Stuffed Cabbage Rolls | Easy healthy dinner
Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a delightful blend of flavors wrapped in tender cabbage leaves, creating a truly comforting dish. With a savory filling of ground meat, rice, and spices, each bite offers a warm hug on a plate. This meal combines nostalgia with heartiness, making it a family favorite that is sure to impress. Whether you’re gathering for a weeknight dinner or celebrating a special occasion, these rolls deliver both flavor and satisfaction.
Table of Contents
I first tasted this classic dish at my grandmother’s table, where the aroma of bubbling tomato sauce instantly transported me back to my childhood. The joy of gathering around the dinner table to share stories and laughter over this incredible meal is something I cherish. There’s just something so fulfilling about preparing Stuffed Cabbage Rolls, isn’t there? They’re not just delicious; they also evoke memories of togetherness and warmth. I invite you to join me in making this easy, healthy dinner that your family will adore.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Prep takes just 25 minutes, and the oven does the rest with an 85-minute cook time.
- Irresistible Flavor: Savory meat, fragrant spices, and a rich tomato sauce unite for a dish that’s simply delightful.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Each roll looks beautiful on a plate, making them perfect for gatherings.
- Flexible Serving: Enjoy them for dinner, meal prep, or even as leftovers—they’re just as good heated up!
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily swap ingredients for variations tailored to dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 large head of cabbage: Fresh cabbage is essential for wrapping the filling. Choose one that’s dense and firm for the best leaves.
- 1 lb ground beef or pork (or a mix): This combination provides a rich flavor; however, you can use ground turkey or even a meatless option like lentils for a lighter version.
- 1 cup cooked rice: Any cooked rice works here—white, brown, or even a blend. It acts as a binder for the filling.
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped: Onions add a depth of flavor and sweetness. Yellow or white onions are ideal.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic enhances the dish’s savory profile; garlic powder can be a substitute, but adjust to taste.
- 1 large egg: This helps bind the filling together, ensuring it stays intact while cooking.
- 1 tsp salt: Essential for seasoning; adjust according to taste preferences if needed.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper will provide the best flavor.
- 1 tsp paprika: Adds a warm color and a hint of sweetness; smoked paprika can be a wonderful touch.
- 2 cups tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes: You can use store-bought or homemade; look for low-sugar varieties for a healthier option.
- 1 cup beef broth: This adds moisture and flavor during cooking—vegetable broth works for a lighter touch.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Used for browning the rolls, offering a touch of richness.
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish): A sprinkle of parsley brightens the dish and adds a pop of color.
How to Make Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe | Easy healthy dinner
Boil Water: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. This step is crucial to soften the cabbage leaves for easy rolling.
Prepare Cabbage: Carefully remove the core from the cabbage and gently place the whole head into the boiling water. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes until the leaves become pliable. Take care not to overcook, or the leaves may tear.
Separate Leaves: Once the cabbage is cool enough to handle, gently peel off the leaves, being mindful of their tenderness. You will need about 12-16 leaves, depending on their size.
Mix Filling: In a large bowl, combine 1 lb of ground beef or pork, 1 cup of cooked rice, 1 finely chopped medium onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 large egg, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp paprika. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Fill Cabbage: Lay a cabbage leaf on a flat surface, place 2-3 tablespoons of filling in the center, fold in the sides, and roll it up tightly, similar to a burrito. Repeat until all filling is used.
Brown Rolls: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Add the cabbage rolls seam-side down, and brown them lightly on all sides, which should take around 5-7 minutes.
Simmer: Pour 2 cups of tomato sauce and 1 cup of beef broth over the cabbage rolls. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat, cover, and let them cook for 45-60 minutes until they become fork-tender and are cooked through.
Garnish & Serve: Before serving, sprinkle with 1 tbsp of chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Storing & Reheating
Stuffed cabbage rolls can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 hours after cooking. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Alternatively, they can be frozen for up to 3 months if tightly wrapped in freezer-safe packaging. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until warmed through. Note that the texture may become slightly softer after freezing, so refreshing them with a drizzle of sauce helps maintain their flavor.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid tearing the cabbage leaves by cooking them just until tender and handling them gently.
- For extra flavor, sauté the onions and garlic in the olive oil before mixing them into the filling.
- Let the filling cool slightly before stuffing; this will make it easier to handle and prevent the leaves from cooking further.
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the filling.
- These rolls can be made ahead and left to sit in the sauce overnight for enhanced flavors.
Stuffed cabbage rolls are much more than just a meal; they’re an experience filled with flavor, nostalgia, and comfort. As you prepare this recipe, I encourage you to play around with the spices and fillings to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy the process and the delicious outcome—you’re in for a treat!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use other meats for the filling?
Absolutely! You can mix and match meats like turkey, lamb, or even go meatless with lentils or quinoa. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly.
Can I make these cabbage rolls ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the rolls and store them in the refrigerator before cooking. They’ll last for 1-2 days. Just add extra cooking time if baking from cold.
How do I prevent cabbage leaves from tearing?
To avoid tearing, ensure the cabbage leaves are cooked just until softened. Also, peeling the leaves carefully will help maintain their integrity.
What can I serve with stuffed cabbage rolls?
These rolls are delicious on their own or paired with a side like crusty bread, a fresh salad, or even creamy sour cream for dipping!
PrintMore Main Dishes Recipes
- Irish Cheddar & Stout Mac and Cheese Bake
- Irish Soda Bread | Easy St Patrick’s Day Bread
- Slow Cooker Maple Mustard Corned Beef
- Boxty | Irish Potato Pancakes (Crispy and Delicious)
- Cheesy Colcannon Potato Cakes with Scallions
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Stuffed Cabbage Rolls | Easy healthy dinner
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 85 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Braised
- Cuisine: American
Description
Savor these stuffed cabbage rolls filled with ground meat, rice, and spices. This easy and healthy dish brings comfort to your dinner table with its rich flavors and wholesome ingredients, making it an ideal choice for your family meals.
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)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage and immerse the whole head in boiling water. Cook for 5–7 minutes until the leaves soften. Remove and let cool slightly, then separate the leaves.
- In a large bowl, mix the ground meat, cooked rice, onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and paprika until well combined.
- Take 2–3 tablespoons of the filling and place it in the center of each cabbage leaf. Fold the sides in and roll tightly like a burrito.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Arrange the rolls seam-side down and brown lightly on all sides.
- Pour the tomato sauce and beef broth over the cabbage rolls. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat, cover, and cook for 45–60 minutes until tender and thoroughly cooked.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Make sure to adjust the cooking time if using larger or smaller cabbage rolls.
Feel free to add additional spices or herbs to the filling for extra flavor.
These rolls can be made ahead of time and reheated for a quick dinner.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
