Quick and Hearty Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe for Cozy Nights

Stuffed cabbage rolls bring warmth and nostalgia to any dining table, delivering a delightful culinary experience that connects generations through flavor.

These delectable parcels reinvent simple ingredients into a masterpiece of comfort food.

Soft cabbage leaves cradle a tantalizing blend of seasoned proteins and grains, creating a harmonious balance of textures and tastes.

Each roll represents a culinary tradition passed down through families, embodying love and care in every bite.

The carefully tucked bundles promise a satisfying meal that feels both rustic and elegant.

Home cooks cherish this dish for its ability to reinvent humble ingredients into something extraordinary.

Prepare to embark on a delicious journey that will warm hearts and please palates.

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls: A Hearty, Flavorful Meal

• Savor Hearty Comfort: A classic dish packed with rich, satisfying flavors that warm your soul and remind you of home-cooked meals.
• Master Flexible Cooking: Simple preparation allows for make-ahead freezing, perfect for busy cooks who want delicious meals without daily stress.
• Celebrate Nutritious Variety: Balanced ingredients combine lean meats, vegetables, and whole grains, delivering a protein-rich meal with low-calorie benefits.
• Enjoy Texture Adventure: Tender cabbage leaves cradle a juicy, flavorful filling, creating a delightful contrast between soft wrapping and savory inner mixture.

What You’ll Need for Perfect Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

• Cabbage: Fresh, green head with crisp leaves perfect for rolling and stuffing.
• Outer Cabbage Leaves: Soft, pliable wrapper for meat mixture, best when gently boiled.

• Ground Beef, Ground Chicken: Lean proteins that create a rich, flavorful filling with good texture.

• Onion, Garlic, Bell Pepper, Carrot: Aromatic vegetables that add depth, sweetness, and complexity to the filling.

• Rice: Pantry staple that helps bind meat mixture and provides hearty texture.
• Egg: Natural binder that helps hold filling together and adds richness.

• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance overall flavor profile.

• Tomato Sauce: Tangy base that provides moisture and classic stuffed cabbage flavor.
• Butter: Rich ingredient for sautéing and creating smooth sauce.
• Flour: Thickening agent for creating silky sauce consistency.
• Sour Cream: Creamy element that adds tang and richness to final sauce.

• Dill: Fresh herb that provides bright, aromatic finish to the dish.

• Potatoes: Classic side dish that complements stuffed cabbage rolls.

How to Make Traditional Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Step 1: Prepare Cabbage Leaves

Remove the core from the cabbage and submerge in boiling salted water for 5 minutes. Carefully remove the leaves, turning cut side up. Chop the remaining cabbage for later use in the pot.

Step 2: Trim Cabbage Leaves

Gently remove the thick center stems from the leaves, being careful not to cut completely through.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetable Base

• Onion
• Garlic
• Bell pepper
• Carrot

Let the sautéed mixture cool completely.

Step 4: Prepare Meat Filling

• Beef
• Chicken
• Rice
• Egg
• Cooled sautéed vegetable mixture
• Salt
• Pepper

Place the filling on each cabbage leaf and roll tightly. You can freeze the rolls at this point if desired.

Step 5: Cook Cabbage Rolls

Arrange the rolled cabbage in a pot. Add seasonings and pour tomato sauce over the rolls. Simmer for 50-60 minutes until fully cooked.

Step 6: Create Creamy Sauce

Mix melted butter and flour into the pot juices. Bring to a brief boil, then stir in sour cream until smooth.

How to Achieve Tender Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Every Time

• Blanch Leaves Perfectly: Briefly boil cabbage leaves to make them pliable without tearing, ensuring easy and smooth rolling of stuffed cabbage.
• Trim Stems Carefully: Remove thick center stems gently to create uniform, neat rolls that cook evenly and look professionally prepared.
• Balance Meat Mixture: Combine ground beef and chicken for a rich, complex flavor profile that adds depth to traditional stuffed cabbage rolls.
• Control Moisture Wisely: Use just enough egg and rice to bind ingredients without making the filling too wet or soggy.
• Create Delicious Sauce Layer: Whisk pot juices with butter and flour to develop a creamy, rich sauce that complements the savory meat rolls.

