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Cabbage Roll Recipe: Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls for Family

  • Author: Rachel
  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Yield: 10–12 rolls (about 5–6 servings) 1x

Description

These homemade cabbage rolls are filled with savory meat, tender rice, and a tangy tomato sauce for a comforting, hearty dinner that’s perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknights. The recipe is simple, budget-friendly, and easily adaptable for different diets.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large green cabbage
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 or ground turkey)
  • 1/2 pound ground pork (or use all beef)
  • 1 cup cooked white rice (jasmine or basmati)
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced (about 1/2 cup)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional garnish)
  • Crushed red pepper flakes (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cut out the core from the cabbage and lower the whole head into the boiling water. After 2–3 minutes, peel off 8–12 large leaves as they soften, transferring to a towel to cool. Repeat until you have enough leaves.
  3. Trim the thick center vein on each cabbage leaf by shaving it down with a knife so the leaf is flexible.
  4. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, cooked rice, onion, garlic, egg, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix gently until just combined.
  5. In a separate bowl, mix together crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, olive oil, sugar, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  6. Place a cabbage leaf flat on a board, stem end facing you. Add 1/4 to 1/3 cup of filling at the base. Fold the bottom of the leaf over the filling, then fold in the sides, and roll tightly from the bottom up. Place seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.
  7. Pour half of the tomato sauce over the bottom of the baking dish. Arrange cabbage rolls on top, then cover with the remaining sauce. Cover tightly with foil.
  8. Bake for 60–75 minutes, until rolls are fork-tender and sauce is bubbling. For caramelized tops, uncover for the last 10 minutes.
  9. Let rolls rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley, Parmesan, or red pepper flakes if desired.

Notes

Don’t overcook the cabbage leaves—just blanch until pliable. Mix filling gently for tender rolls. Taste filling before rolling to adjust seasoning. If you have leftover filling, roll into meatballs and bake with extra sauce. Rolls can be made ahead, refrigerated, or frozen before baking. For vegetarian or low-carb versions, see blog variations.

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: Eastern European

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cabbage roll
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 5
  • Sodium: 480
  • Fat: 9
  • Saturated Fat: 3
  • Carbohydrates: 13
  • Fiber: 3
  • Protein: 15

Keywords: cabbage rolls, stuffed cabbage, comfort food, family dinner, easy cabbage roll recipe, homemade, gluten-free, meal prep, beef, pork, tomato sauce

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