Introduction

Stuffed cabbage rolls are one of the most comforting and satisfying meals you can prepare at home. This timeless recipe combines tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a flavorful filling of seasoned ground beef, cooked rice, onions, herbs, and spices, all baked slowly in a rich tomato sauce until perfectly tender.

Popular in many cuisines around the world, cabbage rolls are known for their hearty texture and rich homemade flavor. Every family has its own version, but the basic recipe remains a favorite because it is simple, filling, and made with everyday ingredients.

The slow baking process allows the cabbage to become soft while the filling absorbs the delicious tomato sauce. The result is a comforting dish that is perfect for weeknight dinners, holidays, or meal preparation.

Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing a dish for guests, these homemade stuffed cabbage rolls are always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

For the Cabbage Rolls

• 1 large green cabbage
• 2 pounds (900g) lean ground beef
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Tomato Sauce

• 2 cups tomato sauce
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 cup beef broth

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage and place the whole head into the boiling water. Cook for 8–10 minutes, removing softened leaves as they loosen. Set the leaves aside to cool.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

Cook the rice until it is slightly underdone according to the package instructions. Drain and allow it to cool completely.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, diced onion, garlic, egg, parsley, paprika, thyme, oregano, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Mix gently until everything is evenly combined.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In a saucepan, combine the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, beef broth, salt, and pepper. Simmer over medium heat for about 10 minutes.

Step 5: Assemble the Rolls

Lay one cabbage leaf flat on a cutting board. Place about 2–3 tablespoons of the meat mixture near the bottom of the leaf. Fold in the sides and roll tightly to form a neat package.

Repeat until all the filling has been used.

Step 6: Arrange in the Baking Dish

Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce in the bottom of a large baking dish. Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in a single layer. Pour the remaining tomato sauce evenly over the rolls.

Step 7: Bake

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 90–120 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the filling is fully cooked.

Step 8: Serve

Allow the cabbage rolls to rest for 10 minutes before serving. Spoon extra tomato sauce over each roll and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Serve with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.