If you’ve ever craved a comforting, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug from the inside, then this Stuffed Cabbage Rolls in Tomato Sauce Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Combining tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory mix of ground beef, rice, and fragrant spices, then simmered gently in a rich, tangy tomato sauce, these rolls deliver layers of flavor and texture that are cozy, satisfying, and downright addictive. Whether it’s a family dinner or a special gathering, these stuffed cabbage rolls transform simple ingredients into something truly memorable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Starting with just a handful of straightforward ingredients, this recipe celebrates how simplicity brings incredible depth to your dish. Each component plays a crucial role—cabbage offers a mild, crunchy vessel, ground beef packs savory goodness, and the fragrant spices and tomato sauce tie everything together beautifully.
- Large head of green cabbage: The star wrap for the hearty filling, softened to perfect tenderness.
- Ground beef (1 lb): Adds rich, juicy flavor and protein to the rolls.
- Cooked white rice (1 cup): Lightens the texture and makes the filling wonderfully filling.
- Small onion, finely chopped: Provides a subtle sweetness and aromatic base.
- Garlic clove, minced: Brings a punch of warmth and depth.
- Tomato paste (2 oz): Concentrates the tomato flavor inside the filling.
- Egg, lightly beaten: Binds the filling ingredients together perfectly.
- Paprika (1 tsp): Adds a gentle smoky touch and beautiful color.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings for balanced flavor.
- Canned crushed tomatoes (28 oz): Forms the luscious, saucy base for simmering the rolls.
- Beef or vegetable broth (1 cup): Enhances the sauce with savory depth.
- Sugar (1 tbsp): Balances acidity in the tomato sauce.
- Dried oregano and thyme (1 tsp each): Bring fragrant herbaceous notes to the sauce.
How to Make Stuffed Cabbage Rolls in Tomato Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage Leaves
Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully core your cabbage and separate the leaves one by one. Blanch the leaves in the boiling water for 2 to 3 minutes until they become soft and pliable—this makes rolling much easier without any cracking. Once softened, drain them and let them cool down enough to handle comfortably.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, tomato paste, and lightly beaten egg. Sprinkle in paprika, salt, and black pepper for seasoning and mix everything thoroughly. This filling is juicy and packed with flavor—a perfect center for your cabbage rolls.
Step 3: Assemble the Rolls
Lay out each cabbage leaf and spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of the beef and rice filling onto the base of the leaf. Roll the leaf tightly around the filling, folding in the sides as you go to create neat, secure little parcels. Keep going until all your filling and cabbage leaves have been transformed into rolls ready for the next step.
Step 4: Prepare the Tomato Sauce
Now, combine the crushed tomatoes, broth, sugar, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper in a saucepan. Let this mixture simmer over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld all those lovely flavors together into a bright, savory sauce.
Step 5: Cook the Cabbage Rolls
Spoon a thin layer of the tomato sauce into the bottom of a large pot or Dutch oven to prevent sticking. Arrange your cabbage rolls snugly seam-side down in a single layer, then pour the remaining sauce over them, making sure every roll is well coated. Cover the pot and let everything simmer gently on low heat for 45 minutes to an hour, allowing the flavors to deepen and the cabbage to become tender yet hold its shape beautifully.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
When the time is up, your kitchen will be filled with the irresistible aroma of tender cabbage mingling with rich tomato and herbs. Serve these delightful stuffed rolls warm for comfort at its finest.
How to Serve Stuffed Cabbage Rolls in Tomato Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or dill on top adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal lift that pairs wonderfully with the warm, rich flavors. A dollop of sour cream can also add a creamy tang that complements the tomato sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
Mashed potatoes or crusty bread are classics here—perfect for soaking up every last bit of that luscious tomato sauce. For a lighter option, steamed green beans or a simple cucumber salad bring a crisp balance to the hearty rolls.
Creative Ways to Present
Try plating a single cabbage roll on a pool of the tomato sauce with a small side salad arranged artfully. Alternatively, layer the cabbage rolls in a casserole dish with extra sauce and bake them for a rustic, bubbly finish that’s equally impressive for guests or a cozy family meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover stuffed cabbage rolls store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making them even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange cooled cabbage rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your leftover rolls in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or sauce to keep them moist, or warm them gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep their texture intact for best results.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat in the Stuffed Cabbage Rolls in Tomato Sauce Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based alternative can be swapped in to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Keep the seasoning the same to preserve that delicious flavor balance.
Is it necessary to blanch the cabbage leaves?
Blanching softens the leaves making them flexible enough to roll without tearing, which helps maintain the shape while cooking. Skipping this step can result in brittle leaves that crack or puncture.
Can I prepare these cabbage rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the rolls a day ahead and keep them covered in the fridge. When ready to cook, simply simmer them in the tomato sauce as directed. This makes dinner-time preparation much easier!
What can I do if the tomato sauce tastes too acidic?
Add a little more sugar or a splash of cream to balance the acidity in the sauce. Sometimes letting the sauce simmer a bit longer can also mellow out the sharpness perfectly.
How do I prevent the cabbage rolls from falling apart during cooking?
Rolling the leaves tightly and tucking in the sides firmly helps keep the filling secure. Also, placing the rolls seam-side down in the pot ensures they stay intact while simmering gently.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to make this Stuffed Cabbage Rolls in Tomato Sauce Recipe a comforting staple in your kitchen. It’s a beautiful blend of simple ingredients, care, and love that yields utterly satisfying results. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s a beloved classic that brings people together around the dinner table time and time again.
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Stuffed Cabbage Rolls in Tomato Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Classic stuffed cabbage rolls filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, and aromatic herbs, simmered gently in a rich tomato sauce. This comforting dish is perfect for a family meal and pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
Cabbage Rolls
- 1 large head of green cabbage
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 oz tomato paste
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Tomato Sauce
- 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Cabbage: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Core the cabbage and carefully separate the leaves. Blanch the leaves in boiling water for 2–3 minutes until softened. Drain and let cool to handle.
- Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, cooked rice, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, tomato paste, lightly beaten egg, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Form the Rolls: Place 2–3 tablespoons of the filling onto the base of each cabbage leaf. Roll the leaf tightly around the filling, tucking in the sides as you go to seal the filling inside. Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a saucepan, combine crushed tomatoes, beef or vegetable broth, sugar, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors.
- Assemble and Cook: Spread a thin layer of the sauce in the bottom of a large pot or Dutch oven. Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in a single layer. Pour the remaining sauce over the rolls, ensuring they are fully covered. Cover the pot, then simmer on low heat for 45 minutes to 1 hour until the cabbage is tender and the flavors meld.
- Serve: Serve the stuffed cabbage rolls warm, ideally accompanied by crusty bread or creamy mashed potatoes for a satisfying meal. Enjoy!
Notes
- Blanching the cabbage leaves softens them and makes rolling easier.
- Use cooked rice to ensure proper texture and to bind the filling.
- If preferred, ground pork or turkey can be substituted for ground beef.
- The sauce can be made a day ahead to deepen the flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with cooked lentils or mushrooms and vegetable broth.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Eastern European
