The Easiest Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe You’ll Love Today

Crafting delectable stuffed cabbage rolls brings comfort and joy to any mealtime adventure.

Soft leaves embrace a hearty mixture of savory ingredients that dance with flavor.

Cabbage transforms into a culinary canvas where tradition meets creativity.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this humble yet magnificent dish.

Each bite tells a story of warmth and connection.

Polish and eastern european kitchens have long celebrated these delightful parcels.

Expect a recipe that will make you the star of dinner conversations.

Let’s uncover the secrets to creating these irresistible little bundles of happiness.

Flavor Swaps For Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

• Lamb and Quinoa Stuffed Cabbage: Replace ground beef and pork with ground lamb, swap rice for quinoa, and add mint for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Vegetarian Lentil Rolls: Substitute meat with cooked green lentils, use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and incorporate mushrooms for extra protein and texture.
• Gluten-Free Asian Cabbage Rolls: Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice, add ginger and soy sauce to the meat mixture, and create a tangy Asian-style sauce with rice vinegar and sriracha.
• Keto-Friendly Cauliflower Wrap: Replace cabbage leaves with blanched cauliflower leaves, use ground turkey, mix in cream cheese, and reduce sauce sugar content for a low-carb alternative.

What Pairs With Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Robust cabernet sauvignon or zinfandel cuts through the rich, meaty flavors of stuffed cabbage rolls, complementing their hearty profile with deep fruit notes and balanced tannins.
• Serve with Tangy Sauerkraut: Fermented sauerkraut provides a sharp, acidic counterpoint to the savory meat filling, enhancing the overall taste experience with its traditional Eastern European roots.
• Complement with Crusty Rye Bread: Thick slices of rustic rye bread absorb the delicious tomato sauce perfectly, offering a satisfying textural contrast and additional flavor depth to the meal.
• Match with Cool Cucumber Salad: Crisp, light cucumber salad dressed with dill and sour cream provides a refreshing side that balances the warm, intense flavors of the stuffed cabbage rolls.

How To Store Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Properly

• Store stuffed cabbage rolls in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain texture.
• Wrap individual rolls or entire batch tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 3 months to preserve flavor and quality.
• Place rolls on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring sauce halfway through to distribute warmth evenly.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Transfer rolls to baking dish, add splash of broth to prevent drying. Cover with foil, warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

FAQs About Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

• What meat works best for cabbage rolls?

Ground beef and ground pork create the perfect texture and flavor. The combination provides richness and juiciness to the filling.

• Can I make cabbage rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare them a day in advance. Store uncooked rolls in the sauce in the refrigerator, then bake when ready to serve. They actually taste better after the flavors have melded overnight.

• How do I prevent cabbage rolls from falling apart?

Core the cabbage carefully, blanch leaves until soft, trim thick stems, and roll tightly while folding sides inward. These steps ensure compact, well-sealed rolls that hold together during cooking.

Why Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Are So Heartwarming

• Unpack Culinary Heritage: Dive into a traditional recipe that carries rich cultural flavors and generations of cooking wisdom, bringing authentic Eastern European comfort food to your kitchen.
• Master Simple Technique: Learn an impressive cooking method that transforms basic ingredients into a stunning dish, with step-by-step rolling and simmering techniques that guarantee delicious results.
• Create Hearty Family Meal: Craft a nutritious one-pot wonder packed with protein, vegetables, and robust seasonings that satisfies hunger and brings everyone together around the dinner table.
• Meal Prep Champion: Prepare a make-ahead recipe that stores beautifully, tastes even better the next day, and provides multiple servings for busy households wanting convenient, wholesome meals.

What Goes Into Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

• Ground Beef: A rich, hearty meat that provides the main flavor and substance of the stuffed cabbage rolls.
• Ground Pork: Adds additional depth and moisture to the meat mixture.
• Egg: Serves as a binding agent to help hold the meat mixture together.

• Cooked Rice: Provides texture and helps extend the meat mixture.
• Onion: Adds aromatic flavor and natural sweetness to the filling.
• Garlic: Contributes a robust, savory flavor to the meat mixture.

• Salt, Pepper, Dried Dill: Essential spices that enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Tomato Sauce, Tomato Paste: Create a rich, tangy base for the cooking liquid.
• Beef Broth: Adds depth and moisture to the sauce.
• White Vinegar: Provides a subtle tangy note to balance the flavors.
• Brown Sugar: Offers a hint of sweetness to round out the sauce.