Keeping Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Fresh for Later Enjoyment

• Refrigeration: Transfer cooled cabbage rolls to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor integrity.
• Freezing: Wrap individual rolls in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Label with date to track freshness and prevent forgotten leftovers.
• Reheating: Gently warm rolls in a covered oven-safe dish at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. Add a splash of tomato sauce or broth to prevent drying out. Stir sauce midway to ensure even heating. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety. Microwave works in a pinch, but oven method preserves texture and taste better.

Best Side Dishes to Serve with Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: A robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot complements the rich meaty flavors of the stuffed cabbage rolls, cutting through the hearty protein and enhancing the dish's savory profile.
• Serve with Crisp Cucumber Salad: A light, tangy cucumber salad with fresh dill provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, dense cabbage rolls, balancing the meal's heaviness with bright, cool notes.
• Match with Hearty Rye Bread: Thick slices of rustic rye bread work perfectly for soaking up the delicious tomato sauce, adding extra texture and helping to soak up the flavorful juices from the rolls.
• Add Chilled Pilsner Beer: A cold, crisp pilsner beer offers a clean, hoppy flavor that cuts through the richness of the meat and provides a refreshing counterpoint to the warm, comforting dish.

Different Twists on Classic Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

• Vegetarian Veggie Rolls: Replace meat with a mixture of quinoa, black beans, and diced mushrooms for a protein-packed plant-based version. Enhance flavors with smoked paprika and nutritional yeast.
• Mediterranean Inspired Rolls: Swap beef and chicken for ground lamb. Add feta cheese, oregano, and mint to the filling. Top with a light yogurt sauce instead of sour cream.
• Spicy Asian Fusion Rolls: Use ground pork mixed with ginger, garlic, and sriracha. Replace tomato sauce with a sweet and tangy soy-based glaze. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Rolls: Substitute rice with riced cauliflower. Keep the meat mixture but add extra herbs like parsley and thyme. Use zucchini leaves if cabbage is unavailable.

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe

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4.9 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Polish comfort classic gathers hearty ground meat, rice, and tender cabbage leaves into delicious parcels simmered in rich tomato sauce. Savory rolls deliver generations of Eastern European culinary tradition wrapped in one satisfying, warm meal you’ll eagerly enjoy.

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Ingredients

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Vegetables and Produce:

• 1 head green cabbage
• 1 large carrot, chopped
• Fresh dill (optional), for garnish

Meat and Filling Base:

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 heaping tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1–2 tablespoons sour cream

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 bay leaves
• 3 whole peppercorns
• Salt, to taste
• Water (as needed)

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Instructions

1. Remove the cabbage core and submerge the whole head in a large pot of boiling, salted water. Gently cook for 5 minutes, then carefully extract the softened leaves, turning the cabbage cut-side up. Finely chop the remaining cabbage for later use in the pot.
2. Delicately trim the thick center stems from each cabbage leaf, being careful not to tear the leaf completely.
3. In a skillet, melt of butter and sauté finely diced onions, minced garlic, chopped bell peppers, and grated carrots until the vegetables become tender and translucent. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground chicken, cooked white rice, a beaten egg, the cooled vegetable mixture, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a uniform filling.
5. Place a portion of the meat mixture near the stem end of each cabbage leaf, then carefully roll the leaf, tucking in the sides to create a compact bundle. If desired, these rolls can be frozen for later use.
6. Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in a large cooking pot. Sprinkle additional seasonings over the rolls, then pour tomato sauce evenly across the top.
7. Cover and simmer the cabbage rolls on low heat for 50-60 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
8. To prepare the finishing sauce, whisk melted butter and flour into the pot’s cooking juices. Bring to a brief boil, then gently stir in sour cream until smooth and creamy.
9. Serve the cabbage rolls hot, accompanied by boiled potatoes, and garnish with fresh dill for added flavor and visual appeal.

Notes

• Prepare cabbage leaves by carefully separating them after boiling, ensuring they remain intact for easy rolling.
• Sautéed vegetables add depth and complexity to the meat mixture, creating a rich, flavorful filling.
• Freezing option allows for make-ahead convenience, perfect for meal prepping or busy weeknights.
• Slow simmering transforms simple ingredients into a comforting, hearty dish that melts in your mouth.
• Creamy sauce provides a luxurious finish, balancing the savory meat and tangy tomato base.
• Dill garnish brings a fresh, bright note that cuts through the richness of the stuffed cabbage rolls.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Eastern European

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 120 kcal
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 15mg