Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a comforting, classic dish filled with a savory mixture of ground meat, rice, and aromatic herbs, all wrapped in tender cabbage leaves and simmered in a rich tomato sauce. This hearty and satisfying recipe is perfect for family dinners or special occasions, offering a taste of home-cooked goodness that brings everyone to the table. With a blend of traditional flavors and a touch of spice, these cabbage rolls are sure to become a family favorite.

Table of Contents

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Tips for Perfect Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
• Recipe Variations
• FAQs
• Serving Suggestions
• Conclusion

Ingredients

For the Cabbage Rolls

• 1 large head of cabbage
• 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1/2 cup uncooked white rice
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 large egg

For the Tomato Sauce

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Cabbage

1. Boil the Cabbage: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage. Place the whole head of cabbage in the boiling water for 5-8 minutes, or until the outer leaves are softened. Remove the cabbage and gently peel off 10-12 large leaves. Set aside.

Prepare the Filling

2. Cook the Rice: In a small pot, cook the rice according to package instructions. Set aside and let cool.
3. Mix the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and egg. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Assemble the Cabbage Rolls

4. Fill the Leaves: Place one cabbage leaf on a flat surface. Add about 1/4 cup of the meat mixture to the center of the leaf. Fold the sides over the filling and roll up from the bottom, tucking in the sides as you go to form a neat roll. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.

Prepare the Tomato Sauce

5. Cook the Onion and Garlic: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent.
6. Make the Sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, brown sugar, dried basil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes.

Cook the Cabbage Rolls

7. Layer the Rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour a small amount of the tomato sauce into the bottom of a baking dish. Place the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish, arranging them in a single layer. Pour the remaining sauce over the rolls, ensuring they are well covered.
8. Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the meat is fully cooked.

Tips for Perfect Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

• Choose the Right Cabbage: Use a large head of cabbage with loose leaves, which will make it easier to peel and roll.
• Don’t Overfill: Use just enough filling to make the cabbage rolls easy to roll up without tearing. Overfilled rolls can burst during cooking.
• Sauce is Key: Make sure there is enough sauce to cover the cabbage rolls, as it helps keep them moist during baking.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Cabbage Rolls: Replace the ground meat with a mixture of cooked lentils and mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian option.
• Spicy Cabbage Rolls: Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the filling for a spicy kick.
• Sauerkraut Variation: Add a layer of sauerkraut to the baking dish before adding the cabbage rolls for an extra tangy flavor.

FAQs

Q: Can I make these cabbage rolls ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the cabbage rolls a day in advance, cover them tightly, and store them in the refrigerator. Bake them when ready to serve.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftover cabbage rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Q: Can I freeze cabbage rolls?
A: Absolutely! Allow the cabbage rolls to cool completely, then freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

• With Mashed Potatoes: Serve the cabbage rolls with creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.
• With Crusty Bread: A slice of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious tomato sauce.
• With a Green Salad: Pair the cabbage rolls with a simple green salad for a balanced meal.

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any family dinner or gathering. The combination of tender cabbage, savory filling, and rich tomato sauce makes each bite satisfying and delicious. Whether you make them for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner, these cabbage rolls are sure to impress. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the classic flavors of this timeless dish!