Stuffed cabbage rolls are a delightful dish that has graced many tables across Eastern Europe. These savory bundles of joy are filled with a mixture of seasoned meat, rice, and aromatic spices, all wrapped tightly in tender cabbage leaves. As they cook slowly in a comforting tomato sauce, the flavors meld beautifully, resulting in a hearty and satisfying meal. Who knew that such a straightforward dish could evoke feelings of warmth and nostalgia? That’s the magic of stuffed cabbage rolls—simple ingredients transformed into something truly special.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe | Easy healthy dinner
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe | Easy healthy dinner

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe | Easy healthy dinner

I first discovered this classic recipe while visiting a friend’s family during the holiday season. The lovely aroma wafting from the kitchen immediately drew me in. Watching my friend’s grandmother expertly roll each cabbage leaf brought a sense of comfort that resonated deeply with me. Now, making stuffed cabbage rolls is a tradition that I hold dear, one that has become synonymous with family gatherings and cozy dinners. Trust me, this stuffed cabbage rolls recipe will not disappoint and will surely bring your loved ones together at your dinner table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 25 minutes of prep and 85 minutes of cooking time, you can have a comforting dinner ready to share.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of ground meat, spices, and rich tomato sauce creates a dish bursting with flavor.
Eye-Catching Appeal: These rolls look impressive on a platter, perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy them as a hearty main course or freeze leftovers for a quick meal later on.
Diet-Friendly Options: You can easily swap the meat with plant-based alternatives for a vegetarian option!

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 large head of cabbage: Essential for wrapping the filling; choose a fresh head that feels heavy for its size. Savoy cabbage can add a unique texture as well.
1 lb ground beef or pork (or a mix): Adds richness to the rolls. You can use turkey or chicken for a leaner alternative.
1 cup cooked rice: Provides substance to the filling and helps bind it. Brown rice can be used for a healthier option.
1 medium onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and depth to the filling; sauté for better flavor.
2 cloves garlic, minced: The perfect aromatic boost; fresh garlic is highly recommended.
1 large egg: Acts as a binder for the filling, helping everything stay together.
1 tsp salt: Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients.
1/2 tsp black pepper: Adds a subtle kick; adjust to taste for extra heat.
1 tsp paprika: Brings in warmth and a touch of sweetness; smoked paprika can elevate the flavor.
2 cups tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes: Forms a delicious sauce that infuses the rolls with moisture and flavor.
1 cup beef broth: Keeps the rolls juicy while they cook; chicken or vegetable broth works too.
2 tbsp olive oil: For browning the rolls and adding richness; can substitute with vegetable oil.
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish): A bright finish that adds a fresh touch to the dish.

How to Make Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe | Easy healthy dinner

Boil the Cabbage: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage and place the entire head into the boiling water. Cook for 5–7 minutes until the leaves soften. Once tender, remove the cabbage and let it cool slightly before peeling off the leaves.

Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 lb of ground meat, 1 cup of cooked rice, the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, 1 large egg, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp paprika. Use your hands or a spatula to mix everything together until well combined, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed throughout.

Stuff the Rolls: Lay out each cabbage leaf on a flat surface. Place 2–3 tablespoons of the meat filling in the center of each leaf. Fold the sides in and carefully roll it up tightly, much like rolling a burrito. Repeat this process until all the filling is used.

Brown the Rolls: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Carefully place the rolls seam-side down in the skillet to brown lightly on all sides for about 5 minutes. This step adds depth to the flavor as they caramelize slightly.

Simmer in Sauce: Once browned, pour 2 cups of tomato sauce and 1 cup of beef broth over the rolls. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. After it begins to bubble, reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and cook for 45–60 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the filling is fully cooked. The sauce will meld with the rolls, creating a lovely aroma.

Garnish and Serve: Once off the heat, let the rolls rest for a few moments before serving. Optionally, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and a fresh flavor. Enjoy with crusty bread or a side salad!

Storing & Reheating

Leftover stuffed cabbage rolls can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After this, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them, placing them in a sealable freezer bag or container for a maximum of 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. The texture might slightly change after freezing, but a little extra sauce during reheating helps refresh the rolls.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overstuffing the cabbage rolls; 2–3 tablespoons of filling work best to keep them from bursting while cooking.
Ensure you season the filling well, as under-seasoned meat can result in bland flavors.
If the outer leaves of the cabbage are too tough to roll, use the inner ones, which are usually more tender.
Make-ahead tip: You can prepare the rolls a day in advance; just store them in the sauce and refrigerate until cooking.
Experiment with spices! Adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or Italian herbs can give an exciting twist.

Stuffed cabbage rolls are truly a comforting meal that welcomes you home. These savory parcels are not just easy to make; they also invite creativity, allowing you to swap ingredients or experiment with spices to suit your palate. Whether you’re whipping them up for a busy weeknight dinner or a Sunday family gathering, these rolls are bound to bring smile. Don’t hesitate to experiment! Enjoy each delicious bite, and share your joy with loved ones.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make stuffed cabbage rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the rolls a day in advance. Just follow the stuffing and rolling instructions, then store them in the sauce in the refrigerator. When ready to eat, cook as directed.

What can I substitute for ground beef or pork?

For a healthier option, lean ground turkey or chicken works well. Additionally, for a vegetarian twist, consider using quinoa, lentils, or black beans mixed with vegetable broth.

How do I know when the cabbage rolls are done?

Cabbage rolls are done when they are fork-tender, and the meat filling reaches an internal temperature of 160°F. The sauce should be bubbling and thickened slightly.

Can I cook them in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! After browning, place the rolls in the slow cooker, pour over the sauce and broth, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours for perfectly tender stuffed cabbage rolls.

More Main Dishes Recipes

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe | Easy healthy dinner

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

Author: Anna
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 85 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Eastern European

Print Recipe

Description

This stuffed cabbage rolls recipe is a delicious blend of ground meat and rice, wrapped in tender cabbage leaves. It makes for a quick, hearty, and satisfying meal, perfect for family dinners!

Ingredients

Scale

1 large head of cabbage
1 lb ground beef or pork (or a mix)
1 cup cooked rice
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large egg
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika
2 cups tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
1 cup beef broth
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Bring a large pot of water to boil. Remove the core from the cabbage and place the whole head into the boiling water for 5–7 minutes until the leaves are softened. Remove and let cool, then separate the leaves.
In a large bowl, combine ground meat, cooked rice, onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix until well combined.
Place 2–3 tablespoons of filling on the center of each cabbage leaf. Fold the sides in and roll tightly like a burrito.
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Place the rolls seam-side down and brown lightly on all sides.
Pour tomato sauce and beef broth over the cabbage rolls. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, cover, and cook for 45–60 minutes until the rolls are tender and fully cooked.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Ensure cabbage leaves are softened enough to roll easily without tearing.
This dish can be prepared ahead of time and reheated before serving for convenience.