• Cabbage: Serves as the natural wrapper for the meat mixture, providing a tender and flavorful exterior.

How To Make Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Step 1: Prepare Cabbage Leaves for Rolling

Carefully core the cabbage and immerse the entire head in boiling water for 3-4 minutes until outer leaves become pliable and easy to separate. Remove cabbage leaves gently, trimming thick stems to ensure smooth rolling. Set aside leaves to cool and drain.

Step 2: Mix Flavorful Meat Filling

• Ground beef
• Ground pork
• Cooked rice
• Minced onion
• Crushed garlic
• Salt
• Pepper
• Dried dill
• Beaten egg

Mix thoroughly until ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Create Cabbage Roll Parcels

Lay out cabbage leaves flat and place a proportionate amount of meat mixture near the stem end of each leaf. Roll the cabbage leaves tightly, folding in sides to create neat, compact parcels that seal in the filling.

Step 4: Craft Delicious Cooking Sauce

• Tomato sauce
• Beef broth
• Tomato paste
• White vinegar
• Brown sugar

in a large cooking pot.

Step 5: Arrange and Simmer Cabbage Rolls

Arrange stuffed cabbage rolls seam-side down in the sauce, ensuring they are mostly submerged. Cover the pot and simmer on low heat for approximately 1.5 hours at 325°F, allowing flavors to meld and meat to cook completely.

Step 6: Monitor and Perfect Cooking

Periodically check liquid levels and gently turn rolls to ensure even cooking and sauce coverage. Once meat is fully cooked and cabbage is tender, remove from heat and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Tips To Roll And Cook Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

• Peel Cabbage Carefully: Boil the whole head for 3-4 minutes to make leaves soft and easy to remove without tearing.
• Trim Stems Strategically: Cut thick stems to ensure smooth, even rolling and prevent bulky spots in your cabbage rolls.
• Mix Meat Evenly: Blend ground meats, rice, and seasonings thoroughly to distribute flavors consistently throughout each roll.
• Roll Tightly: Fold sides inward and roll cabbage leaves compactly to prevent filling from escaping during cooking.
• Monitor Sauce Levels: Check liquid periodically and gently turn rolls to ensure even cooking and complete flavor infusion.

Stuffed Cabbages Rolls Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Polish Stuffed Cabbage Rolls dance with hearty flavors of tender meat, rice, and aromatic herbs wrapped in delicate cabbage leaves. Comfort nestles perfectly on plates, inviting you to savor each traditional bite of this classic Eastern European comfort dish.

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Ingredients

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Cabbage and Filling:

• 1 head green cabbage
• 1 lb ground beef
• 0.5 lb ground pork
• 1 cup cooked rice

Seasoning and Aromatics:

• 1 large onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried dill
• 1 egg

Sauce and Liquid:

• 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) tomato sauce
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp white vinegar
• 1 tbsp brown sugar

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Instructions

1. Carefully core the cabbage and immerse the entire head in boiling water for 3-4 minutes until outer leaves become pliable and easy to separate.
2. Remove cabbage leaves gently, trimming thick stems to ensure smooth rolling. Set aside leaves to cool and drain.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, cooked rice, minced onion, crushed garlic, salt, pepper, dried dill, and beaten egg. Mix thoroughly until ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. Lay out cabbage leaves flat and place a proportionate amount of meat mixture near the stem end of each leaf.
5. Roll the cabbage leaves tightly, folding in sides to create neat, compact parcels that seal in the filling.
6. Prepare the sauce by whisking together tomato sauce, beef broth, tomato paste, white vinegar, and brown sugar in a large cooking pot.
7. Arrange stuffed cabbage rolls seam-side down in the sauce, ensuring they are mostly submerged.
8. Cover the pot and simmer on low heat for approximately 1.5 hours at 325°F, allowing flavors to meld and meat to cook completely.
9. Periodically check liquid levels and gently turn rolls to ensure even cooking and sauce coverage.
10. Once meat is fully cooked and cabbage is tender, remove from heat and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Use tender cabbage leaves without tears to ensure perfect rolling and prevent filling leakage during cooking.
• Chop onions and garlic finely to distribute flavors evenly throughout the meat mixture and enhance overall taste profile.
• Experiment with ground meat variations like turkey or lamb for different flavor dimensions and dietary preferences.
• Allow rolls to rest after cooking to help them retain shape and absorb additional sauce, intensifying the delicious taste and texture.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Eastern European

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg