Mom’s Stuffed Cabbage Roll Recipe

If there’s one recipe that transports me straight to family cookouts and big summer gatherings, it’s Mom’s Stuffed Cabbage Roll Recipe. This comforting classic features tender cabbage leaves, generously stuffed with a savory blend of rice, ground beef, and aromatic seasonings, all bathed in a luscious tomato sauce that gets richer the longer it bakes. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving some wholesome comfort food, this recipe truly delivers. Best of all, it freezes like a dream—meaning homemade, soul-warming cabbage rolls are just a reheating away!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in Mom’s Stuffed Cabbage Roll Recipe is simple, but together they create the most satisfying flavors and textures. From the humble cabbage leaf to the kick of tomato soup, every component has its delicious purpose!

• Cabbage Head: Pick a large, firm cabbage—the leaves need to be sturdy yet tender after boiling, perfect for wrapping around the filling.
• Ground Beef: Go for an 80/20 blend for savory flavor and enough fat to keep the rolls juicy as they bake.
• Onion: Chop it small so it melts into the filling, adding sweetness and a tender bite.
• Minced Garlic: Three teaspoons might sound bold, but this is key for a rich, round flavor base.
• Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning both the filling and bringing out the natural flavors of the beef and cabbage.
• Ground Black Pepper: A touch of warmth that cuts through the richness; 3/4 teaspoon is the sweet spot here.
• Parsley Flakes: Just a teaspoon brightens up the entire mixture with an herby note.
• Eggs: Not only do eggs bind everything together, but they also make the filling tender as it cooks.
• Ketchup: Adds a subtle tang and a whisper of sweetness—trust me, don’t skip it!
• Tomato Paste: Just two tablespoons deepens the tomato flavor without overwhelming the filling.
• Cooked White Rice: Make sure it’s cooled before mixing so it doesn’t cook the eggs; rice adds heartiness and texture.
• Tomato Soup: Canned soup lays down that classic, slightly creamy blanket over the rolls—use three (or four if you have a deep dish) cans for perfect sauciness.

How to Make Mom’s Stuffed Cabbage Roll Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage

Start by removing the core from your cabbage, then submerge the head in a big pot of boiling, salted water. You’ll need to parboil it just enough that you can peel off individual leaves without tearing them. If a leaf isn’t budging, simply let the cabbage cook a bit longer. Once you’ve got your leaves, use a paring knife to carefully shave off the thick stem on each one—this little trick makes rolling a breeze and gives you beautifully tender results.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a roomy bowl, gather your ground beef, cooled white rice, finely chopped onion, garlic, eggs, ketchup, tomato paste, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix them gently—just until everything is combined. For extra juiciness, blend in about two-thirds of a can of tomato soup. This makes the filling moist and flavorful, so every bite of Mom’s Stuffed Cabbage Roll Recipe is a delight.

Step 3: Assemble the Cabbage Rolls

Now, lay out a cabbage leaf with the stem side closest to you. Spoon about half a cup of the filling onto the lower third of the leaf (more if it’s big, less if it’s small). Fold the sides over the meat, then roll from the stem side up—think of it like rolling a burrito. Arrange any leftover meat as little meatballs in the baking pan, nestled among the rolls to soak up all that tomato goodness.

Step 4: Layer and Sauce

Get your baking pan ready by coating the bottom with the leftover tomato soup from the open can and half of a second can. Lay down your first layer of stuffed cabbage rolls, then cover with the remaining half of the second can. If you have any scrappy cabbage pieces, don’t toss them—they’re perfect for tucking over the top! Add your second layer of rolls, making sure to leave at least a half-inch gap at the top of the pan so nothing bubbles over. Pour the last can (or more if using a deep dish) of tomato soup over everything.

Step 5: Bake Low and Slow

Cover the pan tightly with foil tucking it snugly around the edges (spray the underside of the foil with non-stick spray for easier cleanup later). Pop the pan on a large cookie sheet to catch any drips, and bake at 350F for 3 to 4 hours. The aroma as they bake is nothing short of heavenly! Check tenderness starting around 2 hours and 45 minutes—a sharp knife should slide easily through the cabbage. Let the rolls cool for 15 minutes before serving to let everything settle together.

How to Serve Mom’s Stuffed Cabbage Roll Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds a burst of color and a hit of herbal freshness right before serving. For a little tang, dollop with sour cream—this cools down the rich tomato sauce and gives each bite a creamy lift. If you like a bit of zip, a few shakes of hot sauce go beautifully with the beefy tomato flavor!

Side Dishes

Mom’s Stuffed Cabbage Roll Recipe is definitely hearty enough to stand on its own, but I love to serve it alongside buttered potatoes or a loaf of crusty bread for mopping up extra sauce. A crisp, simple cucumber salad or tangy coleslaw help cut through the richness and provide a fresh, crunchy contrast at the table.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or special occasions, arrange the rolls in a single layer on a platter and drizzle with extra sauce, then top with fresh herbs. Make individual portions by slicing the rolls in half at an angle and stacking them. Even the leftover “meatballs” tucked among the rolls make for a fun addition—just scatter those around the edges for an extra homey touch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, tuck leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate—they’ll keep for up to 3 or 4 days. The flavors only get better after a day or two, so don’t hesitate to make a big batch ahead of time!

Freezing

One of my favorite things about Mom’s Stuffed Cabbage Roll Recipe is how perfectly it freezes. Place fully cooked, cooled rolls (and sauce) in a freezer-safe dish or heavy-duty zip-top bag. They’ll stay fresh up to 3 months. When you’re ready for more, just thaw and reheat for cozy, instant comfort.

Reheating

To reheat, pop cabbage rolls and sauce in a covered baking dish and warm at 325F until hot (about 30 minutes if thawed, up to an hour from frozen). For single servings, the microwave works well too—just add a splash of water or extra tomato soup to keep things saucy and steamy.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or pork instead of beef?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap the ground beef for turkey, pork, or even a mix—just aim for a blend with enough fat to keep the filling tender and moist. Each choice brings a different personality to the rolls.

How do I keep the cabbage leaves from tearing?

Let the cabbage cool a bit after boiling and peel the leaves off gently, working from the outside in. Shaving down the thick stem helps make the leaves flexible enough to roll without ripping.

What type of rice works best?

Any white rice will perform beautifully—just make sure it’s fully cooked and cooled before mixing with the meat. Using day-old rice adds a nice texture and helps absorb extra flavor from the sauce.

Do I need to cook the meat before stuffing?

Nope! The ground beef and aromatics cook inside the cabbage rolls as they bake, ensuring succulent, flavorful results. Mixing the raw meat with the other ingredients helps everything meld together perfectly.

Can I make Mom’s Stuffed Cabbage Roll Recipe ahead of time?

Definitely—this recipe actually improves with time! Assemble and layer the rolls a day in advance, then bake them when you’re ready. Or freeze the unbaked rolls and cook straight from the freezer for fresh-from-the-oven goodness anytime.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to bring a taste of home and a little extra love to your table, you truly can’t go wrong with Mom’s Stuffed Cabbage Roll Recipe. It’s one of those cherished dishes that rewards every bit of care you put in and turns any meal into a celebration. Don’t wait for a special occasion—try it soon and make it a new favorite in your own family tradition!

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