Cozy and Flavorful Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe

Warm up your dinner table with these delicious Stuffed Cabbage Rolls, a comforting dish filled with savory goodness. Perfect for a cozy family meal, these hearty rolls combine tender cabbage, flavorful beef, and aromatic spices, all smothered in a rich tomato sauce. Follow this simple recipe to create a satisfying meal that everyone will love!
Ingredients
- 1 large head of cabbage
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Cabbage: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Remove the core from the cabbage and place the whole head in the boiling water. Cook for about 5 minutes until the outer leaves soften. Carefully remove the cabbage and peel off the softened leaves. Set aside to cool.
- Make the Filling: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, paprika, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well and remove from heat.
- Assemble the Rolls: Place a spoonful of the beef mixture in the center of a cabbage leaf. Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling and roll it up tightly, tucking in the edges to secure. Place the rolls seam-side down in a large baking dish.
- Bake: Pour the tomato sauce and broth evenly over the cabbage rolls. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 1 hour, until the cabbage is tender and the flavors meld.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. Pair with crusty bread or mashed potatoes for a complete, heartwarming meal.
Tips for Success
- Cabbage Prep: If the cabbage leaves are tough, blanch them a bit longer to make rolling easier.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the rolls a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
- Freezer-Friendly: Freeze unbaked rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw and bake as directed.
Enjoy these Stuffed Cabbage Rolls for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s sure to become a family favorite! Let us know how it turns out in the comments below. 🍴
Serves: 4-6 | Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes