Stuffed cabbage rolls are a heartwarming classic that brings together tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory filling of meat and rice. This dish is not only a staple in Eastern European cuisine, but it also embodies the essence of comfort food. The satisfying blend of flavors and textures—soft cabbage pillows encasing a warm, hearty filling—will make any meal feel special. Whether you’re serving them on a chilly evening or for a family gathering, these delectable rolls promise to delight everyone at the table.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe | Easy healthy dinner
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Stuffed Cabbage Rolls | Easy healthy dinner

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls | Easy healthy dinner

When I first encountered stuffed cabbage rolls, it was during a family gathering at my grandmother’s house. The aroma of simmering tomato sauce filled the air as she carefully rolled each cabbage leaf, infusing love into every step. This recipe is a homage to those cherished moments, offering a delicious way to bring the warmth of family togetherness into your kitchen. Best of all, this easy healthy dinner is budget-friendly, making it perfect for any occasion. You’ll want to make these when comfort calls!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 25 minutes of prep time, you can have comfort food on the table without much fuss.
Irresistible Flavor: The blend of ground meat, spices, and tangy tomato sauce creates a mouthwatering, robust flavor profile.
Eye-Catching Appeal: These rolls are not only delicious but also look impressive and inviting on a plate.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for family dinners, holiday meals, or meal prep for busy weeks—you can enjoy them any time!
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily switch to turkey or plant-based meat for healthier or vegetarian alternatives without losing flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 large head of cabbage: Cabbage serves as the perfect wrap for our meat filling, offering a delightful crunch and tenderness after cooking. Look for a tightly packed head for the best leaves.
1 lb ground beef or pork (or a mix): The meat provides protein and flavor. Feel free to use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
1 cup cooked rice: White or brown rice works well. This adds bulk and texture to the filling—be sure it’s cooked and cooled for the best results.
1 medium onion, finely chopped: Onions enhance the filling’s flavor, bringing sweetness and depth. Yellow or white onions are ideal.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic adds aromatic flavor complexity—don’t skip it for that extra zing!
1 large egg: The egg helps bind everything together, ensuring that the rolls hold their shape while cooking.
1 tsp salt: Essential for elevating the flavors in the filling.
1/2 tsp black pepper: Adds a mild kick—not too spicy, but just enough to kick things up a notch.
1 tsp paprika: This spice contributes warmth and a gentle smokiness, aligning perfectly with the other ingredients.
2 cups tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes: A harmonious base for the rolls that keeps them moist and infuses them with great flavor.
1 cup beef broth: This adds richness to the cooking liquid, ensuring that the cabbage rolls are juicy and full of flavor.
2 tbsp olive oil: Used for browning the rolls and adding a touch of richness.
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish): Fresh parsley not only brightens the dish but also adds a pop of color before serving.

How to Make Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe | Easy healthy dinner

Boil the Cabbage: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Carefully remove the core from the large head of cabbage, then plunge the whole head into the boiling water. Cook for 5–7 minutes, or until the leaves become softened yet still pliable. Remove the cabbage and let it cool slightly; then separate the leaves gently, taking care not to tear them.

Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 lb of ground beef or pork, 1 cup of cooked rice, 1 medium finely chopped onion, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 large egg, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp paprika. Mix everything together until well combined. The mixture should be cohesive but not overly packed, ensuring each roll has an airy texture when cooked.

Roll the Cabbage: Take one softened cabbage leaf and place 2–3 tablespoons of the filling at the center. Fold the sides of the leaf inward, then roll it tightly from the bottom up, similar to a burrito. Repeat this process with the remaining leaves and filling until all are rolled and ready.

Brown the Rolls: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the pan. Allow them to brown lightly on all sides, which should take about 5 minutes, adding a beautiful golden hue and depth of flavor.

Simmer in Sauce: After browning, pour 2 cups of tomato sauce and 1 cup of beef broth over the cabbage rolls. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, reducing the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it cook for 45–60 minutes, stirring gently halfway through, until the rolls are tender and fully cooked through. The sauce should be bubbling around the edges, ready to infuse the rolls with richness.

Serve and Garnish: Once cooked, transfer the cabbage rolls to a serving plate, spooning the luscious tomato sauce over the top. If desired, garnish with 1 tbsp of freshly chopped parsley for a touch of brightness and color. Serve warm, and enjoy!

Storing & Reheating

To store leftover cabbage rolls, let them cool to room temperature before placing them in an airtight container. They can safely sit out for about two hours before needing refrigeration. In the fridge, they’ll keep well for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap them tightly and freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw the rolls in the fridge overnight, then warm them in a skillet over medium-low heat for 10–15 minutes until heated through. Just note that the texture might soften slightly, but you can refresh it with a splash of broth if desired.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Always ensure your cabbage leaves are tender; if you encounter any tough leaves, you can either return them to boiling water for a few more minutes or slice the thicker parts of the spine with a knife.
To avoid overfilling, create a small meatball-sized amount of filling. This way, each roll holds together well without bursting.
Experiment with spices! You can customize your rolls by adding Italian herbs, cumin, or even a hint of chili powder for extra flair.
If you have leftover cooked rice, this recipe is a great way to use it up!
For a meal prep option, assemble the rolls in advance and store them uncooked in the fridge, then just simmer them when you’re ready to eat.

Stuffed cabbage rolls are a fantastic way to gather around the dinner table and create lasting memories with loved ones. With these simple steps, you’ll discover just how delightful this dish can be. Embrace the process, enjoy the flavors, and serve them with your favorite sides. Happy cooking!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use other types of meat in stuffed cabbage rolls?

Absolutely! While ground beef and pork are traditional, you can easily substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat options for a vegetarian or lighter meal.

How do I make stuffed cabbage rolls in advance?

You can prepare the rolls in advance by assembling them and storing uncooked in the refrigerator. Just make sure to cover them tightly so they don’t dry out. When ready to cook, simply follow the simmering instructions straight from the fridge.

What can I serve with stuffed cabbage rolls?

Stuffed cabbage rolls pair wonderfully with crusty bread, a fresh garden salad, or even mashed potatoes for a heartier meal. Don’t forget to have additional tomato sauce on the side for dipping!

Can I freeze stuffed cabbage rolls?

Yes, you can freeze cooked stuffed cabbage rolls! Just ensure they are cooled completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bags for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight and reheat as needed.

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Stuffed Cabbage Rolls | Easy healthy dinner

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Author: Danae
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 85 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

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Description

These stuffed cabbage rolls are a comforting and satisfying meal, packed with ground meat, rice, and spices. They are easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners, offering irresistible flavors and wholesome ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

1 large head of cabbage
1 lb ground beef or pork (or a mix)
1 cup cooked rice
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large egg
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika
2 cups tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
1 cup beef broth
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

Boil a large pot of water. Remove the core from the cabbage and add the head to the boiling water. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the leaves are softened, then remove and let cool before separating the leaves.
In a bowl, mix together ground meat, cooked rice, onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and paprika until well combined.
Take 2-3 tablespoons of the filling and place it in the center of each cabbage leaf. Fold the sides over and roll tightly, resembling a burrito.
In a skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil on medium heat. Place the rolls seam-side down and brown lightly on all sides.
Pour the tomato sauce and beef broth over the rolls. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, cover, and cook for 45-60 minutes until the rolls are tender and fully cooked.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.