First of all — thank you so much for being here with me today! It brings me so much joy to share this beloved comfort food with you. If you’re craving something warm, hearty, and soul-satisfying, these Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are exactly what you need. Generations of families have gathered around the table for this dish — and after one bite, you’ll understand why!
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Why You’ll Love These Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are everything you want in a comforting dinner — tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory mix of seasoned meat and rice, all simmered slowly in a tangy-sweet tomato sauce. They’re hearty, nostalgic, and perfect for sharing with the people you love most. Here’s why they’re a keeper:
- Classic comfort: Feels like a warm hug on a cool day.
- Meal prep friendly: Make ahead and freeze for later.
- Family favorite: A timeless recipe that never disappoints.
- Simple ingredients: Pantry staples and humble veggies transform into something special.
What Do They Taste Like?
Tender cabbage gives way to a juicy, savory filling of meat and rice — every bite is rich, cozy, and satisfying. The tomato sauce is slightly sweet and tangy, soaking into the rolls as they cook. Serve them up hot and spoon extra sauce on top — you’ll want every last drop!
Benefits of This Recipe
✔️ Budget-friendly ingredients
✔️ Hearty enough for a main course
✔️ Customizable with different meats or rice
✔️ Delicious leftover — even better the next day!
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Green cabbage leaves | 12 large leaves |
| Ground beef or pork | 1 pound |
| Cooked white rice | 1 cup |
| Onion, finely chopped | ½ cup |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Egg | 1 large |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | 2 tablespoons |
| Dried thyme | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt & pepper | To taste |
| Tomato sauce | 2 cups |
| Crushed tomatoes | 1 cup |
| Brown sugar | 2 tablespoons |
| Lemon juice | 1 tablespoon |
Tools You’ll Need
- Large pot for blanching cabbage
- Mixing bowls
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Spoon & knife
Ingredient Swaps & Additions
✨ Lighten it up: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef or pork.
✨ Healthier rice: Try brown rice for extra fiber and a nuttier taste.
✨ More veggies: Add finely diced carrots, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the filling.
✨ Homemade sauce: Swap in your favorite homemade tomato sauce for extra love!
How to Make Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
1️⃣ Prep the cabbage: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully separate the cabbage leaves and blanch them for 2–3 minutes, until just soft enough to roll. Remove and let cool.
2️⃣ Make the filling: In a bowl, mix the ground meat, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper. Combine well.
3️⃣ Stuff the leaves: Place a generous spoonful of filling in the center of each cabbage leaf. Fold in the sides, then roll up tightly to seal.
4️⃣ Make the sauce: In a saucepan, stir together tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, brown sugar, and lemon juice. Heat until simmering.
5️⃣ Cook the rolls: Arrange the rolls seam-side down in a deep skillet or Dutch oven. Pour the warm tomato sauce over the rolls so they’re fully covered.
6️⃣ Simmer: Cover and cook over low heat for 30–40 minutes, until the cabbage is tender and the filling is cooked through.
7️⃣ Serve: Gently lift the rolls onto a platter and spoon extra sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley if you like — then dig in!
What to Serve With Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
- Creamy mashed potatoes — perfect for soaking up extra sauce
- A slice of crusty bread
- A crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette
- Steamed green beans or carrots on the side
Tips for the Best Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
✔️ Use large cabbage leaves for easy rolling.
✔️ Don’t overstuff — keep rolls neat so they cook evenly.
✔️ Simmer gently to keep the rolls from falling apart.
✔️ Leftovers taste even better the next day!
How to Store & Freeze
- Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze cooked, unsauced rolls for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and adding sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a slow cooker?
Yes! Place the rolls in your slow cooker, cover with sauce, and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
Can I use a different meat?
Absolutely — try turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat.
Can I make them ahead?
Yes! Assemble the rolls and store them in the fridge overnight. Cook the next day when you’re ready.
Let’s Wrap It Up
These Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are classic comfort food at its finest — simple, hearty, and guaranteed to bring warm smiles to the table. Whether you’re serving family on a chilly evening or prepping a cozy meal to share later, they’re the kind of dish that makes you feel at home.
If you enjoyed this, try my Old School Pizza Burgers or Mama’s Cornbread Dressing next — more nostalgic, belly-warming recipes your family will love!
👉 If you make these cabbage rolls, please leave a review, share a photo on Pinterest, and tag me — I love seeing what you’re cooking!