Classic Cabbage Rolls Recipe: Comforting Family Favorite

Cabbage Rolls

Hola! If you’ve ever wondered what happens when a Florida girl falls head over heels for hearty comfort food, then these Classic Cabbage Rolls are proof that love is delicious. Growing up in Orlando, my mama and abuela filled my world with the vibrant flavors of Mexican kitchens, but we also loved exploring old-world comfort dishes like stuffed cabbage.
I still remember curling up at the table, steam rising from a dish of rolled cabbage filled with tender beef and rice, smothered in rich tomato sauce. This cabbage rolls recipe is pure comfort, hearty enough for a Sunday dinner, and it tastes even better the next day.

Quick Recipe Overview

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and filling: These cabbage rolls are stuffed with beef, rice, and onions, then simmered in tangy tomato sauce for a complete meal.
• Perfect comfort food: Warm, saucy, and satisfying, it feels like a cozy hug on a plate.
• Great for leftovers: The flavors deepen overnight, making this an ideal make-ahead recipe.
• Family favorite: Both kids and adults love the mild yet savory flavors.
• Versatile: Easy to adapt with different fillings or sauces to match your taste.

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Classic Cabbage Rolls Recipe

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• Author: Emma
• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

Tender cabbage leaves stuffed with rice, seasoned ground beef, and caramelized onions simmered in a rich tomato sauce.

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Ingredients

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• 18 large cabbage leaves
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef (95% lean preferred)
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• ½ cup milk
• 15-ounce can tomato sauce
• 15-ounce can diced tomatoes (do not drain)
• ¼ cup light brown sugar
• ¼ cup white balsamic vinegar
• ¼ cup water
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• ¼ cup chopped parsley leaves for garnish

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add cabbage leaves in batches, cooking 3 minutes until soft. Drain and trim ribs.

2. Heat oil in a skillet or Dutch oven. Sauté onion until golden, add garlic and red pepper flakes, cook 30 seconds.

3. Transfer half the onions to a bowl. Stir in beef, rice, salt, pepper, egg, and milk until combined.

4. Lay each cabbage leaf flat, add filling, fold sides inward, and roll tightly. Place seam-side down in dish.

5. Mix remaining onions with tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, brown sugar, and vinegar. Pour over rolls, cover, and bake at 375°F for 45 minutes.

6. Remove cover, spoon sauce over rolls, and bake 15 more minutes.

7. Remove rolls. Whisk cornstarch with water, stir into sauce on stovetop until thickened. Pour over rolls and garnish with parsley.

Notes

You can boil or microwave cabbage leaves to soften before rolling.

Use quinoa instead of rice for a healthier twist.

Freeze unbaked rolls for up to 3 months for easy meal prep.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: European-inspired comfort food

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 roll
• Calories: 259
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 739mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 75mg

Ingredients

For the cabbage rolls:

• 18 large cabbage leaves
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef (95% lean preferred)
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• ½ cup milk

For the sauce:

• 15-ounce can tomato sauce
• 15-ounce can diced tomatoes (do not drain)
• ¼ cup light brown sugar
• ¼ cup white balsamic vinegar
• ¼ cup water
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• ¼ cup chopped parsley leaves, for garnish

Ingredient Tips Table

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the cabbage leaves: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add cabbage leaves in batches, cooking 3 minutes until soft. Drain and remove tough ribs with a knife so rolling is easier.
2. Cook aromatics: Heat oil in a skillet or Dutch oven. Sauté chopped onion until golden and caramelized, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 30 seconds more.
3. Make filling: Transfer half the onion mixture to a bowl. Stir in ground beef, rice, salt, pepper, egg, and milk. Mix until combined.
4. Fill and roll: Lay each softened cabbage leaf flat. Add filling where the rib was removed, fold sides inward, and roll tightly. Place seam-side down in the skillet or baking dish.
5. Prepare sauce: Mix remaining onions with tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, brown sugar, and vinegar. Pour over rolls, cover, and bake at 375°F for 45 minutes.
6. Finish cooking: Remove cover, spoon sauce over rolls, and bake 15 more minutes.
7. Thicken sauce: Remove rolls, then whisk cornstarch with water. Stir into sauce on stovetop until thickened. Pour over rolls and garnish with parsley before serving.

Helpful Tips

• Work in batches when boiling cabbage leaves so they stay pliable and intact.
• Trim ribs well to prevent tearing and ensure easier rolling.
• Use a Dutch oven if possible, since it goes from stovetop to oven in one dish.
• Let the rolls rest 5 minutes before serving so the filling holds together.

Expert Tips for the Best Results

• Roll tightly: This prevents the filling from spilling out while cooking.
• Don’t overstuff: Smaller amounts of filling make the rolls neater and easier to cook evenly.
• Bake covered first: This allows the rolls to steam and cook through before browning.
• Use fresh herbs: Adding parsley at the end brightens up the rich flavors.

Recipe Variations

• Turkey cabbage rolls: Swap beef for lean ground turkey to lighten the dish.
• Vegetarian version: Replace meat with lentils, mushrooms, and extra rice for hearty vegetarian rolls.
• Spicy twist: Add chili powder or hot paprika to the sauce for more heat.
• Cheesy cabbage rolls: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or parmesan over the rolls before baking uncovered for a gooey finish.

Make Ahead & Freezer Tips

You can assemble cabbage rolls a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake. They also freeze beautifully: place unbaked rolls in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve these cabbage rolls straight from the baking dish with a big spoonful of sauce. They pair perfectly with crusty bread to soak up the tomato gravy, and a light side salad balances the richness. Garnish with fresh parsley for a bright touch.

Pairing Ideas

Pair cabbage rolls with a glass of dry red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon. For non-alcoholic options, try sparkling water with lemon or a light iced tea. Classic sides like mashed potatoes or roasted carrots complete the meal beautifully.

For busy nights, this quick Crispy Korean Baked Cauliflower with Sweet & Spicy Sauce is a lifesaver.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftover cabbage rolls keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave, covering with a damp paper towel, or on the stovetop with a splash of water to keep them moist. The sauce may thicken slightly but will still taste amazing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make cabbage rolls ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble them up to a day in advance and refrigerate until baking time.

2. What is the best cabbage to use? Green cabbage works best because the leaves are large and pliable, but Savoy cabbage also works for a softer texture.

3. Can I freeze cooked cabbage rolls? Absolutely, freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven covered with foil until warmed through.

4. What can I substitute for rice? Quinoa, cauliflower rice, or bulgur are great options depending on your dietary needs.

5. How do I keep my rolls from falling apart? Roll tightly and place seam-side down in the dish so they stay secure while cooking.

6. Can I make this recipe keto-friendly? Yes, swap rice for cauliflower rice and skip the brown sugar for a low-carb option.

7. How do I make the sauce richer? Use fire-roasted tomatoes or add a splash of red wine to the sauce before baking.

Nutrition Info

Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.

Conclusion

These Classic Cabbage Rolls are comfort food at its best, with tender cabbage stuffed with beef and rice, simmered in savory tomato sauce. Try them for your next family dinner and bring a little old-world charm to your table!