Name: Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 medium head of cabbage; 1 lb ground beef or turkey; 1/2 cup cooked rice; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 2 cups marinara sauce; 1/2 cup beef or vegetable broth; 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

Jump to Recipe·5.3 from 17 reviews

If you’re in the mood for comfort food that wraps you up in a warm, flavorful hug, then look no further than Stuffed Cabbage Rolls. Picture this: tender cabbage leaves hugging a delicious mix of seasoned ground meat, soft cooked rice, fresh herbs, and a hint of garlic, all bathing in rich tomato sauce. Every bite is hearty, wholesome, and irresistibly savory. This classic dish bridges generations, perfect for cozy weeknight dinners yet special enough for gatherings with friends or family. Get ready to discover a stuffed cabbage recipe you’ll want to make again and again!

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love about these ingredients is how each one plays a starring role in creating layers of flavor and texture—all without being fussy. Simple staples like cabbage, ground meat, and marinara sauce shine brightly and, together, turn into unforgettable Stuffed Cabbage Rolls you’ll crave time after time.

Cabbage: Use a medium head—its large, flexible leaves are perfect for rolling and become sweet and tender after baking.
Ground beef or turkey: Choose your favorite; beef brings hearty richness while turkey keeps things lighter but every bit as tasty.
Cooked rice: Adds structure to the filling and ensures each bite is perfectly moist.
Onion: A small, finely chopped onion delivers a mellow depth to the stuffing.
Garlic: Don’t skip the minced garlic—it’s a game-changer for savory, aromatic notes.
Olive oil: For sautéing the aromatics to golden, flavorful perfection.
Dried thyme: This herb brings subtle earthiness that makes the filling truly special.
Paprika: Just a hint adds color and a gentle smoky aroma.
Salt and pepper: Season to taste to make all the flavors pop.
Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley brightens up the filling with its fresh, grassy flavor.
Marinara sauce: Go for your favorite jarred or homemade—it’s the luscious base and topper for the rolls.
Beef or vegetable broth: Keeps everything juicy and helps meld all those wonderful flavors together during baking.
Lemon juice (optional): A small squeeze at the end brings a welcome burst of freshness.

How to Make Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage Leaves

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil, then carefully core your cabbage. Gently lower the whole head into the water and blanch it for 2-3 minutes. This short dip makes the leaves pliable without overcooking them. Remove the cabbage, let it cool slightly, and carefully peel away each leaf, setting them aside to await their delicious future. This quick step ensures your Stuffed Cabbage Rolls will have that perfect, tender bite.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Brown the Meat

In a large skillet, heat a swirl of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in those finely chopped onions and minced garlic, stirring until they’re fragrant and translucent—about 3 to 4 minutes. Then, crumble in your ground beef or turkey and break it apart as it cooks. Let it brown beautifully, seasoning with salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika to coax out all the flavors. The kitchen will already smell irresistible!

Step 3: Mix in Rice and Fresh Herbs

Once the meat is cooked and deliciously seasoned, stir in the cooked rice and a generous sprinkle of chopped parsley. This is the moment your filling takes shape—each ingredient complementing the others in taste and texture. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool for a few minutes; this makes it easier to handle later when rolling.

Step 4: Assemble the Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lay one cabbage leaf flat on your work surface. Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the meat mixture into the center, fold in the sides to encase the filling, and roll it up snugly. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling. It’s almost therapeutic—the rolls coming together one by one, promising a hearty meal ahead.

Step 5: Arrange and Bake

Grab a baking dish and pour in half the marinara sauce and broth, creating a saucy bed for your rolls. Nestle your cabbage rolls seam-side down on top. Shower them with the remaining marinara sauce for maximum flavor and moisture. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 40-45 minutes, letting everything gently bubble away until the cabbage is meltingly soft and the centers are piping hot.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Once baked, let your masterpiece rest briefly, then serve warm. For a final flourish—if you like—drizzle with a little lemon juice. Each bite bursts with savory tomato goodness and perfectly seasoned filling, tucked inside silky cabbage. Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are the very definition of comfort food done right.

How to Serve Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Garnishes

Add some finishing touches to make your Stuffed Cabbage Rolls extra special. Sprinkle them with more chopped parsley for freshness, a dusting of paprika for color, or a spoonful of sour cream for creamy tang. Each little addition elevates both flavor and eye appeal!

Side Dishes

Pair these hearty rolls with something light and bright: a crisp cucumber salad, steamed green beans, or roasted potatoes all complement the dish’s rich flavors. A simple slice of crusty bread is perfect for sopping up extra tomato sauce—just try and resist.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress? Arrange Stuffed Cabbage Rolls in a circular pattern on a big platter, or serve them family-style straight from the baking dish for that homey feel. For a modern twist, slice the rolls into thick rounds and stack them, then drizzle with extra sauce for a bistro-worthy touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Stuffed Cabbage Rolls keep beautifully! Once cooled, transfer them (with their sauce) to an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days—perfect for easy lunches or busy weeknight dinners.

Freezing

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls freeze wonderfully. Simply let them cool completely, then pack them—sauce and all—into a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

Reheating

Reheat rolls gently in a covered dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, just add a splash of water or broth to keep them moist. Either way, they come out as comforting as you remember!

FAQs

Can I make Stuffed Cabbage Rolls vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply swap the ground meat for plant-based crumbles, cooked lentils, or a mixture of sautéed mushrooms and rice. The rest of the recipe stays the same, so you’ll still have all the cozy flavors and that iconic cabbage wrap.

How can I prevent my cabbage leaves from tearing?

Be gentle when removing the leaves—blanching them first makes them much more flexible and less likely to rip. If you get some small tears, just patch them with extra bits of cabbage before rolling and they’ll hold together during baking.

Can I assemble Stuffed Cabbage Rolls ahead of time?

You sure can! Assemble the rolls and place them in the baking dish, cover tightly, and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes dinner even easier on a busy evening.

What’s the best sauce for Stuffed Cabbage Rolls?

I love a good marinara or homemade tomato sauce, but you can also try a tangy sweet-and-sour sauce if you’re after more traditional Eastern European flavors. Just be generous with the sauce so everything stays moist and flavorful.

Can I use brown rice or another grain?

Yes! Brown rice, quinoa, or even farro all work as excellent substitutes in this recipe. Just make sure whatever grain you use is cooked before mixing it into the filling.

Final Thoughts

There’s just nothing more comforting than a pan of Stuffed Cabbage Rolls, bubbling in a sea of rich tomato sauce and bursting with savory goodness. Whether you’re making them for your family or surprising friends with a homemade feast, this recipe never disappoints. Give it a try—you’ll soon see why it’s a beloved classic in kitchens everywhere!