Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

These Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a comforting, hearty dish that combines tender cabbage leaves with a flavorful ground beef and rice filling, all smothered in a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this recipe is packed with savory goodness and will leave everyone asking for seconds!

Prep Time

• 30 minutes

Cook Time

• 1 hour 30 minutes

Total Time

• 2 hours

Servings

• 6–8 servings

Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 1 cup COOKED long-grain rice (or similar variety)
• 1.5 pounds lean ground beef (or extra lean)
• 1.5 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 large egg
• 1 yellow onion , peeled and minced
• ⅓ cup parsley , roughly chopped
• 3 cloves garlic , minced
• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried dill
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ to 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional, for heat)
• ½ cup tomato sauce (reserved for the filling)

For the Sauce and Assembly:

• 42 ounces tomato sauce , divided (about 5 cups total; use three 14-ounce cans)
• 1 medium head green cabbage (you’ll need about 18 leaves for rolls and 8–10 leaves for lining and topping the dish)
• ½ cup water (leftover from boiling cabbage)
• Fresh dill , chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Rice and Preheat the Oven

1. Cook the rice according to package instructions. Set aside to cool.
2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) .

Step 2: Make the Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef , Worcestershire sauce , egg , cooked rice , minced onion , parsley , garlic , salt , pepper , dill , onion powder , red chili flakes (if using), and ½ cup of tomato sauce .
2. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined. Set aside.

Step 3: Soften the Cabbage Leaves

1. Fill a large pot with enough water to submerge the cabbage halfway (don’t fill completely, as the cabbage will displace water). Bring the water to a boil.
2. Carefully place the whole head of cabbage into the boiling water. Boil for 8–10 minutes , turning it partway through to ensure even softening.
3. Remove the cabbage from the water and let it cool slightly. Carefully peel off the softened outer leaves. If the inner leaves are still too firm, return the cabbage to the boiling water for a few more minutes to soften additional layers. Repeat until you have 18 usable leaves .
4. Cut out the thick core from each leaf to make rolling easier. Reserve 8–10 smaller leaves for lining the baking dish and topping the rolls.

Step 4: Assemble the Cabbage Rolls

1. Line the bottom of a deep 9×13-inch baking dish or roasting pan with some of the reserved cabbage leaves.
2. Take one cabbage leaf at a time and place about ¼ cup of the ground beef mixture in the center. Fold in the sides of the leaf and roll it up tightly, like a burrito. Place the roll seam-side down in the prepared dish.
3. Continue filling and rolling until all the mixture is used. Arrange the rolls snugly in the dish.

Step 5: Prepare the Sauce

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the remaining tomato sauce with ½ cup of the cabbage water . Whisk to incorporate.
2. Pour the sauce evenly over the cabbage rolls. Top with the remaining reserved cabbage leaves to help keep the rolls moist during baking.

Step 6: Bake

1. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour 30 minutes , or until the cabbage rolls are tender and the flavors have melded together.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

1. Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
2. Garnish with fresh dill if desired. Serve warm and enjoy the comforting goodness!

Pro Tips

• Make Ahead: Assemble the cabbage rolls a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake as directed, adding an extra 10–15 minutes to the cooking time if starting cold.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days . Reheat in the oven or microwave with a splash of water to prevent drying out.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked cabbage rolls in a freezer-safe dish. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian version.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, based on 8 servings)

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fats: 12g
• Protein: 28g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 8g

Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a labor of love that pays off in every bite. The tender cabbage leaves encase a savory, herb-infused beef and rice filling, all bathed in a rich, tangy tomato sauce. Whether you’re making them for a cozy family dinner or preparing them ahead for busy weeknights, these rolls are sure to become a cherished favorite.

Don’t miss out on this classic comfort food—grab your ingredients and get ready to savor a dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and utterly satisfying. It’s nostalgia on a plate!