 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes forms the base of our rich sauce.
• Diced Tomatoes: One 15-ounce can of diced tomatoes adds texture.
• Brown Sugar: Two tablespoons of brown sugar balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Lemon Juice: Two tablespoons of fresh lemon juice or white vinegar for a tangy kick.
• Worcestershire Sauce: One tablespoon adds a wonderful depth of savory flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Follow these simple steps for perfect cabbage rolls. We’ll start by preparing the cabbage leaves, then create the filling, and finally, assemble and bake.

Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage

First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully remove the core from the head of cabbage with a sharp knife. Place the whole cabbage head, core-side down, into the boiling water. Cover and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes. The leaves will begin to soften and peel away easily. Carefully remove the cabbage from the water and let it cool slightly. Gently peel off about 12 large outer leaves. With a paring knife, shave down the thick part of the stem on each leaf to make them more pliable and easier to roll.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and the egg. Season with salt and pepper. Mix everything together with your hands until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the filling tough.

Step 3: Roll the Cabbage

Lay a cabbage leaf flat with the tough stem end facing you. Place about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of the meat filling onto the center of the leaf. Fold the bottom edge of the leaf up over the filling. Then, fold in both sides. Roll it up tightly, creating a neat little package. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, whisk together the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, brown sugar, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce. Spread a thin layer of the sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange the stuffed cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish. You can pack them in snugly. Pour the remaining sauce evenly over the top of the rolls. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 75-90 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the meat is cooked through.

Tips for Perfect Cabbage Rolls Every Time

• Don’t Skip Trimming the Stem: Shaving down the thick rib on the cabbage leaf is crucial for easy rolling and a tender bite.
• Use a Light Touch: When mixing the filling, be gentle. Overworking the meat can result in a tough, dense texture.
• Pack Them Snugly: Arranging the rolls tightly in the baking dish helps them hold their shape while they cook.
• Let Them Rest: After taking them out of the oven, let the cabbage rolls rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and makes them easier to serve.

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe Variations

While this classic recipe is a winner, it’s also wonderfully versatile. Try one of these variations to mix things up:

• Different Meats: Swap the ground beef for ground pork, veal, turkey, or a combination.
• Add Some Spice: Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes into the sauce for a little heat.
• Go Vegetarian: For a vegetarian version, use a filling of mushrooms, lentils, and barley instead of meat.
• Sauce Twists: Some recipes add a touch of sour cream to the sauce at the end for extra creaminess.

What to Serve with Cabbage Rolls

These cabbage rolls are a hearty meal on their own, but they pair beautifully with a few simple sides. We love serving them with creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce. A side of crusty dinner rolls or a simple green salad also works wonderfully. For another comforting meal idea, try our classic meatloaf recipe.

Storing, Freezing, and Reheating

This Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe is perfect for making ahead. Here’s how to store and enjoy them later.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cabbage rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors often meld and taste even better the next day.

Freezing Cabbage Rolls

You can freeze cabbage rolls either cooked or uncooked. Arrange them in a single layer in a freezer-safe dish, cover with the sauce, and then wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed (you may need to add 15-20 minutes to the baking time if baking from uncooked).

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave until hot. Alternatively, you can place the rolls in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions about this Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe

More Comfort Food Recipes to Try

If you loved this Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe, you’re in for a treat! We believe in the power of a good home-cooked meal to bring joy and comfort. From hearty soups to classic casseroles, there’s always something delicious cooking in our kitchen. We hope this recipe becomes a staple in your home. If you make it, please leave a comment below or share a photo on Pinterest. We love hearing from you!

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe (The Ultimate Comfort Food)

Discover the ultimate Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe! Tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory beef and rice filling, simmered in a rich, tangy tomato sauce. This foolproof guide delivers perfect, comforting cabbage rolls every time.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 55 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Eastern European

Calories: 385

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 large head Green Cabbage about 3 lbs
• 1 lb Lean Ground Beef 85/15 recommended
• 1 cup Cooked White Rice
• 1 medium Yellow Onion finely chopped
• 1 large Egg
• 2 cloves Garlic minced
• 1 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Black Pepper
• 28 oz Crushed Tomatoes
• 15 oz Diced Tomatoes
• 2 tbsp Brown Sugar
• 2 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice or white vinegar
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce

Equipment

• 1 Large Pot
• 1 9x13 inch Baking Dish
• 1 Large Mixing Bowl

Instructions

 

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Remove the core from the cabbage. Place the whole cabbage in the boiling water, cover, and cook for 10-15 minutes until leaves soften. Remove from water, let cool, and gently peel off 12 large outer leaves. Shave down the thick stem on each leaf.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix with your hands until just combined.
3. Lay a cabbage leaf flat. Place about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of filling in the center. Fold the bottom edge up, fold in the sides, and roll up tightly. Repeat for all rolls.
4. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, whisk together crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, brown sugar, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce. Spread a thin layer of sauce in a 9x13 inch baking dish.
5. Arrange cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish. Pour remaining sauce over the top. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 75-90 minutes until tender. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Tip 1: For extra flavor, you can brown the ground beef with the onions before adding it to the filling mixture.
Tip 2: Don't pack the filling too tightly into the cabbage leaves, as the rice will expand during cooking.
Tip 3: The sauce should be tangy and slightly sweet. Adjust the brown sugar and lemon juice to your personal preference.