There’s something incredibly comforting about a dish that takes a little bit of time and a lot of love to create. These Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a prime example. They’re a classic comfort food in many cultures, and for good reason—they’re a hearty, flavorful, and deeply satisfying meal. Imagine tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory filling of seasoned beef and rice, all simmered in a rich tomato sauce. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug and brings everyone to the dinner table.

I was introduced to this recipe by a family friend, and it quickly became one of my favorites. While it may seem a bit daunting at first, the process is straightforward, and the result is well worth the effort. This recipe is a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients coming together to create something truly memorable.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s a complete meal in a single package. The combination of the tender cabbage, the savory meat and rice filling, and the tangy tomato sauce is a perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s a dish that gets even better as it sits, so it’s a fantastic make-ahead option. The slow simmering process allows all the flavors to meld together, creating a depth of flavor that you just can’t get with a quick meal. It’s the kind of recipe that feels special and nostalgic, a true classic that never goes out of style.

Ingredients

• 1 large head of cabbage
• 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
• 1/2 cup uncooked long-grain rice
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

Swaps and Notes

• Cabbage: A large head of green cabbage works best. Choose one that is firm and without blemishes.
• Ground Meat: While ground beef is traditional, you can also use a mix of ground beef and pork, or even ground turkey for a lighter version.
• Rice: Uncooked long-grain white rice is best. It will cook and expand in the sauce, creating a tender and flavorful filling.
• Sauce: The combination of crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, brown sugar, and lemon juice creates a perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Adjust the brown sugar and lemon juice to your liking.

How to Make Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

1. Prep the Cabbage: Carefully remove the core of the cabbage with a sharp knife. In a large pot of boiling water, carefully place the entire head of cabbage. Boil for 5-10 minutes, until the outer leaves soften and can be easily peeled away. Remove the outer leaves one by one and set them aside to cool. Repeat until you have about 12-16 good-sized leaves.
2. Make the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, uncooked rice, diced onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together with your hands until well combined.
3. Prepare the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, brown sugar, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce.
4. Assemble the Rolls: Take a softened cabbage leaf and place a scoop of the meat mixture (about 1/4 cup) near the stem end. Fold the stem end over the filling, then fold in the sides, and roll it up tightly. Repeat with all the remaining leaves.
5. Simmer to Perfection: Pour about half of the sauce into the bottom of a large pot or Dutch oven. Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down on top of the sauce. Pour the remaining sauce over the rolls. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let them cook for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the cabbage is very tender and the rice and meat are fully cooked.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overstuff: Use about 1/4 cup of filling per roll. Overstuffing can cause them to burst during cooking.
• Roll Tightly: Rolling the cabbage leaves tightly ensures they hold their shape and the filling stays put.
• Use a Dutch Oven: A heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven is perfect for this. It distributes heat evenly and prevents the rolls from burning on the bottom.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Stuffed cabbage rolls are a complete meal on their own, but they pair beautifully with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or a simple loaf of crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce. For other great comforting meals, my Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo or a hearty Instant Pot Lasagna would be a perfect match.

Storage and Leftover Tips

Leftover stuffed cabbage rolls are fantastic! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They also freeze very well. Place them in a freezer-safe container, and they’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating on the stovetop or in the oven.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you’re a fan of comforting, home-cooked meals, you’ll want to check out some of these other favorites:

• My Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole is a fantastic one-pan dinner.
• For a classic that never disappoints, my Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce is a must-try.
• These Easy Turkey Wings are a perfect comfort food for a lazy weekend.

Final Thoughts

This Stuffed Cabbage Rolls recipe is a true classic for a reason. It’s a simple, delicious, and deeply satisfying dish that is perfect for a family dinner. The effort is minimal for the huge flavor payoff, and it’s a meal that will have everyone feeling happy and full.

If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear about it! What’s your favorite comfort food from your childhood? Let me know in the comments below.