Stuffed Cabbages

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Stuffed cabbages are one of those old-school comfort meals that bring generations together around the table. With tender leaves wrapped around a hearty filling of beef, rice, and herbs, each roll is like a warm hug from grandma. Whether you grew up eating these or are trying them for the first time, they offer a taste of something nostalgic and deeply satisfying.

This dish manages to be both rustic and elegant. It can easily be made ahead of time and baked to perfection when you’re ready. The tomato-based sauce infuses the rolls with a slightly tangy richness that ties everything together beautifully. It’s a recipe you make when you want a meal that feels like home.

Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Cabbages Recipe

You’ll love this recipe for its simplicity and its soul-warming payoff. Each bite is a perfect balance of savory meat, soft rice, and cabbage that melts into the tomato sauce. It feeds a crowd, stores well, and tastes even better the next day. Best of all, it’s flexible enough to accommodate variations like ground turkey or brown rice.

Can I Use Regular Green Cabbage or Do I Need Savoy?

Both types of cabbage work well, but regular green cabbage is more commonly used and easy to find. The leaves are firm enough to hold the filling without tearing but become beautifully tender after cooking. If you prefer something a little more delicate and textured, Savoy cabbage has a slightly more refined leaf that also makes rolling easier. Just be sure to blanch your leaves to make them pliable, no matter which variety you choose.

Ingredients for the Stuffed Cabbages

To make the most flavorful stuffed cabbages, you need a few essential ingredients that build layers of savory comfort. This recipe keeps it classic and approachable, with ingredients that are likely already in your kitchen or easy to find.

  • Green cabbage: The foundation of the dish, green cabbage holds the filling in neat parcels and softens to the perfect texture when cooked.
  • Ground beef: Rich and savory, it forms the protein base of the filling.
  • Cooked rice: Adds a soft, starchy balance to the meat and helps hold the filling together.
  • Onion: Brings aromatic depth to the filling.
  • Garlic: Enhances the flavor with a mild pungency.
  • Egg: Binds the filling so it stays together during cooking.
  • Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to bring everything to life.
  • Paprika: Adds a hint of smoky warmth.
  • Tomato sauce: Used both in the filling and as the baking sauce, it brings moisture and tanginess.
  • Brown sugar: A touch of sweetness balances the acidity of the tomato sauce.
  • Lemon juice or vinegar: Brightens the sauce and deepens its flavor.
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How To Make the Stuffed Cabbages

Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage Leaves

Bring a large pot of water to a gentle boil. Core the cabbage and carefully peel away the leaves. Blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until pliable. Set aside to cool.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix well until fully incorporated but don’t overwork it.

Step 3: Roll the Cabbage

Place a generous spoonful of filling near the base of each cabbage leaf. Fold in the sides and roll tightly like a burrito. Repeat with all leaves.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In a saucepan, combine tomato sauce, a little brown sugar, and lemon juice or vinegar. Heat until the sugar dissolves and the sauce simmers.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

In a baking dish, spread a layer of sauce. Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down. Pour the rest of the sauce over the top. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for about 1 hour, until the cabbage is tender and the filling is fully cooked.

How to Serve and Store Stuffed Cabbages

This hearty recipe comfortably serves 6 to 8 people, depending on the portion size and accompaniments. It makes a wonderful family meal or a satisfying addition to a potluck or holiday table. The rolls reheat beautifully and even improve in flavor after a day or two.

To store, let the cabbage rolls cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to freeze them, place the rolls in a freezer-safe dish with sauce, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

What to Serve With Stuffed Cabbages?

Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing, soaking up all that savory tomato sauce.

Crusty Bread

A warm slice of sourdough or baguette is perfect for wiping the plate clean.

Roasted Carrots

The natural sweetness of roasted carrots complements the slightly tangy sauce beautifully.

Cucumber Salad

A light and refreshing cucumber salad helps balance out the richness of the rolls.

Steamed Green Beans

Keep it simple with crisp-tender green beans for a clean, vegetal side.

Sauerkraut

For a truly Eastern European flair, serve with tangy sauerkraut on the side.

Applesauce

Surprisingly, a spoonful of applesauce works well to add a gentle, sweet contrast.

Sour Cream Dollop

A bit of sour cream adds creaminess and a little tang that pairs nicely with the tomato base.

Want More Comfort Food Ideas?

If stuffed cabbages speak to your soul, you’ll want to explore these other hearty, flavor-packed meals that warm you from the inside out:

Creamy Chicken and Broccoli for a weeknight classic that never fails.
Cajun Potato Soup when you need something creamy with a little kick.
Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini if you’re craving something cheesy and bold.
Mom’s Signature Macaroni Salad as a cool and creamy side dish.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes for a one-pan meal that checks all the boxes.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go traditional or put your own spin on it? Did you bake extra to freeze?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook with more ease and joy.

Explore beautifully curated comfort classics and family-friendly meals on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to favorite for busy nights or cozy weekends. Zoe Recipes on Pinterest

Conclusion

Stuffed cabbages are more than just a recipe—they’re a tradition. From the tender leaves to the flavorful filling and rich tomato sauce, each roll brings comfort, warmth, and a touch of nostalgia. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or just treating yourself, this dish makes every bite memorable.

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Stuffed Cabbages 1

Stuffed Cabbages


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  • Author: Zoe Adelson
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6–8 servings

Description

This stuffed cabbages recipe combines tender green cabbage leaves with a hearty beef and rice filling, baked in a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for family dinners, holidays, or freezing for later. Discover how to make classic comfort food with this easy guide.


Ingredients

1 head green cabbage

1 lb ground beef

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

2 tbsp brown sugar

1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar


Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Core the cabbage and peel away whole leaves. Blanch leaves for 2-3 minutes until soft and pliable. Cool and drain.

2. In a bowl, mix ground beef, rice, onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and paprika until just combined.

3. Place filling on each cabbage leaf. Fold sides and roll tightly. Set aside.

4. In a saucepan, combine tomato sauce, brown sugar, and lemon juice. Simmer for 5 minutes.

5. Spread a layer of sauce in a baking dish. Arrange cabbage rolls seam-side down. Pour remaining sauce over the top. Cover with foil.

6. Bake at 350°F for 1 hour or until the cabbage is tender and filling is cooked through.

Notes

Use green or Savoy cabbage—just blanch leaves first.

Make it ahead and refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor.

Freezes beautifully for up to 2 months.

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: Eastern European

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 roll (approx.)
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 580mg
  • Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 19g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
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