Traditional Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe

If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food, my Traditional Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe is going to win over your heart and your taste buds. Each bite brings together tender cabbage, a savory blend of beef and rice, and a lush tomato sauce for that perfect balance of homey flavor and slow-cooked satisfaction. Whether you’re craving a nostalgic family favorite or searching for a cozy dinner that feels like a warm hug, this timeless dish pulls it all together — flavor, tradition, and pure comfort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Traditional Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe is how it uses pantry staples and humble ingredients to create a dish with big flavor and heart. Every item here plays its part, from adding depth and brightness to ensuring rich texture in both the filling and sauce.

• 1 large head of green cabbage: This forms the hearty shell for your rolls and cooks up beautifully tender.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing onions and adding richness to the sauce.
• 1 cup finely diced yellow onion: Delivers sweet, mellow flavor to the tomato sauce base.
• 2 garlic cloves (minced): Adds depth and a gentle savory bite.
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce: Lends smooth body and tang to the sauce.
• 1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes: Provides texture and bright, fresh tomato flavor.
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: A splash of umami magic that ties it all together.
• 1 tablespoon sugar: Balances out the acidity in the tomatoes for a rounded sauce.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors in both sauce and filling.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper: Lends gentle warmth and complexity.
• 1 pound 85/15 ground beef: Traditional, juicy base for the roll filling with enough fat to stay moist.
• 1 cup cooked white rice: Adds body and that perfect tender texture to the filling.
• ½ cup finely diced yellow onion: For extra sweet-savory flavor in the meat mixture.
• 1 garlic clove (minced): Doubles down on the aromatic, savory notes inside the rolls.
• 1 large egg: Helps bind the filling so each roll stays together.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Seasoning is key; don’t skip a second dose in the filling mixture!
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick to the beef blend.
• 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley (plus more for serving): Brings a hit of freshness and color to the filling and garnish.
• ¼ teaspoon paprika: Introduces warm, earthy flavor and a pretty hue.
• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): If you like a touch of heat, this will wake things up!

How to Make Traditional Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Before you get started, set your oven to 350°F so it’s hot and ready for baking. Prepare a large 9×13-inch baking dish by spraying it with non-stick cooking spray. This simple step keeps the stuffed cabbage rolls from sticking and ensures easy cleanup.

Step 2: Prepare the Cabbage Leaves

Bring a big pot of water to a rolling boil. Cut about 1 inch off the bottom of the cabbage and gently submerge the whole head in the boiling water. Boil for 4 to 5 minutes until the leaves are pliable and pull off with ease. Carefully transfer the cabbage to a towel-lined dish, let it cool, then peel away 12 juicy leaves, trying to keep them intact for rolling.

Step 3: Make the Tomato Sauce

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in 1 cup of diced onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until they start to soften and perfume your kitchen. Stir in the minced garlic for another minute. Pour in the tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together, bring to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. This creates a rich, slightly sweet, deeply savory sauce that soaks into every layer.

Step 4: Mix the Meat Filling

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, extra diced onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, black pepper, parsley, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne if you like a subtle kick. Use a potato masher or your clean hands to blend everything until the mixture is even and ready for rolling.

Step 5: Assemble the Cabbage Rolls

Place one cabbage leaf on your cutting board. With a sharp knife, cut a small V-shaped notch at the base of each leaf to remove the tough rib—this makes rolling much easier. Scoop 3 to 4 tablespoons of filling onto the leaf, fold the right side over the filling, then the left, and roll up tightly from the base to the tip. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling until you have a tidy stack of beautiful rolls.

Step 6: Bake in the Oven

Pour your heavenly tomato sauce into the prepared baking dish and smooth it out to cover the bottom. Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in two rows, nestling them nice and snug. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 60 to 75 minutes, until the filling is cooked through and registers at least 165°F. Let the rolls rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to settle and the sauce to thicken a bit more.

How to Serve Traditional Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

A finishing sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of green and a spark of herbal freshness to your Traditional Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe. You can also dust lightly with extra paprika for a little color, or even add a dollop of sour cream to balance the rich tomato flavors.

Side Dishes

These hearty cabbage rolls are fabulous with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles to mop up that wonderful sauce. Crisp green beans, steamed carrots, or a simple garden salad make terrific companions if you want a little something light and fresh on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining, spoon each roll onto a small shallow bowl with plenty of tomato sauce, then garnish individually for a dramatic, restaurant-worthy look. You can also slice rolls in half on the diagonal for a pretty cross-section, topping with extra sauce and fresh herbs to show off their gorgeous layers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Traditional Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe keep beautifully. Store cooled rolls in an airtight container with plenty of sauce to keep them moist—they’ll last up to 4 days in the fridge and make fantastic lunches!

Freezing

This recipe is freezer friendly! Place cooled cabbage rolls (with sauce) in a freezer-safe dish or zip-top bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, simply place cabbage rolls (with their sauce) in a covered baking dish and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 to 30 minutes, until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. If the sauce looks thick, just add a splash of water before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cabbage?

Absolutely! While green cabbage is classic and sturdy, Savoy cabbage is an excellent alternative because its leaves are tender and easy to roll. Napa cabbage can work too, though the leaves will be smaller and more delicate.

What’s the best ground meat for this recipe?

Classic Traditional Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe are made with ground beef, ideally 85/15 for both flavor and moisture. You can substitute with ground turkey, pork, or even a mix for a different twist. Just be aware that very lean meats may need a touch of olive oil to stay juicy.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Replace the ground beef with a mix of cooked lentils, sautéed mushrooms, and extra rice or quinoa for a delicious vegetarian version that still delivers all the satisfying flavors and textures.

What’s the secret to rolling the cabbage perfectly?

Peeling the leaves while they’re still warm and cutting the tough rib with a V-shaped incision are key. Don’t overfill the leaves—about 3 to 4 tablespoons per roll is ideal. Roll snugly, but not too tight, to keep the filling encased as it cooks.

How can I prevent the rolls from becoming soggy?

The trick is to use cooked rice to absorb excess moisture and make sure your sauce is simmered until slightly thickened. Covering the rolls for baking keeps them tender, while removing the foil for the last 10 minutes will allow some moisture to evaporate if needed.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you’ll gather your ingredients and give this Traditional Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe a try. There’s just something magical about a classic dish that brings people together—one bite, and you’ll see why it’s been cherished for generations. Enjoy every cozy, flavorful mouthful!

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