There is something truly comforting and nostalgic about this Old-Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe that makes it a beloved staple in many households. Picture tender cabbage leaves lovingly wrapped around a savory mix of ground beef, pork, and perfectly cooked rice, all simmered in a rich, tangy tomato sauce that balances sweetness, acidity, and a hint of spice. This dish brings together simple, hearty ingredients that blossom into deep flavors with every bite, evoking warm memories and a welcome sense of home-cooked love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering straightforward yet essential ingredients is the first step toward this comfort food success. Each one plays a specific role—from the crispness of the cabbage to the savory richness of the meat filling complemented by the tangy tomato sauce—ensuring a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and inviting color in your finished rolls.
- 1 large head green cabbage: Provides the tender, leafy wraps that cradle the filling with a mild, earthy flavor.
- 1 pound ground beef: Adds robust, juicy meatiness and depth to the filling.
- 1/2 pound ground pork: Brings moisture and a subtle sweetness to balance the beef.
- 1 cup cooked white rice: A binding ingredient that adds tenderness and heartiness.
- 1 small onion (finely chopped): Infuses the filling with its sweet, aromatic punch.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Contributes savory warmth and a little zing to the meat mix.
- 1 large egg: Helps hold the filling together for easy rolling and baking.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors in every component.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat to keep the filling lively.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Lends subtle smokiness and a hint of color.
- 2 cups tomato sauce: Forms the luscious, tangy base of the baking sauce.
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes: Adds texture and richness to deepen the sauce’s flavor.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes with gentle sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the sauce with fresh acidity.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Delivers umami depth and a touch of complexity.
- 1/2 cup water: Adjusts the sauce consistency for perfect coverage while baking.
How to Make Old-Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Soften the Cabbage Leaves
Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Remove the core from your cabbage to make it easier to work with, then immerse the whole head in the boiling water for about 5 to 7 minutes. This process softens the outer leaves, making them pliable and perfect for rolling without tearing. Gently peel off each softened leaf and set them aside on a clean surface. Repeat boiling if needed until you have about 12 large leaves ready to fill.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork with the cooked rice, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and egg. Season generously with salt, pepper, and paprika to infuse each bite with balanced spices. Mix everything thoroughly until you have a uniform, sticky filling that will hold its shape inside the cabbage leaves.
Step 3: Roll the Cabbage
Lay one cabbage leaf flat on your work surface. Dollop about 1/4 cup of the meat mixture into the center of the leaf. Fold in the sides of the leaf gently, then roll it from the bottom up like a burrito, encasing the filling completely. This neat rolling technique ensures that the juices stay locked inside during baking. Continue this process with each leaf and the remaining filling.
Step 4: Make the Tomato Sauce
In a separate bowl, stir together tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, brown sugar, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and water until fully blended. This sauce is the heart of the dish, combining sweet, tangy, and umami flavors that will soak into the rolls as they bake, making them incredibly tender and flavorful.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Spread a thin layer of the prepared tomato sauce across the bottom of a large baking dish. Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish to prevent them from unraveling. Pour the rest of the sauce evenly over the top, covering each roll generously. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake at 350°F for one hour. Then uncover and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and bubble beautifully. Let the rolls rest for five minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle perfectly.
How to Serve Old-Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a touch of fresh garnish can elevate your presentation and flavor game. Sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or dill over the top to add a pop of green and a fresh aroma that cuts through the richness beautifully. A dollop of sour cream on the side can also add creamy tang, balancing the hearty tomato sauce perfectly.
Side Dishes
Classic comfort foods deserve complementary sides. Serve your stuffed cabbage rolls with buttery mashed potatoes or egg noodles to soak up the delicious tomato sauce. A crisp cucumber salad or steamed green beans add crunch and freshness, providing balance and color to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress? Serve each roll on a slice of rye bread, topped with a sprinkle of shredded cheese, and broil briefly to create a melty, flavorful open-faced sandwich. Alternatively, dish out the rolls in individual ramekins, layering them with extra sauce and cheese for a personal casserole experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying this Old-Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe, leftover rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making next-day leftovers even more satisfying.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead of time or extend the dish’s life, you can freeze the unbaked rolls arranged in their baking dish, covered tightly with plastic wrap and foil, for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as instructed for a stress-free meal.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 325°F covered with foil until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes, to preserve moisture and flavor. Alternatively, microwave individual portions, covered to avoid drying, for 2 to 3 minutes on medium power.
FAQs
Can I use different types of meat in this Old-Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe?
Absolutely! While ground beef and pork are traditional for their flavor and fat content, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, though the flavor profile will be slightly lighter. Mixing different meats can also add interesting nuances.
Do I have to boil the cabbage leaves, or is there another method?
Boiling is the easiest way to soften cabbage leaves without breaking them. Alternatively, you can blanch the leaves in hot water briefly or steam them until pliable. Just ensure they are flexible enough to roll without tearing.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This Old-Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe contains no gluten-containing ingredients, making it suitable for gluten-free diets. Just double-check that your tomato sauce and Worcestershire sauce are labeled gluten-free to be safe.
Can I make the rolls ahead and bake them later?
Definitely! You can prepare the cabbage rolls and assemble the baking dish the night before. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and bake fresh the next day. This is perfect for planning a hassle-free meal on busy days.
What’s the best way to prevent the rolls from falling apart while baking?
Rolling the cabbage leaves tightly and folding in the sides securely help keep the filling intact. Also, placing the rolls seam-side down in the baking dish and covering with sauce locks in moisture and structure, preventing unraveling during cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Old-Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe is pure comfort food at its finest, blending tender cabbage, savory meat, and luscious tomato sauce in a way that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you are revisiting a beloved family tradition or discovering this dish for the first time, I encourage you to dive in and make it your own. Trust me, once you take that first bite, it will have a permanent place in your kitchen and heart.
Print
Old-Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Eastern European
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This classic Old-Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls recipe features tender cabbage leaves filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, pork, rice, and spices, baked in a rich tomato sauce. A hearty and comforting Eastern European dish that’s perfect for family dinners or holiday meals.
Ingredients
For the Cabbage Rolls
- 1 large head green cabbage
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
For the Tomato Sauce
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Prepare the cabbage leaves: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage and place the whole head in the boiling water. Cook for 5–7 minutes, then gently peel off softened outer leaves and set aside. Continue boiling remaining cabbage as needed to soften about 12 large leaves.
- Make the filling: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, cooked rice, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Assemble the rolls: Lay one cabbage leaf flat and place about 1/4 cup of the meat mixture in the center. Fold in the sides of the leaf and roll tightly, similar to a burrito. Repeat this process with the remaining leaves and filling.
- Prepare the sauce: In a separate bowl, stir together the tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, brown sugar, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and water until well combined.
- Arrange and bake: Pour a thin layer of the tomato sauce into the bottom of a large baking dish. Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish, then pour the remaining sauce evenly over the top. Cover the dish with foil.
- Bake the rolls: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes until the sauce is bubbling and the cabbage rolls are cooked through.
- Rest and serve: Remove from the oven and let the rolls rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.
Notes
- You can prepare these cabbage rolls ahead of time and refrigerate them overnight before baking for convenience.
- For a leaner version, substitute ground turkey for the beef and pork mixture.
