Stuffed cabbage rolls are a heartwarming dish with Eastern European roots, where cabbage leaves are filled with a seasoned meat and rice mixture, then slowly baked in a tangy tomato sauce. Each roll is tender, flavorful, and bursting with a perfect blend of savory spices and mild sweetness. Whether you’re enjoying them for a cozy family dinner or preparing a comforting meal to share, these rolls are sure to please.
Why This Recipe Works
This stuffed cabbage roll recipe blends pork and beef for depth and richness, with added flavors from fresh dill, parsley, and cayenne for a subtle heat. Using a mixture of canned tomatoes and tomato sauce gives the sauce both a fresh and smooth texture, complementing the tender cabbage and hearty filling. Baking the rolls in a Dutch oven locks in moisture, ensuring every roll is soft, tender, and packed with flavor.
What You’ll Need for This Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 medium head of cabbage (3 pounds)
- 1/2 pound ground beef (uncooked)
- 1/2 pound ground pork (uncooked)
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce, divided
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup long grain rice, uncooked
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh dill or dill weed, snipped
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
Equipment:
- Large pot for boiling cabbage
- Mixing bowls for combining filling ingredients
- Sharp knife for trimming cabbage leaves
- Dutch oven for baking
How to Make Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage Leaves
Begin by boiling a large pot of water. Once it reaches a rolling boil, submerge the cabbage head. Let it cook for a few minutes, or until the outer leaves easily pull away from the head. Remove the cabbage from the water and set aside 12 large leaves. For each leaf, trim the thick vein at the bottom by cutting it into a V shape—this makes the leaves easier to roll.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, 1/2 cup of tomato sauce, chopped onion, uncooked rice, parsley flakes, salt, fresh dill, and cayenne pepper. Mix thoroughly, ensuring all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Step 3: Assemble the Cabbage Rolls
Place approximately 1/4 cup of the meat mixture at the base of each cabbage leaf. Begin by overlapping the cut ends of the leaf, then fold in the sides and roll from the base, tucking in as you go. Repeat until all the filling is used and you have 12 cabbage rolls.
Step 4: Prepare for Baking
Slice the remaining cabbage into thin strips and spread them on the bottom of a Dutch oven. Place the cabbage rolls seam-side down over the sliced cabbage to keep them in place during baking.
Step 5: Make the Sauce and Bake
In a separate bowl, combine the remaining tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and sugar. Pour this sauce evenly over the cabbage rolls, ensuring they’re well coated. Cover the Dutch oven with a lid or foil, and bake at 350°F for 1.5 hours, or until the cabbage rolls are tender and cooked through.
Tips + Tricks & More for Recipe Success
- Softening Cabbage Leaves: If you find the leaves tough to peel, continue to submerge the cabbage in boiling water as needed to soften them.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley and dill provide a better flavor, but dried can work if that’s what you have.
- Season to Taste: Adjust the salt, pepper, and cayenne based on personal preference. The cayenne adds a hint of spice but can be omitted for a milder version.
- Even Rolls: Use a measuring cup to portion the filling so all rolls are the same size and cook evenly.
- For Extra Flavor: Add bay leaves to the sauce or a dash of Worcestershire sauce for deeper flavor.
How to Serve Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Stuffed cabbage rolls are filling enough to be served as a complete meal, but you can elevate the experience with a few classic side dishes. Serve with a crusty bread or rolls to soak up the sauce, or pair with mashed potatoes for a hearty, comforting meal. A light, crisp salad or roasted vegetables can add balance, while a dollop of sour cream on the side is a traditional topping that adds creaminess.
Serving Suggestions
- With Potatoes: Serve alongside mashed potatoes or roasted new potatoes for a well-rounded, filling meal.
- With Bread: Crusty bread or dinner rolls are perfect for mopping up the delicious sauce.
- With Sour Cream: A spoonful of sour cream on the side is a classic addition that enhances the flavors.
- With Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette can balance the richness of the rolls.
- As Leftovers: Stuffed cabbage rolls often taste even better the next day, as the flavors meld. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop.
Time and Storage
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
Storage:
Leftover cabbage rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a covered dish in the oven at 325°F for about 20 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can freeze the rolls in individual portions for up to 2 months; just thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Stuffed cabbage rolls are a classic, savory dish that’s ideal for family meals and special occasions alike. Enjoy this comforting recipe as it fills your kitchen with the warm, inviting aroma of slow-cooked cabbage, hearty meat, and fragrant herbs.