🥬 Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
If you’re in the mood for something hearty, wholesome, and full of flavor, these Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are the perfect choice. Tender cabbage leaves envelop a savory mix of ground meat, rice, and spices, all baked over a bed of roasted vegetables and smothered in a rich tomato sauce. It’s classic comfort food elevated to perfection.
Ideal for cozy dinners, meal prep, or feeding the whole family, this recipe brings together nourishing ingredients and deep, satisfying flavors in one comforting bake.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
For the Cabbage Rolls
- 1 large head green or Savoy cabbage
- 1 lb ground beef, turkey, or plant-based meat
- 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or wild)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg (optional, for binding)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
For the Sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- ¼ cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
For the Vegetable Bed
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 1 medium zucchini, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Optional: salt, pepper, Italian herbs
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the Oven
Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a large baking dish or casserole pan.
2️⃣ Soften the Cabbage
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Submerge the cabbage head for 5–7 minutes, until the outer leaves soften.
Carefully peel off the softened leaves and set them aside. Repeat until you have 8–10 usable leaves.
3️⃣ Make the Filling
In a bowl, combine the ground meat, rice, onion, garlic, egg (if using), paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until well incorporated.
4️⃣ Roll the Cabbage
Place one cabbage leaf flat on your work surface. Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of filling into the center, fold in the sides, and roll tightly—just like a burrito.
Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
5️⃣ Prepare the Vegetable Bed
Toss the carrots, zucchini, bell pepper, and onion with olive oil and desired seasonings.
Spread evenly across the bottom of your baking dish.
6️⃣ Assemble & Bake
Arrange the cabbage rolls on top of the vegetables.
In a separate bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients and pour evenly over the rolls.
Cover tightly with foil and bake for 45–50 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 10–15 minutes, until the rolls are tender and the sauce is bubbling.
7️⃣ Serve & Enjoy
Allow the dish to cool slightly before serving.
Spoon some roasted veggies and sauce alongside each roll, and serve with crusty bread or a crisp salad for a complete, satisfying meal.
