Name: Stuffed Cabbage Rolls | Easy healthy dinner
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 1 h 25 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 large head of cabbage; 1 lb ground beef or pork (or a mix); 1 cup cooked rice; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 large egg; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp paprika; 2 cups tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes; 1 cup beef broth; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Stuffed cabbage rolls are like warm hugs on a plate. These delightful bundles deliver a beautiful array of flavors and textures, wrapping moist and seasoned ground meat in tender cabbage leaves. With the first bite, you’ll experience a comforting mixture of hearty beef (or pork) and fluffy rice complemented by the bright tang of tomato sauce. It’s a dish that brings people together, whether for a cozy dinner at home or a festive gathering.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe | Easy healthy dinner
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Stuffed Cabbage Rolls | Easy healthy dinner

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls | Easy healthy dinner

I found my way to stuffed cabbage rolls through family traditions. Growing up, my grandmother often prepared them for Sunday dinners. The heavenly aroma wafting through the house as they simmered away is a cherished memory that still tugs at my heartstrings. Today, I’m excited to share this easy version of stuffed cabbage rolls—a recipe that’s slightly healthier but just as delicious. If you’re on the lookout for a classic and satisfying dish, look no further.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: In just about 85 minutes, you can whip up a wholesome dinner.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of savory meat, warm rice, and zesty tomato sauce makes each roll a flavorful delight.
Eye-Catching Appeal: These rolls look adorable on your dinner table and will impress your guests.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep for the week ahead.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily swap in ground turkey for a lighter twist, or go vegetarian with mushrooms and lentils.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 large head of cabbage: Use a fresh head for pliable leaves that wrap easily around the filling.
1 lb ground beef or pork (or a mix): Choose your favorite or use a blend for added flavor.
1 cup cooked rice: This provides a nice texture. Leftover rice works great if you have it.
1 medium onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and flavor depth; yellow or white onions work best.
2 cloves garlic, minced: A must-have for an aromatic base, bringing warmth.
1 large egg: Helps bind everything together; ensures the mixture holds its shape.
1 tsp salt: Essential for enhancing flavors.
1/2 tsp black pepper: Adds a hint of warmth.
1 tsp paprika: Gives a lovely smokiness; feel free to use sweet or smoked paprika based on your preference.
2 cups tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes: Provides a luscious sauce base; this is where the comforting goodness comes from!
1 cup beef broth: Keeps the rolls moist and adds flavor during cooking.
2 tbsp olive oil: For browning the rolls and preventing sticking in the skillet.
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish): A touch of fresh color and flavor when serving; you can also use dill for an extra Eastern European flair.

How to Make Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe | Easy healthy dinner

Boil the Cabbage: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage, then place the whole head into the boiling water. Cook for 5–7 minutes or until the leaves are softened, making them easier to manage. Once done, remove the cabbage and allow it to cool slightly. Gently separate the leaves—you’ll need about 12–15 for the rolls.

Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 lb ground beef (or pork) with 1 cup cooked rice, 1 finely chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 large egg, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp paprika. Mix everything until well combined. The mixture should feel slightly sticky but well-blended, ensuring that each bite is flavorful.

Stuff the Leaves: Lay each cabbage leaf flat, then place 2–3 tablespoons of the meat filling in the center. Carefully fold the sides of the leaf over the filling, and then roll it tightly from the bottom to the top, akin to wrapping a burrito. Repeat until all your filling is used—there’s something so satisfying about this step!

Brown the Rolls: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, place the stuffed cabbage rolls seam-side down in the skillet. Lightly brown on all sides—this should take about 5 minutes. This step adds a lovely layer of flavor and texture to your cabbage rolls.

Simmer to Perfection: Once browned, pour in 2 cups of tomato sauce and 1 cup of beef broth over the cabbage rolls, gently coaxing them to soak up the flavors. Bring everything to a simmer, then reduce the heat, cover, and let them cook for about 45–60 minutes. You know they’re done when the cabbage leaves are tender, and the filling is fully cooked.

Garnish and Serve: Before serving, sprinkle with 1 tbsp fresh parsley for a pop of color. These rolls are best served hot, with additional sauce drizzled over for that perfect comfort food experience. Enjoy every mouthful!

Storing & Reheating

You can store stuffed cabbage rolls at room temperature for up to 2 hours after cooking. For longer storage, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll keep for about 3-4 days. If you want to save them for later, you can freeze the rolls for up to 3 months—just make sure to wrap them tightly. When ready to eat, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. Although they may lose a bit of their initial texture, a splash of broth or additional sauce can refresh them perfectly.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid tearing cabbage leaves by softly boiling them until just tender; this helps them roll without breaking.
If your filling seems too moist, add a bit more rice or a breadcrumb to absorb excess moisture.
To enhance flavors, sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil before adding them to the filling.
Make a batch of these rolls ahead of time; they can be assembled, stored in the fridge, and cooked just before serving.
Use leftover meat or grains; stuffed cabbage rolls are fantastic for using up items from your fridge.

Stuffed cabbage rolls are not just a meal; they’re a comforting reminder of home, shared stories, and traditions. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this recipe is an excellent choice for a delightful dinner. Don’t hesitate to experiment with alternate fillings or sauces—each twist adds a personal touch. Enjoy the process, savor the flavors, and create your own delicious memories with stuffed cabbage rolls!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the ground meat with a blend of cooked lentils, mushrooms, and perhaps some finely chopped carrots for extra depth. You’ll still need the rice and spices to keep the flavors robust.

What can I serve with stuffed cabbage rolls?

They pair wonderfully with crusty bread, a side salad, or even mashed potatoes. The tomato sauce also goes great with some crusty baguette for dipping!

Can I prepare stuffed cabbage rolls in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the rolls ahead of time, store them in the refrigerator, and cook them just before serving. This meal is a great option for prepping ahead, making dinner stress-free.

How do I fix torn cabbage leaves?

If a leaf tears while you’re rolling, it’s not the end of the world! Simply use another leaf for wrapping or reinforce it with a bit of the filling to hold it together.