Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe: A Classic Comfort Dish from the Heart
Few dishes say home-cooked comfort quite like Stuffed Cabbage Rolls. Tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory filling of seasoned meat and rice, all simmered in a rich tomato sauce — this timeless dish is hearty, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. Whether you grew up enjoying it at family gatherings or are discovering it for the first time, stuffed cabbage rolls are a culinary tradition worth keeping alive.
A Taste of Tradition
Stuffed cabbage rolls have roots in many cultures — from Eastern Europe and the Middle East to Asia. Each region has its own twist, but the essence remains the same: wholesome ingredients wrapped with love and slowly cooked to perfection. It’s the kind of recipe that fills your home with warmth and your table with smiles.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Comforting and hearty: A complete meal in every roll.
Make-ahead friendly: Perfect for prepping in advance — they taste even better the next day!
Budget-friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients.
Customizable: Easily adapted with different meats, grains, or vegetarian fillings.
Ingredients
For the Cabbage Rolls:
1 large head of green cabbage
1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
1 cup cooked rice
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
For the Tomato Sauce:
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cups tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon dried basil or oregano
1/2 cup water or broth
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cabbage
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove the core of the cabbage and place the head in the boiling water. As the leaves soften, gently peel them off one by one using tongs. You’ll need about 10–12 large leaves. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
2. Make the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix until well combined but don’t overwork the meat.
3. Make the Tomato Sauce
In a saucepan, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened. Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, herbs, and water or broth. Simmer for 10 minutes, then set aside.
4. Assemble the Rolls
Lay a cabbage leaf flat and place about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture in the center. Fold in the sides and roll up tightly, tucking in the ends like a burrito. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
5. Layer and Cook
Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom of a large baking dish or pot. Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in a single layer. Pour the remaining sauce evenly over the top.
Cover tightly with foil (or a lid if using a pot) and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 ½ to 2 hours — or simmer gently on the stovetop for about the same time — until the rolls are tender and the sauce is rich and flavorful.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Spoon extra sauce over each roll before serving. These are delicious on their own or paired with mashed potatoes or crusty bread.
