Go Back
–+ servings
Avatar photoMaryRecipes

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe

These Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a classic comfort food made with tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, onion, and herbs, then baked in a rich tomato sauce. This traditional Eastern European-inspired dish is hearty, satisfying, and perfect for family dinners or make-ahead meals.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food, Eastern European, Polish, Ukrainian
Calories: 360
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cabbage Rolls
  • 1 large green cabbage 12 large leaves
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • ½ lb ground pork
  • 1 cup cooked white rice
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
For the Tomato Sauce
  • 2 cups crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp vinegar
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Large baking dish or Dutch oven
  • Tongs
  • Wooden spoon
  • Aluminum foil

Method
 

Prepare the Cabbage
  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Remove the core from the cabbage and place the head in the boiling water. As the leaves soften, gently remove them with tongs. Set aside 10–12 large leaves.
Prepare the Filling
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, cooked rice, chopped onion, garlic, egg, parsley, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix until evenly combined.
Fill the Cabbage Leaves
  1. Lay one cabbage leaf flat. Place about 2–3 tablespoons of filling near the base of the leaf.
Roll the Cabbage Rolls
  1. Fold the sides of the cabbage leaf inward and roll tightly from the bottom up to form a sealed roll.
Arrange in Baking Dish
  1. Place the cabbage rolls seam-side down in a large baking dish or Dutch oven.
Prepare the Sauce
  1. In a bowl, mix crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Add Sauce and Bake
  1. Pour the tomato sauce evenly over the cabbage rolls. Cover with foil.
  2. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 90 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the filling is fully cooked.

Nutrition

Calories: 360kcal

Notes

• Freezing tip: Cabbage rolls freeze well for up to 3 months.
• For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for beef.
• For low-carb cabbage rolls, replace rice with cauliflower rice.
• Let the rolls rest 10 minutes after baking so they hold their shape when serving.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!