Delicious Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe for Comforting Meals

Hey everyone! Today, I’m excited to share a classic comfort food recipe—Delicious Stuffed Cabbage Rolls. This dish is packed with hearty flavors, featuring tender cabbage leaves filled with a savory mixture of ground meat, rice, and seasonings, all simmered in a rich tomato sauce.

It’s warm, satisfying, and perfect for a cozy dinner with family or friends. If you’ve never made stuffed cabbage rolls before, don’t worry! I’ll walk you through each step so you can easily make them. Let’s get started!

What’s in These Delicious Stuffed Cabbage Rolls?

Stuffed cabbage rolls are a timeless dish that combines simple ingredients into a flavorful and comforting meal. The cabbage leaves become tender as they cook, wrapping around a deliciously seasoned meat and rice filling.

The slow-cooked tomato sauce adds richness, making every bite incredibly satisfying. You can use beef, pork, or a mix of both, and even swap in ground turkey or a vegetarian filling if you prefer.

Delicious Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe for Comforting Meals

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these amazing stuffed cabbage rolls:

1 large head of cabbage
1 pound ground beef or pork (or a mix)
1/2 cup uncooked white rice
1 small onion (finely chopped)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 egg (lightly beaten)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 cup beef or vegetable broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

How to Make Delicious Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage Leaves

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove the outer leaves of the cabbage and blanch them in boiling water for about 1-2 minutes, or until they soften. Transfer them to a plate and set aside. If the inner leaves are too firm, repeat the process until you have enough softened leaves to roll.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, uncooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, beaten egg, salt, black pepper, paprika, and oregano. Mix everything until well combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Cabbage Rolls

Take a cabbage leaf and place about 2 tablespoons of filling in the center. Fold the sides over the filling and roll it up tightly, similar to a burrito. Repeat with the remaining cabbage leaves and filling.

Step 4: Prepare the Tomato Sauce

In a large skillet or pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Then, add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, broth, and sugar (if using). Stir well and let it simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 5: Cook the Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Place the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the pot with the sauce. Cover and simmer on low heat for about 45-50 minutes, until the rice is cooked and the flavors meld together.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Carefully remove the cabbage rolls from the pot and serve them with extra sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!

Cooking Time

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 50 minutes
Total time: About 1 hour 10 minutes

Serving

This recipe makes 4-6 servings, depending on the size of the cabbage rolls. It pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or a fresh green salad.

Calories

Here’s a rough estimate of the calories per serving (based on 6 servings):

Calories: About 350-400 calories per serving
Protein: 20g
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 35g

These cabbage rolls are packed with protein and wholesome ingredients, making them a great option for a well-balanced meal.

Tips and Tricks

Use Savoy cabbage for a more delicate and tender wrap.
Make it ahead—these rolls taste even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
Try different meats like ground turkey or a mix of pork and beef.
For a vegetarian option, use cooked lentils, mushrooms, and quinoa instead of meat.
Freeze leftovers—cabbage rolls freeze well and can be reheated for a quick meal.