Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, these rolls are warm, filling, and deeply comforting.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Classic Comfort Food
Warm, hearty, and satisfying.
Flavor-Packed Filling
Savory meat and rice with aromatic spices.
Make-Ahead Friendly
Great for meal prep and freezing.
Perfect for Family Meals
A wholesome, crowd-pleasing dish.
Ingredients
For the Cabbage Rolls
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1 large green cabbage
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1 lb ground beef (or beef/pork mix)
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1 cup cooked rice
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 egg
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1 teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon paprika
For the Tomato Sauce
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2 cups tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
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1 tablespoon tomato paste
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1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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½ teaspoon salt
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Cabbage
Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
Carefully remove cabbage leaves and blanch them for 2–3 minutes until soft and pliable.
Drain and let cool.
2. Make the Filling
In a bowl, combine ground meat, cooked rice, onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and paprika.
Mix until well combined.
3. Assemble the Rolls
Place a portion of filling in the center of each cabbage leaf.
Fold in the sides and roll tightly like a wrap.
4. Prepare the Sauce
In a bowl, mix tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, oregano, salt, and pepper.
5. Cook the Rolls
Spread a little sauce on the bottom of a pot or baking dish.
Arrange cabbage rolls seam-side down.
Pour remaining sauce over the top.
6. Simmer or Bake
Stovetop:
Cover and simmer on low heat for 45–60 minutes.
Oven:
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 60–75 minutes covered.
7. Serve
Serve hot with extra sauce spooned over the rolls.
Tips for Perfect Cabbage Rolls
Use Soft Leaves
Blanching makes them easy to roll.
Don’t Overfill
Prevents tearing.
Pack Tightly
Helps rolls stay together while cooking.
Let Them Rest
Flavors deepen after cooking.
Flavor Variations
Sweet & Sour Sauce
Add vinegar or lemon juice for tang.
Vegetarian Version
Use rice, beans, and vegetables instead of meat.
Spicy Rolls
Add chili flakes or hot sauce.
Creamy Tomato Version
Add a bit of cream to the sauce.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator:
Store for up to 4 days.
Freezer:
Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating:
Reheat gently on the stove or in the oven.
Serving Suggestions
Serve stuffed cabbage rolls with:
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Mashed potatoes
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Crusty bread
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Fresh salad
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Roasted vegetables
Final Thoughts
Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a timeless dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table. With tender cabbage, savory filling, and rich tomato sauce, every bite is hearty and satisfying.
Whether you’re making them for a cozy dinner or preparing ahead for busy days, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home.