Old-Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Bring comfort to your table with these tender stuffed cabbage rolls filled with a savory blend of ground beef, rice, and herbs, all smothered in a rich tomato sauce. This timeless recipe is a favorite for weeknight dinners and special family gatherings alike.

If you’re into classic family-style dinners, check out the full comfort food archive on tinsuf.com for more nostalgic bites like this one. And don’t miss the ultimate homemade tomato sauce to pair with these cabbage rolls — it’s a match made in culinary heaven!

 Ingredients

For the Cabbage Rolls:

• 1 large head of green cabbage

• 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)

• 1/2 cup uncooked white rice

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• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 large egg

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

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• 1 tsp paprika

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the Sauce:

• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

• 2 tbsp brown sugar

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• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

• Salt and pepper to taste

 Instructions

1. Prep the Cabbage

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil.

• Carefully remove core from the cabbage and place the whole head into boiling water.

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• As leaves loosen, peel them off gently and set aside.

2. Make the Filling

• In a bowl, combine ground beef, rice, onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, paprika, and parsley. Mix until just combined.

3. Stuff and Roll

• Place a cabbage leaf on a flat surface. Add 2–3 tablespoons of filling near the stem end.

• Fold sides in and roll tightly like a burrito. Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.

4. Make the Sauce

• In a saucepan, combine tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, brown sugar, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for 10 minutes.

5. Bake

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

• Place a thin layer of sauce in the bottom of a baking dish.

• Add the cabbage rolls seam-side down. Pour remaining sauce on top.

• Cover with foil and bake for 60–75 minutes, until rice is tender and meat is fully cooked.

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 Time & Serving

• Prep Time: 30 minutes

• Cook Time: 1 hour

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

• Serves: 6–8 rolls

• Calories: ~290 kcal per roll

 Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of beef and pork for richer flavor.

• Add chopped mushrooms or grated carrots to the filling for extra nutrition.

• Freeze extra rolls before or after baking — they reheat beautifully!

 FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble a day ahead and refrigerate. Bake when ready.

Q: Can I use pre-cooked rice?
A: You can, but reduce baking time slightly as the rice will not need as long to cook.

Q: What can I serve this with?
A: Try it with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or a fresh green salad from the sides collection.

Whether you’re cooking for a holiday or just want a warm and satisfying meal, these Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are the cozy answer. Don’t forget to browse tinsuf.com for more home-cooked classics!

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