These homemade stuffed cabbage rolls are the ultimate comfort food — tender cabbage leaves filled with flavorful ground meat, rice, and herbs, all baked in a rich tomato sauce. This dish combines heartiness, warmth, and nutrition, making it a perfect family dinner or meal-prep option. The addition of a colorful vegetable bed adds both flavor and texture, creating a one-pan meal that’s wholesome and satisfying.
Who Is This Recipe For?
This recipe is perfect for:
- Home cooks looking for a nutritious yet cozy dinner idea.
- Families who love classic comfort meals made with simple ingredients.
- Meal preppers who want a recipe that stores and reheats beautifully.
- Beginners who want to master a traditional recipe with step-by-step guidance.
Why It’s Great
- 🥬 Nutritious and hearty: Packed with vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains.
- 🍅 Rich flavor: A savory tomato sauce enhances every bite.
- 🕒 Make-ahead friendly: Perfect for batch cooking and storing.
- 🌈 Colorful presentation: The vegetable bed makes it look as good as it tastes.
Ingredients
For the Cabbage Rolls
- 1 large head of green or Savoy cabbage
- 1 lb ground meat (beef, turkey, or plant-based substitute)
- 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or wild)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg (optional, for binding)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- ¼ cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and 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 tablespoons olive oil
- Optional: salt, black pepper, and Italian herbs
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large pot (for boiling cabbage)
- Mixing bowls
- Large baking dish or casserole pan
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Aluminum foil
How to Make Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish with a bit of olive oil.
Step 2: Prepare the Cabbage Leaves
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Submerge the cabbage head for 5–7 minutes until the outer leaves soften. Remove and peel off the leaves carefully. Continue until you have about 8–10 large leaves ready for stuffing.
Step 3: Make the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, cooked rice, diced onion, minced garlic, egg (if using), paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix until evenly combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Cabbage Rolls
Lay one cabbage leaf flat and spoon 2–3 tablespoons of filling into the center. Fold in the sides, then roll tightly like a burrito. Repeat with all the leaves.
Step 5: Prepare the Vegetable Bed
In another bowl, toss carrots, zucchini, bell pepper, and onion with olive oil and seasonings. Spread evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.
Step 6: Add Sauce and Bake
Arrange the cabbage rolls over the vegetables. In a separate bowl, whisk together the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Pour evenly over the dish.
Cover with foil and bake for 45–50 minutes, then uncover and bake for 10–15 more minutes, until the sauce bubbles and the rolls are tender.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. Plate the cabbage rolls with a spoonful of tomato sauce and roasted vegetables for a hearty, colorful meal.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooled cabbage rolls with sauce for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or in the microwave until hot.
FAQ
1. Can I use different meat?
Yes! You can substitute beef with turkey, chicken, or a plant-based ground meat alternative.
2. Do I have to use rice?
No — quinoa, bulgur, or even cauliflower rice can work as a lighter substitute.
3. Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare the rolls and sauce in advance, refrigerate overnight, and bake when ready.
4. What can I serve with stuffed cabbage rolls?
They pair beautifully with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or a simple side salad.
Conclusion
These Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Tomato Sauce are a warm, nourishing meal perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe delivers rich flavor, balanced nutrition, and homemade comfort in every bite. Once you try them, they’re sure to become a regular on your dinner table.
