Country Cabbage Rolls are a comforting, old-fashioned family meal made with tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory filling of seasoned ground beef and rice, then slowly baked in a rich tomato sauce. They’re hearty, filling, and perfect for a cozy dinner when you want something homemade and satisfying.
The cabbage becomes wonderfully tender as it cooks, while the beef, rice, onion, and tomato sauce create a classic combination of flavors. This recipe also makes a generous batch, so it’s excellent for family dinners or preparing ahead.
Ingredients
For the Cabbage Rolls
- 1 large green cabbage
- 1½ pounds ground beef
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
For the Tomato Sauce
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14–15 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon sugar, optional
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup beef broth or water
How to Make Country Cabbage Rolls
1. Prepare the Cabbage
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Carefully remove any damaged outer cabbage leaves. Using a sharp knife, cut around the core to help loosen the leaves.
Place the whole cabbage into the boiling water. As the outer leaves soften, carefully remove them with tongs and transfer them to a plate.
Continue until you have about 12–16 good-sized leaves.
Allow the leaves to cool enough to handle. Trim away the thickest part of the center rib so the leaves are easier to roll.
2. Prepare the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, black pepper, paprika, parsley, oregano, and onion powder.
Mix gently until everything is evenly combined.
Avoid overmixing, as this can make the filling dense.
3. Make the Tomato Sauce
In another bowl, combine the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, pepper, and optional sugar.
Add the beef broth or water and stir well.
The small amount of sugar is optional and simply helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
4. Fill the Cabbage Leaves
Lay one cabbage leaf flat on a work surface.
Place approximately 2–3 tablespoons of the beef mixture near the bottom portion of the leaf.
Fold the sides toward the center, then roll the cabbage upward tightly, similar to making a stuffed tortilla.
Repeat with the remaining cabbage leaves and filling.
5. Assemble the Dish
Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce across the bottom of a large baking dish.
Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in a single layer.
Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the rolls, making sure most of them are covered.
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
6. Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake the covered cabbage rolls for approximately 75–90 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the filling is thoroughly cooked.
For food safety, the center of the beef filling should reach 160°F (71°C).
Remove the foil during the final 10–15 minutes if you prefer a slightly thicker, more concentrated sauce.
Let the cabbage rolls rest for about 10 minutes before serving.
Helpful Tips
Don’t overfill the leaves: The rice and meat mixture expands slightly as it cooks, so leave enough room to roll the cabbage securely.
Use leftover rice: This recipe is a great way to use cooked rice from a previous meal.
Keep the rolls seam-side down: This helps prevent them from opening while baking.
Make the sauce flavorful: Taste the tomato sauce before assembling and adjust the salt, pepper, or seasonings to your preference.
For especially tender cabbage: Bake the rolls covered for most of the cooking time. The trapped steam helps soften the cabbage.
Easy Variations
Ground Turkey Cabbage Rolls
Replace the ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter version.
Pork and Beef Rolls
Use a combination of ground beef and ground pork for a richer, more traditional-style filling.
Brown Rice Version
Substitute cooked brown rice for white rice for a heartier texture.
Spicy Cabbage Rolls
Add crushed red pepper flakes or a little cayenne pepper to the meat mixture or tomato sauce.
Cheesy Cabbage Rolls
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or cheddar over the rolls during the final 10 minutes of baking.
What to Serve With Cabbage Rolls
Country Cabbage Rolls are filling on their own, but they pair beautifully with simple sides such as:
- Mashed potatoes
- Crusty bread
- Corn
- Green beans
- Roasted carrots
- Simple garden salad
- Sour cream
A spoonful of sour cream on top adds a creamy contrast to the rich tomato sauce.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Cabbage rolls are an excellent make-ahead meal.
You can assemble the rolls and sauce, cover the baking dish, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
If baking directly from the refrigerator, you may need to add a little extra cooking time. Always check that the center of the filling reaches a safe temperature.
Storage
Allow leftovers to cool and refrigerate them in an airtight container.
They can generally be kept in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
For longer storage, cabbage rolls can be frozen in an airtight freezer-safe container. Thaw them in the refrigerator before reheating for the best texture.
Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use uncooked rice?
Cooked rice is recommended for this recipe because it makes the cooking time more predictable. If using uncooked rice, the amount of liquid and cooking time need to be adjusted so the rice has enough moisture to cook properly.
Why are my cabbage rolls tough?
The cabbage leaves may not have been softened enough before rolling, or the rolls may need additional covered cooking time. Keeping the dish covered helps create steam and tenderize the cabbage.
Can I make cabbage rolls without an egg?
Yes. The egg helps bind the filling, but you can omit it if necessary. Make sure the meat mixture is mixed well enough to hold together.
Can I use red cabbage?
You can, although green cabbage is generally easier to roll and has a milder flavor. Red cabbage can also take on a different texture and color when cooked.
Can I make these in a slow cooker?
Yes. Place some sauce on the bottom, arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down, cover them with the remaining sauce, and cook on LOW until the cabbage is tender and the meat is fully cooked.
Final Thoughts
Country Cabbage Rolls are the kind of comforting homemade dinner that brings together simple ingredients in a delicious way. Tender cabbage, savory beef and rice filling, and rich tomato sauce make this a satisfying meal that works just as well for a family dinner as it does for leftovers the next day.
If you enjoy classic comfort food and recipes that can feed a crowd, these cabbage rolls are definitely worth adding to your recipe collection.
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Tags: Country Cabbage Rolls, cabbage rolls recipe, stuffed cabbage, ground beef recipes, comfort food, family dinner, easy dinner recipes