Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

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Cabbage rolls are one of our favorite family meals. Perfectly seasoned ground meat is wrapped in cabbage leaves and cooked in a slightly sweet and tangy tomato sauce. This version is one of my favorite recipes. My mother always add a dash of cinnamon to the sauce, and I sometimes do the same.

You can easily adapt the recipe to suit your preferences, whether you prefer all ground beef or a lighter option like ground turkey. It’s a satisfying, old-fashioned dish that feels just right for a Sunday dinner or a cozy weeknight meal.

Ingredient Notes

• Green cabbage: A large head yields plenty of tender leaves for rolling—boil first to soften.
• Ground beef and pork: The mix adds juiciness and flavor. Substitute turkey or all beef if preferred.
• Rice: Use uncooked instant rice or cooked long-grain rice—both work well.
• Onion: Grated onion blends into the meat mixture; chopped onion adds flavor to the sauce.
• Eggs: Help bind the meat filling together.
• Tomato sauce and diced tomatoes: These form the base of the rich tomato sauce.
• Lemon juice or vinegar: Adds acidity to balance the sweetness of the brown sugar.
• Brown sugar: Adds just a touch of sweetness to the sauce—adjust to taste.
• Cinnamon (optional): A pinch in the sauce adds warmth and nostalgia.

Steps to Make Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

1. Boil the whole cabbage until softened, then remove and cool slightly.
2. Trim and separate 18 large leaves; reserve extra cabbage for layering or another use.
3. Mix ground meats, rice, grated onion, eggs, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
4. Trim the tough rib from each cabbage leaf, fill with meat mixture, and roll tightly.
5. Place cabbage rolls seam-side down in a Dutch oven or casserole dish.
6. Sauté chopped onion, then add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, lemon juice, and brown sugar.
7. Season sauce with salt and pepper, then pour over the cabbage rolls.
8. Cover and bake until tender, uncovering near the end to thicken the sauce.
9. Serve warm with mashed or boiled potatoes and your favorite side.

Recipe Variations

• All beef or turkey. Use only one type of meat depending on preference or availability.
• No rice. Skip the rice for a lower-carb version—add an extra egg to help bind.
• Add garlic. Stir minced garlic into the filling or sauce for extra flavor.
• Spicy version. Add crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the sauce.
• Slow cooker method. Assemble as directed, then cook on low for 6 to 7 hours.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with mashed or boiled potatoes to soak up the tomato sauce.
• Add a vegetable like green beans, peas, or corn for a complete meal.
• Pair with coleslaw or a green salad with vinaigrette.
• Include crusty bread, garlic bread, or dinner rolls for mopping up the sauce.

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Diana Rattray

Enjoy this classic family comfort food: stuffed cabbage rolls. Ground meat, cabbage leaves, and a tasty tomato sauce.

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Servings 8 servings

Calories 300

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs

Total Time 2 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Ingredients

  

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• 1 large head green cabbage
• 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
• ⅓ cup uncooked instant rice (Minute Rice), or about 2/3 cup cooked long-grain rice
• 1 small minced onion
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 tsp fine salt
• ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper

For the Sauce

• 1 tbsp butter or oil
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 15 ounces tomato sauce
• 2 (14.5-ounce) cans diced tomatoes
• 4 tsp lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
• 4 tbsp brown sugar
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

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• Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the head of cabbage and bring it back to a boil. Boil the cabbage for 5 minutes, then drain and let cool. When the cabbage is cool enough to handle, trim about 1/2 inch from the stem end to help loosen the leaves. Carefully remove 18 large leaves and set aside. Set the remaining leaves aside.
  1 large head green cabbage
• Combine the ground beef, uncooked instant rice or cooked long-grain rice, minced onions, eggs, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper in a large bowl. Mix to blend thoroughly.
  1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef | 1/3 cup uncooked instant rice (Minute Rice) | 1 small minced onion | 2 large eggs | 1 tsp fine salt | 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• Place a cabbage leaf on your work surface and use a knife to cut the end of the rib out in a V-shape. This will make the leaf more flexible and easier to roll. Add approximately 1/3 cup of the meat mixture to the center of the cabbage leaf, then roll up burrito-style, tucking the ends in as you roll. Repeat with the remaining leaves and meat mixture.
• Arrange the cabbage rolls, seam sides down, in a Dutch oven or large casserole.
Use any smaller leftover cabbage leaves to line the pan or tuck around the rolls.
• Heat the oven to 350°F.

Make the Sauce

• Heat the butter or oil in a large saucepan and add the chopped onion. Sauté for 3 to 5 minutes or until translucent. Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, lemon juice or vinegar, and brown sugar. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
  1 cup chopped onion | 15 ounces tomato sauce | 2 (14.5-ounce) cans diced tomatoes | 4 tsp lemon juice or apple cider vinegar | 4 tbsp brown sugar | Salt and freshly ground black pepper | 1 tbsp butter or oil
• Pour the sauce mixture over the cabbage rolls in the Dutch oven or casserole. Cover the pan or casserole tightly and bake for 1 1/2 hours. Uncover and continue baking for 20 to 30 minutes.

Notes

The recipe makes about 18 cabbage rolls.

Nutrition

Calories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 18gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 107mgSodium: 636mgPotassium: 455mgFiber: 1gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 36mgIron: 2mg

Disclaimer:

Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.

Keyword cabbage rolls, stuffed cabbage

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