Name: Stuffed Cabbage Rolls | Easy healthy dinner
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 1 h 25 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Cuisine: Eastern European
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, with their tender, flavorful leaves enveloping a hearty filling, evoke a cozy meal that warms the heart and soul. This dish is often associated with gatherings, family dinners, and the comfort of home cooking. Each bite is a delightful combination of savoriness and a hint of sweetness from the cabbage, making these rolls not only a satisfying main course but a true celebration of Eastern European culinary tradition. When I first made stuffed cabbage rolls, I was surprised at how simple the process was—I could hardly believe I was creating such a delicious meal!

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

What makes this stuffed cabbage rolls recipe truly exceptional is its versatility. Whether you opt for ground beef, pork, or a mix of both, each choice introduces its own rich flavor profile. Plus, the addition of cooked rice brings a delightful texture that complements the meat perfectly. With just a bit of tomato sauce and broth to bathe the rolls during cooking, you end up with a dish that feels both hearty and healthy. I can’t wait for you to try this; it’s an easy, budget-friendly dinner that will impress your family and leave you feeling great about what you served.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Prep time is only 25 minutes, and cooking takes about 85 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights!
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of tender cabbage, savory meat, and rich tomato sauce creates a dish that’s impossible to resist.
Eye-Catching Appeal: These rolls are visually impressive, making them a great choice for festive occasions or casual dinners alike.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy them for dinner, pack leftovers for lunch, or even serve them at a potluck.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily substitute the meat for a plant-based alternative to create a vegetarian version!

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 large head of cabbage: The backbone of this dish, cabbage leaves are soft and pliable once cooked, providing the perfect wrapping for the flavorful filling. Look for heads that are firm for the best results.
1 lb ground beef or pork (or a mix): This adds rich, savory flavor to the filling. Ground turkey or chicken can be used for a leaner option.
1 cup cooked rice: This gives the filling a nice texture and helps bind it together. You can use white, brown, or even wild rice based on your preference.
1 medium onion, finely chopped: Onions add a sweet and aromatic element to the filling that is essential for flavor.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic imparts a fragrant punch that enhances the overall taste of the rolls.
1 large egg: This acts as a binder for the filling, making it sturdy yet tender.
1 tsp salt: Essential for seasoning the meat mixture, enhancing all the other flavors.
1/2 tsp black pepper: Adds a slight kick, balancing the sweetness from the cabbage and the richness of the meat.
1 tsp paprika: For a gentle warmth and a pop of color in both flavor and visual appeal.
2 cups tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes: This brings moisture and tanginess to the dish, complementing the savory filling.
1 cup beef broth: Enhances the sauce, infusing it with even more flavor while keeping the cabbage rolls moist during cooking.
2 tbsp olive oil: Used for browning the rolls before cooking, adding a delicious depth of flavor.
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish): Adds a fresh, bright touch just before serving.

How to Make Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe | Easy healthy dinner

Boil the Cabbage: Bring a large pot of water to boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage and place the whole head into the boiling water. Cook for 5–7 minutes until the leaves soften; you want them pliable but not falling apart. Once done, remove the cabbage and let it cool slightly before gently separating the leaves.

Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 lb ground beef or pork, 1 cup cooked rice, 1 medium chopped onion, 2 minced cloves of garlic, 1 large egg, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp paprika. Mix everything together until you achieve a well-combined filling that smells simply irresistible.

Stuff the Leaves: Lay a cabbage leaf flat and place 2–3 tablespoons of the meat mixture in the center. Fold the sides of the leaf inward and roll it up tightly, similar to how you would wrap a burrito. Ensure the filling is snugly packed to prevent it from spilling out during cooking.

Brown the Rolls: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down. Sauté them until browned lightly on all sides, adding a lovely color and depth of flavor to the rolls—about 5–7 minutes total.

Simmer in Sauce: Pour 2 cups of tomato sauce and 1 cup of beef broth evenly over the rolls in the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it cook for 45–60 minutes. This slow cooking allows the flavors to deepen, resulting in tender rolls that melt in your mouth.

Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Serve your cabbage rolls with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. Enjoy your hearty meal with a side of crusty bread or a mixed green salad!

Storing & Reheating

Leftover stuffed cabbage rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in the oven at 350°F for about 15–20 minutes, or microwave until heated through. Just keep in mind that the texture may be slightly softer, but they will still be delicious!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

To avoid under or overcooking the rolls, check on them halfway through the simmering time. They should be tender without falling apart.
Make sure the meat is at room temperature before mixing for better incorporation of flavors.
If you prefer a bit of heat, feel free to add some spicy sausage to the ground meat mixture or sprinkle red pepper flakes into the sauce.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with fillings—swap in quinoa or lentils for a vegetarian twist.

You’re now ready to enjoy stuffed cabbage rolls! They’re not just delicious; they’re a wonderful opportunity to experiment with flavors, fillings, and sauces, so feel free to get creative. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a gathering, this recipe promises to please everyone at the table!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! While traditional recipes often use ground beef or pork, ground turkey, chicken, or even a mix of meats can work beautifully. Just ensure any lean meat is seasoned well to enhance flavor.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To create a vegetarian version, substitute the ground meat with a combination of cooked lentils, mushrooms, and chickpeas. Incorporate additional spices and herbs for extra flavor, ensuring that the filling still feels hearty.

What sides pair well with stuffed cabbage rolls?

These rolls are quite filling on their own, but they pair beautifully with a simple green salad, crusty bread, or roasted vegetables. You could also serve them with a dollop of sour cream on the side for extra richness.

Can I prepare stuffed cabbage rolls in advance?

Certainly! You can assemble the rolls a day ahead, placing them in a baking dish and covering them with sauce. Just store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook them. This can save you time and make it even easier to enjoy a delicious homemade dinner!