If you crave a comforting and hearty meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Old-Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a flavorful blend of ground meats, savory spices, and fluffy rice, all simmered in a rich tomato sauce, this dish brings together textures and tastes that are truly timeless. It’s an Eastern European classic that invites family and friends to the table with its homey aroma and satisfying flavor, making every bite a celebration of tradition and love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Old-Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe plays an important role, from the tender cabbage leaves that hold everything together to the rich combination of meats and spices that create the filling’s depth. The sauce ingredients bring brightness and subtle sweetness, balancing the savory notes perfectly.
- 1 large head green cabbage: Provides sturdy, pliable leaves that soften to perfect tenderness when blanched.
- 1 pound ground beef: Adds rich, hearty flavor essential for the filling’s meaty base.
- 1/2 pound ground pork: Contributes moisture and a subtle sweetness to keep the filling juicy.
- 1 cup cooked white rice: Adds texture and helps bind the filling, making it tender yet satisfying.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Offers aromatic depth and a slight sweetness when cooked.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings warmth and unforgettable savory notes to the mix.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a natural binder, holding the filling ingredients together.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and complexity to the seasoning.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Gives a subtle smokiness and a hint of earthiness to the filling.
- 2 cups tomato sauce: Creates a tangy, slightly sweet base for the sauce that envelops the rolls.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Balances acidity with a touch of caramel sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the sauce with fresh acidity.
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds depth and a savory umami punch.
- 1/2 cup beef broth: Keeps the rolls moist during baking and enriches the sauce.
How to Make Old-Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Cabbage Leaves
Start by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Carefully peel away 12 to 14 whole cabbage leaves, being gentle so they remain intact. Blanch these leaves in the boiling water for about 2 to 3 minutes until they turn soft and flexible—this makes rolling a breeze without cracking the leaves. Drain and set them aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Making the Filling
In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork, then add the cooked white rice, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and the large egg. Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Use your hands or a spoon to blend everything thoroughly; you want a harmonious mixture that’s well-incorporated for even flavor and texture throughout the filling.
Step 3: Rolling the Cabbage
Lay one blanched cabbage leaf flat, and spoon approximately 1/3 cup of the meat mixture into the center. Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling, then roll it up tightly from the bottom stem end to secure the filling inside. Repeat this process with all cabbage leaves and filling for neatly packed rolls that won’t unravel during baking.
Step 4: Preparing the Sauce and Baking
Whisk together the tomato sauce, brown sugar, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth in a bowl until smooth and well blended. Pour a small amount of this sauce into the bottom of a large baking dish to prevent sticking. Arrange the rolls seam-side down in the dish snugly, then pour the remaining sauce evenly over the top, making sure every roll is generously covered. Cover the dish tightly with foil.
Step 5: Baking the Rolls
Bake the cabbage rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes. This slow baking tenderizes the cabbage and fully cooks the filling, melding flavors beautifully. Once done, let the rolls rest for 10 minutes to absorb all the juices and cool slightly for perfect serving temperature.
How to Serve Old-Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds a cool and fresh contrast to the warm, rich cabbage rolls. You can also add a pinch of crushed red pepper if you like a little spark of heat to complement the mild filling.
Side Dishes
Serve your Old-Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe alongside buttery mashed potatoes, hearty rye bread, or a crisp cucumber salad. These sides soak up the delicious tomato sauce and balance the meal with lightness or extra comfort, depending on your mood.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, present individual small rolls as appetizers topped with a drizzle of extra sauce and fresh herbs on a platter. Or layer the rolls in a beautiful casserole dish and bake, then let each guest scoop out their own helping, making it casual and inviting for sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, store any leftover stuffed cabbage rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay flavorful and moist for up to 3 days, making them perfect for next-day lunches or dinners.
Freezing
This Old-Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe freezes wonderfully. Allow the baked rolls to cool completely before placing them in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. Frozen rolls maintain their taste and texture for up to 3 months, so you have a ready-made comfort meal in your freezer anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 to 30 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave single servings on medium power, covered, to keep the cabbage rolls tender and juicy.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef and pork?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a lighter alternative that works great in this Old-Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe. It keeps the rolls tender while reducing fat, perfect for a lighter meal without sacrificing flavor.
How do I prevent the cabbage leaves from tearing?
Blanching the cabbage leaves just long enough to soften them helps prevent tearing during rolling. Also, carefully peeling them away from the cabbage head helps keep the leaves intact and pliable.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! The Old-Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe is naturally gluten-free since it uses rice instead of breadcrumbs. Just be sure to check that your tomato sauce and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free as well.
Can I prepare the rolls in advance?
You can definitely assemble the rolls a day ahead, cover them tightly, and refrigerate before baking. This makes meal prep easier, and the flavors often meld even more beautifully with a little extra resting time.
What sides pair best with stuffed cabbage rolls?
Traditional sides like mashed potatoes or crusty bread complement the richness of the rolls, while fresh salads add a crisp, refreshing contrast. It’s all about balancing the hearty rolls with something light or creamy on the side.
Final Thoughts
I truly encourage you to try this Old-Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe for a meal that feels like coming home. It’s a timeless classic that brings warmth, flavor, and a touch of nostalgia into your kitchen. Whether made for a family dinner or a special occasion, these rolls are sure to become one of your go-to comforting favorites.
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Old-Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Classic Old-Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls made with a savory mixture of ground beef and pork, rice, and spices, baked in a rich tomato sauce. This comforting Eastern European dish is perfect for a hearty main course and is naturally gluten-free.
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 Sauce
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup beef broth
Instructions
- Prepare Cabbage Leaves: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove 12–14 whole cabbage leaves from the head. Blanch the leaves in boiling water for 2–3 minutes until softened, then drain and set aside to cool.
- Make Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, cooked rice, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are fully combined for even flavor distribution.
- Form Rolls: Place about 1/3 cup of the meat mixture in the center of each softened cabbage leaf. Fold the sides over the filling and roll tightly starting from the stem end to form neat rolls that will hold together during baking.
- Prepare Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together tomato sauce, brown sugar, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour a small amount of the sauce into the bottom of a large baking dish. Arrange cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish, then pour the remaining sauce evenly over the rolls. Cover tightly with foil to retain moisture.
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, or until the rolls are cooked through and tender.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the cabbage rolls rest, covered, for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and rolls to firm up slightly.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for the beef and pork.
- These cabbage rolls freeze well—cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- You can prepare the rolls in advance and refrigerate before baking for convenience.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Eastern European
