Old-Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

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Old-Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Description

Old-Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a timeless comfort food made with tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory meat-and-rice filling, then slowly baked in a rich tomato sauce. This hearty dish is cozy, filling, and perfect for family dinners, holidays, or make-ahead meals.

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Total Time: ~1 hour 40 minutes

Servings: 6 (about 2 rolls per serving)

Ingredients

For the Cabbage Rolls

  • 1 large head green cabbage

  • 1 lb ground beef (or beef/pork mix)

  • ½ lb ground pork (optional but traditional)

  • 1 cup cooked white rice

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 egg

  • 1 tsp salt

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • ½ tsp paprika

For the Sauce

  • 2 cups tomato sauce

  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes

  • 2 tbsp brown sugar

  • 1 tbsp lemon juice or apple cider vinegar

  • ½ tsp salt

  • ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cabbage
    Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Remove core from cabbage and carefully peel off 10–12 leaves. Boil leaves for 2–3 minutes until flexible. Drain and cool.

  2. Make the Filling
    In a large bowl, combine ground meat, cooked rice, onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix gently.

  3. Assemble Rolls
    Place â…“ cup filling at the base of each cabbage leaf. Fold sides in and roll tightly.

  4. Prepare the Sauce
    Mix tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, brown sugar, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

  5. Bake
    Spread a small amount of sauce in a baking dish. Arrange rolls seam-side down. Pour remaining sauce over rolls.
    Cover tightly with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 75 minutes.

  6. Serve
    Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

Tips

  • Freeze extra cabbage leaves for future use

  • Use savoy cabbage for easier rolling

  • Add sauerkraut to the sauce for extra tang

  • These taste even better the next day

Nutrition Information (Approx. per serving)

  • Calories: ~390

  • Protein: ~24 g

  • Carbohydrates: ~28 g

  • Fat: ~20 g

  • Fiber: ~4 g

Health Benefits

  • High in protein for muscle support

  • Cabbage provides fiber and vitamin C

  • Balanced meal with carbs, fats, and protein

  • Comforting yet nourishing

Q & A

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Q: Can I freeze cabbage rolls?
Absolutely. Freeze cooked or uncooked rolls for up to 3 months.

Q: Can I make them low-carb?
Yes—replace rice with cauliflower rice.

Q: Can I cook them in a slow cooker?
Yes—cook on LOW for 6–7 hours.

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