Stuffed Cabbage Rolls (Easy, Hearty & Homemade)

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These stuffed cabbage rolls are a classic comfort food made with tender cabbage leaves filled with seasoned ground beef and rice, then simmered in a rich tomato sauce. This easy stuffed cabbage recipe is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for family dinners or meal prep.

If you’re looking for a traditional cabbage rolls recipe that’s simple to make and full of comforting flavor, this is one you’ll come back to again and again.

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Prep Time 25

Cook Time 1 15

Total Time 1 40

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

FOR THE SAUCE

2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 large onion chopped
3 cloves garlic minced
2 tbsp. tomato paste
1 28-oz. can crushed tomatoes
2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp. brown sugar
2 tsp. dried oregano
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper

FOR THE CABBAGE ROLLS

15 cabbage leaves
1 lb. ground beef
1/4 c. uncooked white rice
1/4 c. Italian bread crumbs
1/2 large onion chopped
2 tbsp. freshly chopped parsley plus more for garnish
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper

Method

Preheat oven to 350°. In a large deep skillet (or large pot) over medium heat, heat oil. Add onion and cook until soft, 5 minutes. Stir in tomato paste and garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute. Pour over tomatoes then add vinegar, sugar, and oregano.
Lower heat to medium-low and simmer for 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
For the rolls
In a large pot of boiling water, blanch cabbage leaves until tender and flexible, about 1 minute.
Make filling: In a large bowl, combine ground meats, 1 cup sauce, rice, bread crumbs, onion, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper.
Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of a large baking dish.
Using a paring knife, cut out the hard triangular rib from each cabbage leaf. Place about ⅓ cup filling into one end of each leaf, then roll up, tucking in the sides as you roll. Place rolls seam side-down on top of sauce in baking dish. Spoon remaining sauce on top of cabbage rolls then cover dish with foil. Bake 1 hour 15 minutes, until rice and meat are cooked through.
Garnish with more parsley before serving.

Notes

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Cabbage Recipe

Classic comfort food with rich, savory flavor
Tender cabbage and hearty filling
Perfect for make-ahead meals
Family-friendly and satisfying
Freezer-friendly recipe

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!

🔥 Tips for the Best Stuffed Cabbage

Don’t skip softening the cabbage—it prevents tearing
Trim the thick stem for easier rolling
Don’t overfill the leaves
Let them cook long enough for tender cabbage
Add a little sugar to balance the tomato sauce

🍽️ What to Serve With Stuffed Cabbage

These cabbage rolls pair perfectly with:

Mashed potatoes
Crusty bread
Side salad
Roasted vegetables

🧊 Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer:
Freeze for up to 2–3 months.

Reheating:
Reheat in the oven or stovetop until warmed through.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make stuffed cabbage ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes even better the next day.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely—this works great as a lighter option.

Why are my cabbage rolls tough?
They may need more cooking time to fully soften.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.

🌟 Variations

Vegetarian: Use rice, beans, or lentils instead of meat
Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce
Low-carb: Swap rice for cauliflower rice
Sweet & tangy: Add more brown sugar or a splash of vinegar

🥘 What Are Stuffed Cabbage Rolls?

Stuffed cabbage rolls are a traditional dish popular in Eastern European cuisine. They consist of cabbage leaves wrapped around a filling of meat, rice, and seasonings, then cooked in a flavorful sauce

💬 Final Thoughts

This easy stuffed cabbage rolls recipe is the perfect combination of comfort, flavor, and simplicity. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner or prepping meals ahead of time, it’s a dish that never disappoints.

If you try it, leave a comment and let me know how it turned out!

Recipe by: https://www.theslowroasteditalian.com/slow-cooker-triple-cheesy-mac-cheese-recipe/#recipe

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls