Ultimate Comfort: Favorite Stuffed Cabbage Rolls on a Vegetable Bed
Stuffed cabbage rolls are a timeless comfort food, and cooking them on a bed of vegetables takes this classic dish to a whole new level. The vegetables beneath the rolls slowly caramelize in the oven, blending with the tomato sauce to create deep, rich flavors while keeping the cabbage rolls perfectly tender and preventing soggy bottoms. This method ensures a complete, balanced meal with protein, grains, and vegetables all in one pot. Perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or make-ahead meals, these stuffed cabbage rolls are versatile, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Deep, rich flavor from caramelized vegetables.
No soggy bottoms; the veggie bed keeps rolls perfectly textured.
Complete meal with protein, grains, and vegetables.
Flavors improve when made ahead, perfect for leftovers.
Ingredients
Vegetable Bed:
1 large yellow onion, chopped
2 large carrots, grated or finely diced
2 celery stalks, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 (28 oz / 800g) can crushed tomatoes
½ cup (120 ml) beef broth, vegetable broth, or water
1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
1 tsp dried thyme or oregano
Salt and black pepper to taste
Cabbage Rolls:
1 large head green cabbage (about 3 lbs / 1.3 kg)
1 lb (450g) ground beef, pork, turkey, or a mix
1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
1 small yellow onion, finely grated or minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large egg, lightly beaten
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
Topping:
½ cup (120 ml) tomato sauce or passata
2 tbsp brown sugar
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage Leaves
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cut out the cabbage core. Submerge the cabbage in boiling water. As outer leaves soften (1-2 minutes), remove them with tongs and place on a towel to cool. Repeat until 12-14 large leaves are ready. Shave down thick center ribs for easier rolling.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a large bowl, combine ground meat, cooked rice, grated onion, garlic, egg, parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined to avoid tough filling.
Step 3: Assemble the Rolls
Place a cabbage leaf on a clean surface with the stem end facing you. Add ¼ to ⅓ cup of filling near the base. Fold sides over the filling and roll tightly from the bottom. Repeat with remaining leaves.
Step 4: Create the Vegetable Bed & Assemble
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery for 8-10 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute. Stir in crushed tomatoes, broth, brown sugar, thyme, salt, and pepper. Nestle cabbage rolls seam-side down over the vegetable bed.
Step 5: Cook to Perfection
Whisk tomato sauce, brown sugar, and vinegar, then pour over rolls. Cover tightly and bake for 1 hour 15 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 15 minutes to thicken sauce and lightly brown tops. Let rest 10-15 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Scoop vegetable bed and sauce onto a plate. Place 2-3 cabbage rolls on top. Optionally, add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt and sprinkle with fresh dill or parsley.
Tips & Variations
Freeze uncored cabbage overnight for quick prep.
Vegetarian: Use 2 cups cooked lentils or a mushroom-quinoa mixture instead of meat.
Gluten-Free: Ensure broth is certified gluten-free.
Sweet & Sour: Add ½ cup raisins to filling and increase sugar in topping.
Low-Carb/Keto: Omit rice, add extra meat, and 1 cup riced cauliflower.
FAQs
How do I prevent cabbage rolls from falling apart? Use pliable leaves, shave thick ribs, and roll tightly.
Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, flavors improve after resting overnight.
What meats work best? A mix of pork and beef gives optimal flavor and tenderness.
Can I use frozen cabbage? Yes, thawed cabbage works perfectly.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep? Yes, it keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days and freezes beautifully.
Nutrition Facts (Estimate per Roll)
Calories: 280
Protein: 18g
Carbs: 22g
Fat: 12g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 6g
This recipe creates cozy, flavorful stuffed cabbage rolls that are tender, well-seasoned, and perfectly balanced. The vegetable bed adds depth and sweetness, making this a favorite for family dinners or special occasions.