Cozy Comfort: The Best Hearty Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe

Comfort flows through every bite of these delectable stuffed cabbage rolls that blend Eastern European tradition with rich, savory flavors.

Tender cabbage leaves wrap around a mouthwatering mixture of ground beef and rice, creating a perfect harmony of textures and tastes.

Generations have passed down this beloved recipe, each family adding their unique twist to the classic dish.

The aroma of simmering tomato sauce fills the kitchen, promising a warm and satisfying meal.

Hearty and nourishing, these cabbage rolls bring memories of home-cooked meals and cherished family gatherings.

Simple ingredients transform into a culinary masterpiece that speaks to the soul.

Prepare to savor every comforting, delicious bite of this timeless recipe.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 1/2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 6

Ingredients Checklist for Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

• Cabbage: Select a firm, heavy head with tightly packed leaves, ensuring freshness and easy rolling.
• Water: Essential for softening cabbage leaves and creating the perfect texture for wrapping.

• Cabbage Leaves: Choose large, flexible leaves without tears, which will become the delicate wrapper for your delicious rolls.
• Water: Helps blanch and soften cabbage leaves, making them pliable and easy to manipulate without breaking.

• Sharp Knife: Critical for precisely trimming cabbage leaf stems, creating smooth edges that make rolling effortless and neat.

Equipment Guide for Perfect Cabbage Rolls

• Large pot: For boiling water and softening cabbage leaves.
• Sharp knife: To remove cabbage core and trim leaf stems.
• Cutting board: For preparing ingredients and trimming cabbage.
• Mixing bowl: To combine ground meat and seasonings.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: For mixing ingredients thoroughly.
• Baking dish: To arrange and bake stuffed cabbage rolls.

How to Build and Roll Your Cabbage Like a Pro

• Prepare Cabbage Leaves

Grab a big pot and get the water bubbling. Carefully pull out the cabbage’s core and dunk the whole head into the steamy water. Let it simmer for about 12 minutes, gently peeling off the softened outer leaves. Keep going until you have around 12-15 beautiful, pliable leaves ready for rolling.

• Trim and Flatten Leaves

Slice away the thick stem at the bottom of each leaf to make them super flexible. This trick helps you create perfect, easy-to-roll cabbage wraps that will look amazing on the plate.

• Mix Filling

Combine ground meat with rice, herbs, and seasonings in a big mixing bowl. Use your hands to blend everything together, creating a delicious mixture that will make your taste buds dance.

• Roll the Cabbage Packets

Place a scoop of the savory filling near the bottom of each leaf. Fold the sides in, then roll from the bottom up, creating neat little bundles that look like delicious presents.

• Cook in Sauce

Nestle the rolls in a deep pan, pour rich tomato sauce over them, and let them simmer gently. The slow cooking will help the flavors meld and make the rolls incredibly tender and mouth-watering.

• Serve and Enjoy

Carefully transfer the cabbage rolls to a serving platter. Spoon extra sauce on top and garnish with fresh herbs. Get ready for a comforting meal that brings warmth and joy to the table.

Tips and Variations for Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

• Leaf Softening Hack: Soak cabbage leaves in hot water for a few minutes if they're too stiff to roll, making them more pliable and easier to handle.
• Flavor Boost: Add a splash of red wine or beef broth to the tomato sauce for deeper, richer taste that complements the meat filling.
• Freezer-Friendly Meal: Prepare extra rolls and freeze them uncooked for up to 3 months, perfect for quick future meals or unexpected guests.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace traditional breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegetarian Twist: Swap ground meat with plant-based alternatives like lentils, quinoa, or crumbled tofu mixed with mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version that maintains the classic stuffed cabbage roll texture.

Ways to Plate Stuffed Cabbage Rolls for Dinner

• Hearty Dinner Plate Companion: Pair these cabbage rolls with creamy mashed potatoes that soak up the delicious sauce, creating a comforting and satisfying meal experience.
• Crisp Veggie Sidekick: Serve alongside a fresh green salad with light vinaigrette to balance the rich, savory flavors of the stuffed cabbage rolls and add a refreshing contrast.
• Rustic Bread Buddy: Include warm, crusty bread or dinner rolls to help soak up any extra sauce and complete the meal with a traditional Eastern European dining touch.
• Wine Pairing Pleasure: Complement the dish with a medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or a crisp white wine such as Riesling to enhance the complex flavors of the cabbage rolls.

Keeping Cabbage Rolls Fresh for Later

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store completed cabbage rolls in airtight containers, keeping them fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare rolls up to 24 hours before serving, covering tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This technique allows flavors to deepen and develop overnight.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap individual rolls or the entire batch in freezer-safe containers, maintaining quality for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently in the oven or microwave.
• Portion Control Tip: Divide remaining rolls into single-serving containers for quick lunches or convenient weeknight meals. Label with date and contents to track freshness and minimize food waste.

Hearty Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe

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4.5 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Polish stuffed cabbage rolls showcase hearty comfort from Eastern European cuisine. Tender leaves wrap savory meat and rice, offering delicious warmth that connects families through generations.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (500 g) ground beef or mix of beef and pork
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 cup cooked white rice (or uncooked if simmering for longer)
• 1 large head green cabbage
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
• 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (for filling)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped (for filling)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped (for sauce)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (for sauce)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt (for filling)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• ½ tsp dried thyme or oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste (for sauce)

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Instructions

1. Cabbage Preparation: Boil water in a large pot, remove cabbage core, and immerse whole cabbage to soften leaves for 12 minutes. Carefully separate 12-15 intact leaves, trimming thick stems for smooth rolling surface.
2. Filling Creation: Blend ground meat with herbs, spices, and binding ingredients, mixing gently to maintain a light, uniform texture without compressing the protein.
3. Roll Assembly: Position meat mixture near stem end of each leaf, fold sides inward, and roll from bottom to create compact parcels. Arrange rolls seam-side down in a cooking vessel to prevent unraveling.
4. Sauce Development: Craft a rich sauce by combining tomato components, aromatic spices, and liquid elements to enhance overall flavor profile.
5. Cooking Process: Pour sauce over cabbage rolls, ensuring complete coverage. Seal vessel and simmer on low heat for 45-60 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and filling to cook thoroughly. Monitor liquid levels, adding additional sauce if needed.
6. Finalization: Verify internal meat temperature and cabbage tenderness. Remove from heat, rest briefly, and serve the perfectly prepared cabbage rolls.

Notes

• Leaf Prep Technique: Blanch cabbage leaves gently to prevent tearing, ensuring they remain flexible without becoming mushy or falling apart during rolling.
• Meat Mixture Mastery: Mix ground meat ingredients lightly with a fork, avoiding overpacking to maintain a tender, soft texture that won’t become dense or tough.
• Sauce Balancing Act: Create a well-seasoned sauce that complements the filling, using tomato base with herbs to enhance overall flavor depth without overwhelming the delicate cabbage rolls.
• Storage Smart: Cabbage rolls freeze exceptionally well, so prepare extra batches and store in airtight containers for convenient future meals that maintain their original taste and texture.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1/2 hours
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Eastern European

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg