If you’re craving a cozy, homemade meal that’s hearty, flavorful, and beautifully traditional, these Easy Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Ground Beef are just what you need. Tender cabbage leaves are wrapped around a savory mixture of meat, rice, and herbs, then slowly baked in a rich tomato sauce until melt-in-your-mouth soft. It’s the kind of comfort food that warms the heart and fills the home with an irresistible aroma.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic Comfort Food: A timeless, old-fashioned dish that’s as satisfying as it is nourishing.
- Perfectly Balanced: Juicy meat, tender cabbage, and tangy tomato sauce all come together beautifully.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the rolls ahead and bake them later — ideal for busy days or family dinners.
- Customizable: You can tweak the filling, sauce, or spices to make it your own.
Ingredients
- 1 large green cabbage
- 500 g ground beef or sausage meat (or a mix of both)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cans (14 oz each) whole peeled tomatoes
- ¾ cup (about 200 ml) tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage
Remove the tough outer leaves of the cabbage and cut out the core. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully remove about 12–14 leaves, keeping them as whole as possible. Blanch the leaves in boiling water for about 10 minutes until they soften slightly. Immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking and preserve their color. Pat dry with paper towels.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef (or sausage meat), chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined — overmixing can make the filling dense.
Step 3: Shape the Rolls
Lay one or two cabbage leaves flat on a clean surface (depending on their size). Spoon a portion of the meat mixture into the center. Fold the sides inward, then roll tightly from the base to the tip, tucking in the ends as you go to seal the filling. Repeat until all filling and leaves are used.
Step 4: Prepare the Tomato Sauce
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté for 3 minutes until fragrant and translucent, stirring often to avoid browning. Add the peeled tomatoes and tomato sauce, crushing the tomatoes gently with a spoon. Season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes to thicken and develop flavor.
Step 5: Bake the Cabbage Rolls
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Spread a layer of the tomato sauce in the bottom of a large baking dish or casserole. Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish. Pour the remaining sauce evenly over the rolls. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 50–60 minutes, until the rolls are tender and the flavors have melded together.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Let the rolls rest for a few minutes before serving. Spoon the rich tomato sauce over each roll and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips for Success
- Choose the Right Cabbage: Green or Savoy cabbage works best because of its flexible, wide leaves.
- Don’t Overboil the Leaves: You want them pliable but not mushy. Overcooked leaves can tear easily.
- Make it Ahead: You can assemble the rolls a day before baking. Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight.
- Freezer-Friendly: Freeze uncooked rolls (with sauce) in a covered dish for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 20 extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Add Rice for Texture: For a traditional touch, add ½ cup cooked rice to the meat mixture before rolling.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these tender cabbage rolls with creamy mashed potatoes, buttery egg noodles, or a slice of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful tomato sauce. A side of steamed green beans or roasted carrots makes a perfect complement.
FAQs
Q: Can I use other meats instead of beef?
Yes! Ground pork, veal, or a mixture of beef and pork adds a wonderful richness to the filling.
Q: Can I make these cabbage rolls vegetarian?
Absolutely. Substitute the meat with a mix of cooked lentils, chopped mushrooms, and rice for a satisfying vegetarian version.
Q: Why do my cabbage rolls fall apart?
They may not have been rolled tightly enough, or the leaves could have been overcooked. Make sure to roll snugly and avoid boiling the leaves for too long.
Q: Can I cook the rolls on the stovetop instead of baking?
Yes. Arrange the rolls in a large pot, pour over the tomato sauce, cover, and simmer gently for about 1 hour until tender.
Q: What can I do with leftover sauce?
Use it as a base for pasta, lasagna, or even as a dipping sauce for breadsticks.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Easy Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Ground Beef bring together the best of homestyle cooking — tender vegetables, savory filling, and a rich tomato sauce that ties everything together. Each bite is full of flavor and warmth, making it the perfect meal for family gatherings or cozy weeknights.