Go Back
–+ servings
cabbage rolls recipe Close-up of cabbage rolls with a rich tomato sauce and herbs, showing the stuffed filling.

cabbage rolls recipe

5 from 1 vote
These cabbage rolls recipe, filled with a savory beef and rice mixture, are enveloped in a rich, tangy tomato sauce with a hint of Worcestershire for a cozy, comforting dish.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls
Course: dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 485
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Tomato Sauce:
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil For sautéing
  • 1 cup finely diced yellow onion For a savory base
  • 2 garlic cloves minced (Adds flavor depth)
  • 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce (Base for the sauce)
  • 1 15-ounce can crushed tomatoes (Adds texture to the sauce)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce Adds savory depth
  • 1 tablespoon sugar Balances acidity
  • 1 teaspoon salt Seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper Seasoning
For the Filling:
  • 1.1 pounds 85/15 ground beef Lean ground beef for flavor and texture
  • 1.1 cups cooked white rice Main binding ingredient
  • ½ cup finely diced yellow onion Adds flavor and moisture
  • 1 garlic clove minced (Adds depth to the filling)
  • 1 large egg Helps bind the filling together
  • 1 teaspoon salt Seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper Seasoning
  • 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley For fresh flavor
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika Adds color and depth
  • ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper Optional, adds a hint of spice
  • For the Cabbage Leaves:
  • 1 large head of green cabbage For wrapping

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and coat a large 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
  2. Boil a large pot of water. Trim about 1 inch from the base of the cabbage and immerse the whole head into the pot. Cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the leaves become soft and easy to peel.
    A whole head of cabbage steaming in a large pot to soften the leaves for making stuffed cabbage rolls
  3. Remove the cabbage from the pot and set it on a dish towel to drain. Let it cool, then peel 12 leaves off carefully, avoiding any tears.
  4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
  5. Stir in the tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Bring the sauce to a boil on high heat, then lower the heat and simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes.
  6. Place all filling ingredients into a large mixing bowl. Mash the mixture with a potato masher until thoroughly combined.
    Close-up of ground meat, rice, and spices being mixed together in a glass mixing bowl.
  7. Lay a cabbage leaf flat on a cutting board. Remove the tough bottom portion by cutting a V-shape from the base.
  8. Spoon 3-4 tablespoons of the filling onto each cabbage leaf. Fold the sides over the mixture, then roll from the bottom up to form a secure roll. Repeat for the remaining cabbage leaves.
    Hands wrapping seasoned ground meat and rice inside a cabbage leaf, preparing stuffed cabbage rolls
  9. Spread some of the tomato sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange the cabbage rolls seam side down, making two rows of six rolls each.
    Cabbage rolls neatly arranged in a baking dish, ready to be baked, with tomato sauce covering the bottom
  10. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 60-75 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the rolls reaches 165°F. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1rollCalories: 485kcalCarbohydrates: 52gProtein: 22gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 1250mgPotassium: 1125mgFiber: 9gSugar: 17gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 85mgCalcium: 155mgIron: 5.5mg

Notes

This recipe combines tender cabbage with a hearty beef filling, topped with a homemade tomato sauce. A classic dish that’s perfect for a cozy meal!

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!