Hearty Homestyle Cabbage Rolls Recipe: Cozy Comfort on a Plate

Tender cabbage leaves cradle a mouthwatering cabbage rolls recipe that sings with comfort and tradition.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this hearty dish passed down through kitchens across Eastern Europe.

Savory ground meat and perfectly seasoned rice nestle inside each delicate cabbage leaf, creating a symphony of flavors.

The rolling technique might seem intricate, but it’s surprisingly simple once you get the hang of it.

Rich tomato sauce bathes these delectable parcels, infusing each bite with deep, robust taste.

Warm, satisfying, and packed with nostalgia, these cabbage rolls promise to transport you to a cozy family dinner table.

Get ready to fall in love with this classic recipe that turns simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

How to Make Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Ease

• Sauce Preparation

Create a rich, flavorful tomato sauce by sautéing onions until soft and golden. Blend in garlic and tomato paste for depth, then mix in crushed tomatoes, a splash of balsamic vinegar, and a hint of brown sugar. Let the sauce simmer, developing complex flavors and a smooth consistency.

• Cabbage Leaf Transformation

Gently soften cabbage leaves in boiling water, making them pliable and easy to work with. Carefully trim the tough central ribs to ensure smooth rolling and even cooking.

• Hearty Filling Creation

Combine ground beef with uncooked rice, breadcrumbs, and aromatic herbs. Fold in a portion of the prepared sauce to bind the mixture, creating a delicious filling that’s both moist and flavorful.

• Rolling and Assembling

Spread a thin layer of sauce in the baking dish to prevent sticking. Carefully place the filling on each cabbage leaf, rolling them into neat parcels. Arrange the rolls seam-side down, creating a beautiful pattern in the dish.

• Final Baking

Cover the cabbage rolls with remaining sauce and aluminum foil. Bake until the meat is fully cooked and the flavors have melded together. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a touch of brightness.

Cooking Tips for Saucy, Tender Cabbage Rolls

• Replace ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter protein option that keeps the classic flavor profile intact.
• Prepare entire batch of cabbage rolls, cool completely, then wrap individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Add a splash of red wine or a dash of smoked paprika to the tomato sauce for deeper, more complex flavor dimensions that elevate the traditional recipe.
• Assemble cabbage rolls one day ahead and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld together. This strategy intensifies the taste and reduces day-of preparation stress.
• Pair with creamy mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or a light cucumber salad to complement the rich, hearty cabbage rolls and create a balanced meal experience.

Best Ways to Serve Hearty Cabbage Rolls

• Hearty Family Feast: Serve these cabbage rolls as a complete meal with crusty bread and a fresh green salad, creating a comforting dinner that fills hungry bellies.
• Side Dish Symphony: Pair with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery rice pilaf to soak up the delicious tomato sauce, adding extra flavor and texture to the dish.
• Fresh Finish: Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill on top just before serving to brighten the flavors and add a pop of color to the classic comfort food.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the rich beef and tomato sauce with a medium-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, enhancing the meal's overall taste experience.

Storing and Reheating Cabbage Rolls Just Right

• Smart Batch Cooking: Prepare double the recipe and freeze half for future quick meals. These cabbage rolls taste even better the next day as flavors deepen and meld together beautifully.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover rolls in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain texture.
• Freezer-Friendly Technique: Wrap individual rolls tightly in aluminum foil, then place in freezer bags. They'll stay delicious for 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Magic: Warm rolls gently in microwave with extra sauce or in oven at 350°F covered with foil. Add splash of water to prevent drying out and maintain moisture. Sprinkle fresh herbs before serving to refresh flavors.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 55 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 6

What You’ll Need for Traditional Cabbage Rolls

• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Delivers rich, smooth base flavor and helps sauté aromatics beautifully.
• Onion: Provides sweet, deep undertones and creates aromatic foundation for sauce.
• Garlic: Adds robust, pungent notes and boosts overall sauce complexity.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrates tangy essence and deepens sauce's color and richness.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Creates silky, bright sauce with natural sweetness and vibrant texture.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Introduces subtle tang and elegant depth to sauce.
• Brown Sugar: Balances acidity, adds gentle caramel-like sweetness.
• Dried Oregano: Infuses Mediterranean herbaceous undertones.
• Kosher Salt: Elevates and harmonizes all sauce flavors.
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Contributes subtle warmth and gentle spiciness.

• Ground Beef: Delivers hearty protein and rich meaty flavor.
• White Rice: Provides tender binding and subtle earthy texture.
• Italian Bread Crumbs: Creates light, crispy texture and adds delicate seasoning.
• Parsley: Brings fresh, bright herbal notes and vibrant color.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances meat's natural taste.
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Adds gentle heat and complexity.

• Cabbage Leaves: Serves as delicate, nutritious wrapper with slight crunch.
• Fresh Parsley: Offers bright garnish and aromatic finish.

Tools That Make Rolling Cabbage Easier

• Large Skillet: Essential for sautéing onions and creating rich tomato sauce.
• Knife: Needed for trimming cabbage leaf ribs and chopping ingredients.
• Large Pot: Used for boiling and blanching cabbage leaves.
• Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining ground beef and other filling ingredients.
• Baking Dish: Provides space for assembling and baking cabbage rolls.
• Measuring Cups: Ensures accurate ingredient portions for filling and sauce.
• Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring sauce and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Aluminum Foil: Covers dish during baking to retain moisture.

Hearty Cabbage Rolls Recipe

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• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Polish cabbage rolls showcase hearty comfort from Eastern Europe. Tender leaves wrap savory meat and rice, promising rich flavors that connect generations of home cooks. Warm meals comfort you with tradition.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound (454 g) ground beef
• 15 cabbage leaves
• ¼ cup (45 g) uncooked white rice
• ½ large onion, chopped
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) freshly chopped parsley
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup (30 g) Italian bread crumbs
• 1 (28-oz / 794 g) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) tomato paste
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) brown sugar
• 2 tsps dried oregano
• kosher salt to taste
• freshly ground black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Sauce Preparation: Heat olive oil in a skillet, sauté onions until translucent. Add garlic and tomato paste, stirring to develop deep flavors. Introduce crushed tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, and oregano, simmering for 15-20 minutes until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper, then set aside.
2. Cabbage Leaf Processing: Boil water and submerge whole cabbage leaves briefly until pliable. Drain and trim tough central ribs with a sharp knife for easy rolling.
3. Meat Mixture Creation: Combine ground beef, uncooked rice, breadcrumbs, diced onion, parsley, tomato sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with hands, ensuring even distribution without overworking.
4. Roll Assembly: Spread sauce layer in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Position meat mixture near bottom edge of each cabbage leaf, roll tightly tucking sides to form compact parcels. Arrange rolls seam-side down in the dish.
5. Baking Process: Cover dish with aluminum foil, creating a sealed cooking environment. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour and 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Remove foil during final 10 minutes to allow sauce caramelization.
6. Serving Presentation: Rest cabbage rolls for 5-7 minutes after removing from oven. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

• Cabbage Leaf Preparation: Blanch leaves briefly to soften and make rolling easier, preventing tearing and ensuring flexible wrapping.
• Meat Mixing Strategy: Use light touch when combining ingredients to maintain tender, juicy texture without compressing meat too densely.
• Sauce Coverage Technique: Completely cover rolls with sauce to prevent drying and enhance flavor absorption during baking.
• Temperature Precision: Check internal meat temperature to guarantee safe cooking and optimal doneness without overcooking.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Eastern European

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg