If you’re craving a dish that’s hearty, wholesome, and packed with flavor, these Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are just the thing. Tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory blend of ground meat, rice, and spices, all nestled on a bed of roasted vegetables and bathed in a rich tomato sauce—this is comfort food done right.
Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or a cozy night in, this recipe brings together nourishing ingredients and soul-warming flavor in one beautiful bake.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
| For the Cabbage Rolls |
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| 1 large head green or Savoy cabbage |
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| 1 lb ground beef, turkey, or plant-based meat |
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| 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or wild) |
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| 1 small onion, finely diced |
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| 2 cloves garlic, minced |
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| 1 egg (optional, for binding) |
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| 1 tsp smoked paprika |
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| 1 tsp dried thyme |
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| Salt & black pepper |
To taste |
| For the Sauce |
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| 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes |
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| ½ cup tomato sauce |
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| ¼ cup chicken or vegetable broth |
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| 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce |
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| 1 tsp sugar (optional) |
Balances acidity |
| ½ tsp garlic powder |
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| Salt & black pepper |
To taste |
| For the Vegetable Bed |
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| 2 medium carrots, sliced |
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| 1 medium zucchini, chopped |
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| 1 red bell pepper, sliced |
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| 1 small onion, chopped |
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| 2 tbsp olive oil |
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| Optional: salt, pepper, Italian herbs |
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👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the Oven
- Set oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a large baking dish or casserole pan.
2️⃣ Soften the Cabbage
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Submerge the whole cabbage for 5–7 minutes, until outer leaves soften.
- Peel off softened leaves and set aside. Repeat until you have 8–10 leaves.
3️⃣ Make the Filling
- In a bowl, mix ground meat, rice, onion, garlic, egg (if using), paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper until well combined.
4️⃣ Roll the Cabbage
- Lay a cabbage leaf flat. Add 2–3 tablespoons of filling to the center.
- Fold sides over and roll tightly like a burrito.
- Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.
5️⃣ Prep the Veggie Bed
- Toss carrots, zucchini, bell pepper, and onion with olive oil and seasonings.
- Spread evenly across the bottom of your baking dish.
6️⃣ Assemble & Bake
- Place cabbage rolls on top of the vegetable bed.
- In a bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients.
- Pour sauce evenly over the rolls and veggies.
- Cover tightly with foil and bake for 45–50 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes, until rolls are tender and sauce is bubbling.
7️⃣ Serve & Enjoy
- Let cool slightly before serving.
- Spoon roasted veggies and sauce alongside each roll.
- Serve with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
