Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Ground Beef and Rice

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Ground Beef and Rice is a hearty, comforting dish that brings together the flavors of tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a delicious filling of ground beef, rice, onions, and seasonings. The rolls are slowly baked in a rich tomato sauce, creating a satisfying and flavorful meal. This traditional recipe is commonly found in Eastern European cuisine, but variations exist all around the world. It’s a dish that requires a bit of preparation, but the result is well worth it. The blend of savory ground beef, aromatic garlic, and a tomato-based sauce makes these stuffed cabbage rolls perfect for a family dinner, and they taste even better as leftovers.

Full Recipe:
Ingredients

For the Cabbage Rolls:
⅓ cup water
1 ½ cup cooked white rice (cooled)
1 large head of cabbage
1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
1 large onion (chopped)
2 eggs
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
3 teaspoons minced garlic
1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
For the Tomato Sauce:
2 (10.5 ounce) cans condensed tomato soup (divided)
¼ cup ketchup
2 tablespoons tomato paste
Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage
Boil the cabbage:
Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Remove the core of the cabbage, then place the whole cabbage head in the boiling water. Let it boil for about 5-7 minutes, or until the outer leaves are tender and easily peel away. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to carefully remove the cabbage leaves one by one as they soften. Continue boiling the cabbage until you have about 10-12 large leaves.
Cool and trim the leaves:
Set the cabbage leaves aside on a plate to cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, trim the thick stem or rib at the base of each cabbage leaf to make them easier to roll.
Step 2: Make the Filling
Cook the rice:
If you haven’t already done so, cook 1 ½ cups of white rice and allow it to cool.
Combine the filling ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rice, 1 ½ pounds of lean ground beef, chopped onion, eggs, 1 teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, 3 teaspoons of minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon of parsley flakes. Mix everything together until well combined. The eggs will help bind the filling and keep it moist during baking.
Step 3: Prepare the Tomato Sauce
Mix the sauce:
In a separate bowl, mix together 1 ½ cans of condensed tomato soup, ¼ cup of ketchup, and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. This will create a rich, flavorful sauce to bake the cabbage rolls in. Set aside the remaining half can of tomato soup for later use.
Step 4: Assemble the Cabbage Rolls
Stuff the cabbage leaves:
Take one cabbage leaf and place about ¼ cup of the meat and rice filling at the center near the base of the leaf. Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling, then roll it up tightly, starting from the base and rolling upwards, like a burrito. Repeat this process with the remaining cabbage leaves and filling.
Layer the rolls in the baking dish:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of the prepared tomato sauce across the bottom. Place the stuffed cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish, arranging them in a single layer. If necessary, you can stack a second layer of rolls on top.
Top with tomato sauce:
Pour the remaining tomato sauce mixture over the cabbage rolls, ensuring that they are evenly covered. If the rolls aren’t completely submerged, add a little water or extra tomato soup to ensure there’s enough liquid to cook them properly.
Step 5: Bake the Cabbage Rolls
Cover and bake:
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake the cabbage rolls in the preheated oven for about 1 ½ to 2 hours, or until the cabbage is tender and the meat is fully cooked through. The rolls should be soft, and the flavors will meld together beautifully.
Check halfway:
Halfway through baking, check the cabbage rolls. If the sauce looks too thick or is drying out, add a bit more water or tomato soup to keep the rolls moist.
Step 6: Serve
Let the rolls rest:
Once the cabbage rolls are fully cooked, remove them from the oven and allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the rolls set and make them easier to serve.
Plate and enjoy:
Serve the stuffed cabbage rolls with extra sauce from the baking dish. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and pair them with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or a side salad for a complete meal.
Cooking Tips

Freezing cabbage: If you prefer not to boil the cabbage, you can freeze the cabbage head overnight. Once thawed, the leaves will be soft and pliable, making it easier to roll without boiling.
Customize the filling: You can add more herbs or spices to the filling for extra flavor, such as smoked paprika, thyme, or fresh dill. You can also substitute part of the beef with pork or chicken.
Control the sauce thickness: If you like a thicker sauce, you can add a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch to the tomato sauce mixture to give it more body. For a thinner sauce, simply add more water or broth.
Cooking method: If you want to make the process even easier, you can cook the cabbage rolls in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Storage

In the refrigerator: Store any leftover cabbage rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or in the microwave until warmed through.
In the freezer: Cabbage rolls freeze well. After baking, allow them to cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake in the oven at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until heated through.
Nutritional Facts (Per serving, based on 6 servings)

Calories: Approximately 350 kcal
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 6g
Sugars: 8g
Sodium: 780mg
Vitamin A: 20% of the daily recommended intake
Vitamin C: 30% of the daily recommended intake
Calcium: 10% of the daily recommended intake
Iron: 20% of the daily recommended intake
FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can use ground pork, chicken, or turkey in place of ground beef. A combination of beef and pork also works well for added flavor and richness.
What can I serve with cabbage rolls?
Cabbage rolls pair well with a variety of side dishes, including mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread. You can also serve them with a simple salad or roasted vegetables.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes! You can assemble the cabbage rolls and store them in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking. You can also bake them ahead of time and reheat them when ready to serve.
How do I prevent the cabbage rolls from unrolling?
Be sure to roll the cabbage leaves tightly around the filling and place them seam-side down in the baking dish. The sauce will help keep the rolls in place during cooking.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, brown rice can be used as a substitute, but it will need to be cooked beforehand. Brown rice adds a nuttier flavor and is more nutritious, but it takes longer to cook than white rice.
Conclusion
Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Ground Beef and Rice is a hearty, comforting dish that combines the flavors of tender cabbage, savory beef, and rich tomato sauce. This recipe is perfect for family dinners or special occasions, as it can be made in advance and reheated when needed. With its delicious filling and slow-baked flavor, these cabbage rolls are sure to become a favorite at your table. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh from the oven or as leftovers, this classic recipe is as satisfying as it is versatile. Serve them with your favorite sides, and enjoy a wholesome, flavorful meal!