Stuffed Cabbage Rolls in Tomato Sauce

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Stuffed cabbage rolls are one of the most comforting dishes you can serve at the family table. Tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a juicy, flavorful meat-and-rice filling, all slowly cooked in a rich tomato sauce—this classic recipe delivers warmth and flavor in every bite. Whether you’re preparing a cozy weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, stuffed cabbage rolls always stand out as a hearty and satisfying choice.

This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a delicious meal that fills the kitchen with irresistible aroma. The rolls simmer gently until perfectly tender, soaking in the tangy tomato sauce that gives them their signature taste. With a combination of ground meat, onions, herbs, and soft cabbage leaves, this dish offers both tradition and comfort in one pot.

Below is a detailed guide, step-by-step instructions, useful tips, and variations to help you master this recipe and customize it to your liking.

Ingredients for the Cabbage Rolls

To prepare delicious stuffed cabbage rolls, gather the following ingredients:

  • 1 large green cabbage
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked or sweet paprika
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Ingredients for the Tomato Sauce

  • 2 cups tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 chopped onion
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup water or broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Preparing the Cabbage Leaves

Start by preparing the cabbage so the leaves become soft and flexible enough to roll.

  1. Remove the core of the cabbage with a sharp knife.
  2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
  3. Place the whole cabbage into the pot, simmering gently.
  4. As the outer leaves soften, peel them away using tongs.
  5. Transfer each softened leaf to a plate to cool.
  6. Continue until you have enough leaves for rolling.

If some leaves are too thick at the base, trim the tough vein to make rolling easier.

Making the Filling

The filling is what gives the rolls their juicy and savory flavor.

  1. In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, cooked rice, chopped onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, paprika, parsley, thyme, and olive oil.
  2. Mix gently with your hands until everything is evenly combined.
  3. Avoid overmixing to keep the filling tender.

This simple mixture creates a perfectly balanced meat and rice blend that cooks beautifully inside the cabbage leaves.

Rolling the Cabbage Wraps

Rolling the cabbage leaves is easy once they are soft.

  1. Lay a cabbage leaf flat on your counter or cutting board.
  2. Add a spoonful of filling to the center of the leaf.
  3. Fold the sides over the filling.
  4. Roll tightly from the base up to seal the mixture inside.
  5. Continue until all the filling is used.

Well-rolled cabbage wraps help keep the filling moist and allow them to cook evenly in the sauce.

Preparing the Tomato Sauce

The tomato sauce brings the dish together and infuses the rolls with rich flavor.

  1. Heat olive oil in a pot.
  2. Add chopped onions and sauté until soft and golden.
  3. Stir in tomato paste and paprika.
  4. Add the tomato sauce, sugar, oregano, salt, pepper, and water or broth.
  5. Simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce becomes fragrant and slightly thickened.

A slightly sweet tomato sauce helps balance the savory rolls and enhances the final flavor.

Cooking the Cabbage Rolls

After preparation, it’s time to slow-cook the rolls to perfection.

  1. Place a few leftover cabbage leaves on the bottom of the pot to prevent sticking.
  2. Arrange the stuffed cabbage rolls snugly in layers.
  3. Pour the tomato sauce evenly over the rolls.
  4. Cover the pot with a lid and simmer on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours.
  5. For oven cooking, bake at 350°F (180°C) for the same amount of time.

Slow cooking ensures the rolls become incredibly tender and absorb the flavors of the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Stuffed cabbage rolls are delicious on their own, but they pair even better with:

  • Mashed potatoes
  • Crusty bread
  • White rice
  • Steamed vegetables
  • A fresh green salad

A spoonful of the tomato sauce on top adds incredible flavor to every serving.

Tips for Perfect Cabbage Rolls

For the best results, keep these helpful tips in mind:

  • Use cooked rice to help the filling maintain a soft texture.
  • Mix beef and pork for richer flavor.
  • Add more sauce if you prefer extra juicy rolls.
  • If the cabbage leaves tear, patch with small pieces of leaf.
  • Let the rolls rest 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.
  • Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days; they taste even better the next day.

Variations You Can Try

Stuffed cabbage rolls are versatile and can be adapted to many dietary preferences.

Turkey Cabbage Rolls:

Use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter option.

Vegetarian Version:

Replace meat with mushrooms, rice, and chickpeas.

Spicy Cabbage Rolls:

Add chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the filling.

Cheesy Cabbage Rolls:

Mix cheese like mozzarella or parmesan into the filling for extra richness.

Each variation offers a unique twist while maintaining the comforting heart of the dish.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe is simple yet incredibly effective because:

  • The cabbage leaves are softened perfectly for rolling.
  • The filling has the ideal balance of moisture, seasoning, and texture.
  • Slow cooking enhances the tenderness and flavor.
  • The tomato sauce infuses the rolls with rich, tangy depth.
  • The combination of meat, rice, and vegetables creates a complete and hearty meal.

Every step is designed to ensure consistent results, even for beginners.

Storage and Reheating

Stuffed cabbage rolls are excellent for meal prepping.

Refrigerator:

Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.

Freezer:

Freeze for up to 3 months in sauce. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Reheating:

Warm on low heat in a pot with a bit of water or extra sauce.

Alternatively, microwave gently until heated through.

They maintain their flavor and texture beautifully even after freezing.

Conclusion

Stuffed cabbage rolls in tomato sauce are a timeless comfort food that combines simple ingredients into an incredibly flavorful and satisfying meal. Tender cabbage, juicy filling, and rich tomato sauce come together to create a dish that is perfect for family dinners or special gatherings. With this detailed recipe, clear steps, and helpful tips, you can prepare homemade cabbage rolls that taste just as delicious as traditional ones passed down through generations.

Enjoy the warmth, flavor, and comfort of this classic dish—and share it with the people you love.

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