Classic Cabbage Rolls Recipe – Comfort Food at Its Best
Few recipes bring as much comfort to the dinner table as cabbage rolls. This traditional dish, loved across Eastern Europe and beyond, features tender cabbage leaves stuffed with a savory mixture of ground meat, rice, and seasonings, then baked in a rich tomato sauce. Whether you know them as golabki in Poland, holubtsi in Ukraine, or simply cabbage rolls at grandma’s house, this dish has been passed down for generations. It’s hearty, wholesome, and a true crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
For the Rolls:
- 1 large head of green cabbage (about 12–14 leaves)
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or pork, or a mix)
- ½ cup uncooked rice (white or brown, pre-cooked halfway)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
For the Sauce:
- 2 cups canned crushed tomatoes (or tomato sauce)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 tsp sugar (to balance acidity)
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried basil
- Salt & pepper to taste
Step by Step Cooking Guide
- Prepare the Cabbage:
- Bring a large pot of water to boil.
- Core the cabbage and gently remove leaves. Blanch them in boiling water for 2–3 minutes until pliable. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Rice:
- Par-cook rice for about 5–7 minutes (it will finish cooking inside the rolls).
- Make the Filling:
- In a large bowl, mix ground meat, par-cooked rice, onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, paprika, and parsley.
- Assemble Rolls:
- Place 2–3 tbsp of filling in the center of each cabbage leaf. Fold the sides in and roll tightly like a burrito.
- Prepare Sauce:
- Heat olive oil in a saucepan, add tomato paste, and cook for 1 minute. Stir in crushed tomatoes, sugar, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Bake the Cabbage Rolls:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place rolls seam side down in a baking dish, pour sauce over them, cover with foil, and bake for 60–75 minutes until cooked through.
Cooking Time & Serving Size
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Serving Size: 12–14 cabbage rolls (6–8 servings)
Tips & Variations
- Meat Options: Use a beef-pork mix for richer flavor, or ground turkey/chicken for a lighter option.
- Rice Alternatives: Try quinoa, bulgur, or cauliflower rice for healthier variations.
- Sauce Variations: Swap tomato sauce with a creamy mushroom sauce or add sour cream for richness.
- Slow Cooker Method: Layer rolls in a crockpot, cover with sauce, and cook on low for 6–7 hours.
- Freezer-Friendly: Assemble rolls, freeze before baking, and cook later for an easy meal.
Nutrition Info (Per Serving – 2 rolls)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Protein | 18 g |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
(Values may vary depending on meat and rice choices.)
Healthy Alternatives
- Low-Carb/Keto: Replace rice with cauliflower rice or omit grains entirely.
- Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free, just ensure sauce and tomato paste have no additives.
- Low-Fat: Use lean ground turkey or chicken, and reduce oil in the sauce.
- Dairy-Free: This recipe is dairy-free unless you choose to garnish with sour cream or cheese.
- Vegetarian/Vegan: Swap meat for lentils, mushrooms, or chickpeas as filling.
Serving Suggestions
Cabbage rolls are best served hot, topped with extra tomato sauce and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. Pair them with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
This timeless recipe is cozy, hearty, and perfect for any family gathering or holiday feast. Once you try these cabbage rolls, they’ll surely become a regular on your dinner table.
FAQ’s
Q1: Can I make cabbage rolls ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble them a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
Q2: Can I freeze cabbage rolls?
Absolutely. Freeze unbaked rolls with sauce, then thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Q3: Why are my cabbage rolls falling apart?
Make sure to blanch cabbage until flexible and roll tightly, tucking in sides securely.
Q4: Can I cook cabbage rolls without baking?
Yes, you can simmer them in a pot with sauce on the stovetop for about 1 hour.
Q5: What’s the best cabbage for cabbage rolls?
Green cabbage is the classic choice, but savoy cabbage works well since it’s softer and easier to roll.
