Old Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a timeless comfort food recipe passed down through generations. Tender cabbage leaves are wrapped around a hearty filling of seasoned ground meat, rice, and onions, then slowly baked in a rich tomato sauce until perfectly soft and flavorful. Every bite is warm, savory, and deeply satisfying.
This classic dish is popular in many cultures because it turns humble ingredients into a filling family meal. Whether served for Sunday dinner, holidays, or a cozy weeknight supper, stuffed cabbage rolls always bring homemade goodness to the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Traditional homemade comfort food
- Tender cabbage with flavorful filling
- Rich tomato sauce
- Great for make-ahead meals
- Freezer-friendly and budget-friendly
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
Servings
- 6 to 8 servings
Ingredients
For the Cabbage Rolls
- 1 large green cabbage
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork (or use all beef)
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter or oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Remove the core from the cabbage carefully. Place the whole cabbage into boiling water for several minutes, loosening leaves as they soften. Remove 12 to 14 large leaves and set aside.
Trim the thick center rib of each leaf so it rolls easily.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, cooked rice, onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, paprika, and parsley. Mix gently until combined.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In a skillet, cook chopped onion in butter until soft. Add tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, brown sugar, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Step 4: Fill and Roll
Place about 1/4 cup filling near the base of each cabbage leaf. Fold in sides and roll tightly like a burrito.
Step 5: Assemble
Spread a little sauce in the bottom of a baking dish or Dutch oven. Arrange cabbage rolls seam-side down in layers. Pour remaining sauce over the top.
Step 6: Bake
Cover tightly with foil or lid. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, until cabbage is tender and filling is fully cooked.
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot with:
- Mashed potatoes
- Crusty bread
- Buttered noodles
- Sour cream
- Fresh parsley garnish
Tips for Best Results
- Freeze the cabbage overnight and thaw to soften leaves easily.
- Use a mix of beef and pork for richer flavor.
- Do not overfill the rolls.
- Let rolls rest 10 minutes before serving.
