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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 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
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
 

  1. 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.
  2. Lower heat to medium-low and simmer for 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. For the rolls
  4. In a large pot of boiling water, blanch cabbage leaves until tender and flexible, about 1 minute.
  5. Make filling: In a large bowl, combine ground meats, 1 cup sauce, rice, bread crumbs, onion, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of a large baking dish.
  7. 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.
  8. 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

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