Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe

Tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a hearty, flavorful filling and slow-baked in a tangy tomato sauce—these Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are pure comfort food. This is the kind of dish that feels like a hug after a long day. The combination of juicy sausage, savory ground beef, fragrant rice, and just the right blend of spices all come together in a single bite. The best part? It’s much easier and more approachable than it sounds, especially with a few simple steps to guide you. Let’s turn a head of cabbage and a handful of pantry staples into a weeknight dinner everyone will rave about.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a quick look at what goes into these stuffed cabbage rolls, plus a few insider notes so you’ll know exactly why and how each ingredient works its magic:

• Cabbage (whole, cored): The star of the show. Large, sturdy leaves hold up perfectly for stuffing and rolling. Pro tip: Choose a fresh cabbage for the easiest peeling.
• Unsalted Butter: For caramelizing the onions and adding richness to the sauce at the end. You can use olive oil if you want a lighter flavor.
• Onion (finely diced): Gives the filling its aromatic base; don’t skimp on time here—slow-cooked onions are key!
• Italian Sausage (bulk): Brings bold flavor and a juicy, savory bite to the filling.
• Ground Chuck: Adds depth and classic beefy richness.
• Egg: Holds the filling together for sliceable rolls.
• Flat-leaf Italian Parsley (minced): Freshness and a pop of brightness.
• Dried Oregano: For that herbaceous Italian flavor.
• Paprika: Adds subtle smokiness and color.
• Cooked Long Grain Rice: Essential for a fluffy, tender filling that is perfectly balanced.
• Black Pepper/Fine Sea Salt: Season generously; the filling needs it!
• Tomato Paste: The foundation of the sauce—thick, rich, and tangy.
• Water: To thin out the tomato paste for a pourable sauce.
• Brown Sugar: Just a touch to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Cider Vinegar: Lifts the sauce and adds a little zing.
• More Unsalted Butter (optional, for sauce finish): For silky richness in the final sauce.
• Salt and Pepper (to taste): Adjust as needed.

Note: You can easily double the sauce ingredients if you love extra sauce for serving.

Variations

There’s plenty of room to play with these cabbage rolls. Here are a few ideas you might want to try:

• Meat Swap: Replace half or all of the sausage and beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner twist.
• Grain Option: Trade out the white rice for brown rice, quinoa, or even farro for a heartier bite.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red chili flakes to the filling for those who like a little heat.
• Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat entirely—amp up the rice, add chopped mushrooms, and toss in some cooked lentils.
• Herb Changes: Experiment with dill or thyme in place of oregano and parsley for a new flavor profile.

How to Make Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Let’s break it down step-by-step so the process is easy and stress-free:

Prep the Cabbage

Begin by preheating the oven to 350°F. Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil. Gently add the whole, cored cabbage and turn it every few minutes. After about 10 minutes, the leaves should be soft and pliable. Drain the cabbage, let it cool a bit, then carefully peel off about 16 large leaves. If the leaves seem a bit stiff, return the cabbage to the hot water for a couple more minutes—they’ll loosen right up.

Prepare the Filling

While the cabbage is cooling, melt butter in a frying pan and cook the onions with a pinch of salt until they’re meltingly soft and starting to caramelize—patience pays off here! Combine the cooked onions with the sausage, ground beef, cooked rice, egg, parsley, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper in a big bowl. Mix it all together until well combined.

Roll the Cabbage Leaves

Lay a cabbage leaf flat and carefully slice out the thick rib at the bottom with a v-cut for easier rolling. Scoop a generous portion of filling into the center, fold the bottom “flaps” over the filling, tuck in the sides, and roll it all up burrito-style. Place each roll, seam side down, in a baking dish. Don’t be afraid to pack them snugly; it helps them hold their shape.

Make the Sauce

Mix hot water, tomato paste, brown sugar, and cider vinegar together until smooth. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Pour the sauce over the cabbage rolls so they’re mostly submerged. Top up with more water if needed.

Bake the Rolls

Cover tightly with foil. Bake for about 2 to 3 hours, until the rolls are extremely tender and the kitchen smells like heaven. If the sauce seems to dry out partway through, just add another splash of water.

Finish and Serve

Let the rolls rest for 10-15 minutes. Want a thicker, glossy sauce? Remove the rolls, reduce the sauce on the stove until it reaches your preferred consistency, then whisk in cold butter for a silky finish. Pour the sauce back over the rolls—or serve it on the side for dipping.

How to Serve

Pile these cabbage rolls onto a big platter and ladle over plenty of sauce. For a complete meal, serve with:

• Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up every last bite of sauce.
• Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The ultimate comfort pairing.
• Simple Green Salad: Brightens up the meal and adds crunch.
• Pickled Vegetables: The acidity cuts through the rich filling.

Tip: Don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh parsley, a squeeze of lemon, or a dash of paprika right before serving for an extra pop of color and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cabbage rolls are a gift! Simply layer them in an airtight container, with extra sauce spooned over the top, and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Stuffed cabbage rolls freeze beautifully. Arrange in a freezer-safe container and cover with sauce. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture.

Reheating

Warm in the oven (covered, at 350°F) or in the microwave, adding a little extra sauce or water to keep everything moist. Let them heat through gently for best results.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Stuffed Cabbage Rolls recipe is the kind of dish you’ll be proud to share—a true comfort food classic that’s surprisingly simple to pull off at home. The mix of savory filling, tender cabbage, and that tangy-sweet sauce is worth every minute. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just preparing ahead for busy nights, this will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Give it a try and watch it win over even the pickiest eaters!

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