Best Cabbage Rolls Recipe | Easy Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Cabbage rolls are a timeless, comforting dish loved across various cultures. Whether you’re making the classic stuffed cabbage rolls recipe from Eastern Europe, Middle Eastern-style stuffed cabbage, or a hearty American variation, this dish is packed with flavor, nutrition, and tradition.

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In this guide, you’ll discover everything about cabbage rolls recipe, from ingredients and preparation to expert tips and variations. This article is optimized for SEO to help you rank better in search engines while delivering value-packed, engaging content for readers.

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1. Introduction: Why Are Cabbage Rolls So Popular?

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Cabbage rolls are a beloved dish with deep cultural roots. From the Hungarian töltött káposzta to the Polish gołąbki and the Middle Eastern malfouf, each region has its own take on this dish. The combination of soft, tender cabbage leaves filled with flavorful meat, rice, and spices, cooked in a savory sauce, makes it irresistible.

This cabbage rolls recipe is hearty, healthy, and budget-friendly, making it a go-to comfort food for families worldwide.

2. Ingredients Needed for Cabbage Rolls

To make a classic stuffed cabbage recipe, you will need:

For the Cabbage Rolls:

• 1 large head of cabbage 🥬
• 1 lb ground beef or turkey 🍖 (or plant-based meat substitute)
• 1 cup cooked rice 🍚 (white or brown)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 🧅
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt & black pepper
• 1 egg 🥚 (for binding)

For the Sauce:

• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes 🍅
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth 🍲

3. How to Prepare the Cabbage for Stuffing

Before stuffing, cabbage leaves must be soft and pliable. Here’s how to prepare them:

1. Boil the Cabbage:
   • Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
   • Remove the cabbage core and place the whole head in the water.
   • Let it boil for 3-5 minutes, then peel off the softened leaves.
2. Alternative Method – Freezing:
   • If you don’t want to boil, freeze the cabbage overnight.
   • Thaw it the next day; the leaves will soften naturally.

4. Making the Perfect Cabbage Roll Filling

A great stuffed cabbage filling should be flavorful, moist, and well-seasoned. Here’s how to make it:

1. Sauté the Onions & Garlic:
   • In a pan, cook onions and garlic until translucent.
2. Mix Ingredients:
   • In a bowl, combine ground meat, cooked rice, sautéed onions, and garlic.
   • Add egg, salt, pepper, and paprika for extra flavor.
   • Mix well to ensure even seasoning.

5. Step-by-Step Guide to Rolling Cabbage Rolls

1. Lay out a cabbage leaf and trim the thick stem for easy rolling.
2. Place 2 tbsp of filling near the base of the leaf.
3. Fold the sides inward, then roll up tightly like a burrito.
4. Repeat until all the filling is used.

6. Cooking Methods: Oven, Stovetop, or Slow Cooker?

Oven-Baked Cabbage Rolls:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place cabbage rolls seam-side down in a baking dish.
• Pour the tomato sauce over them and cover with foil.
• Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours.

Stovetop Method:

• Place cabbage rolls in a large pot, cover with sauce.
• Simmer over low heat for 1.5 hours.

Slow Cooker Method:

• Arrange rolls in a slow cooker, pour sauce over.
• Cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.

7. Traditional vs. Modern Variations

• Polish (Gołąbki): Uses a tomato-based sauce.
• Hungarian: Includes sauerkraut for extra tang.
• Middle Eastern (Malfouf): Uses spiced lamb and garlic-infused broth.
• Vegetarian: Uses lentils, mushrooms, or quinoa instead of meat.

8. Tips for Perfect Cabbage Rolls Every Time

✔ Use a sharp knife to core the cabbage.
✔ Don’t overfill the rolls, or they’ll burst.
✔ Let them rest for 15 minutes after cooking—this helps the flavors meld.

9. Serving Suggestions and Best Side Dishes

• Mashed potatoes 🥔
• Sour cream or yogurt for dipping
• Crusty bread for soaking up the sauce

10. Storage and Reheating Tips

• Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.

11. Health Benefits

Cabbage rolls are nutritious and low in calories:

• High in fiber (good for digestion)
• Rich in vitamins C & K
• Protein-packed when made with meat or plant-based alternatives

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Best Cabbage Rolls Recipe | Easy Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

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cooking

A delicious and comforting dish, these stuffed cabbage rolls are filled with seasoned ground meat and rice, then simmered in a rich tomato sauce for the perfect homemade meal.

4 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Comfort Food, Eastern European

Servings 6 portions

Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

• Large Pot
• Mixing Bowl
• Cutting Board
• Sharp Knife
• Large Baking Dish
• Wooden Spoon

Ingredients

  

For the Cabbage Rolls

• 1 large head of cabbage core removed
• 1 lb ground beef or use ground turkey
• 1 cup cooked rice white or brown
• 1 small onion finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt adjust to taste
• ½ tsp black pepper freshly ground
• 1 large egg beaten

For the Sauce

• 1 can crushed tomatoes (28 oz)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth

Instructions

 

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Remove the core of the cabbage and place the whole head into the boiling water. Boil for 3-5 minutes, then carefully peel off the softened leaves.
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• In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, cooked rice, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, paprika, salt, black pepper, and a beaten egg. Mix thoroughly.
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• Lay a cabbage leaf on a flat surface. Place 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture near the base, fold in the sides, and roll up tightly like a burrito.
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• In a baking dish, arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down.
• In a saucepan, mix crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and broth. Simmer for 5 minutes, then pour over the cabbage rolls.
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• Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1.5 to 2 hours until the cabbage is tender and the filling is fully cooked.
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Video

Notes

For a lighter version, use ground turkey instead of beef. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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12. FAQs: Common Questions About Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

1. Can I make cabbage rolls ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble them and refrigerate overnight before cooking.

2. What’s the best way to soften cabbage leaves?
Boiling or freezing works best.

3. Can I make cabbage rolls without meat?
Yes! Use lentils, mushrooms, or quinoa instead.

4. How do I prevent cabbage rolls from falling apart?
Roll them tightly and place seam-side down in the dish.

5. Can I use red cabbage for this recipe?
Yes, but it has a slightly stronger flavor.

Final Thoughts

This cabbage rolls recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves comforting, homemade food. Whether you stick to tradition or experiment with different fillings and sauces, one thing is for sure—stuffed cabbage rolls are a delicious way to enjoy a hearty, satisfying meal!

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