The Juiciest Homemade Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe

Moments of culinary magic happen when simple ingredients like these cabbage rolls create delightful memories.

Polish kitchens have perfected this hearty dish through generations of loving preparation.

Tender leaves wrap savory meat and rice into delectable bundles that comfort and satisfy.

Sitting around a warm table, sharing stories while enjoying these traditional delicacies.

Each bite connects you to rich cultural traditions and home-cooked warmth.

Fragrant herbs and rich tomato sauce elevate these rolls from ordinary to extraordinary.

You cannot resist the temptation of these delicious parcels that promise pure satisfaction.

Why Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Are So Comforting

• Unlock Effortless Leaf Preparation: The boiling technique transforms tough cabbage leaves into pliable, easy-to-handle wrappers that roll smoothly without tearing or breaking.
• Master Simple Prepping Tricks: Removing the core and carefully peeling softened leaves makes this recipe beginner-friendly, ensuring anyone can create beautiful cabbage rolls with minimal cooking expertise.
• Enjoy Versatile Cooking Technique: The water-blanching method is a universal culinary skill that works perfectly for multiple dishes, helping you soften vegetables quickly and professionally without complex kitchen tools.
• Embrace Step-by-Step Precision: Trimming the thick stem base creates uniform, neat cabbage rolls that look restaurant-quality, making your home-cooked meal visually appealing and technically well-executed.

Everything You’ll Need For Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

• Cabbage: Tender green vegetable that forms the wrap for the rolls, select a fresh, compact head with crisp outer leaves.

• Ground Beef, Ground Pork: Hearty meat mixture that provides rich flavor and protein, choose lean cuts for better texture.
• Rice: Classic binding ingredient that adds substance and helps hold the filling together, long-grain white rice works best.
• Onion: Aromatic vegetable that adds depth and sweetness to the filling, yellow or white onions are traditional choices.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers that season the meat mixture throughout, freshly ground pepper provides better taste.
• Garlic: Pungent herb that brings robust flavor to the filling, fresh minced garlic offers more intense taste than pre-minced.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds a bright, clean note to the meat mixture, flat-leaf parsley has more robust flavor.

How To Prepare Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Step By Step

Step 1: Prepare Cabbage Leaves

Fill a spacious pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Carefully extract the core from the cabbage using a sharp knife. Gently submerge the entire cabbage head into the boiling water, allowing it to soften for about 12 minutes. Carefully peel off the outer leaves as they become pliable. Continue this process until you have collected 12-15 perfect cabbage leaves for rolling.

Step 2: Trim Cabbage Leaves

Using a sharp knife, carefully remove the thick, sturdy stem at the base of each leaf. This will make the leaves more flexible and easier to roll, ensuring a smooth and elegant final presentation of your stuffed cabbage rolls.

Step 3: Prepare Filling

• Ground beef
• Uncooked rice
• Onions
• Garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika

In a large mixing bowl, combine all filling ingredients. Mix thoroughly with clean hands, ensuring all components are evenly distributed throughout the meat mixture.

Step 4: Stuff Cabbage Leaves

Lay each cabbage leaf flat on a clean cutting board. Place a generous spoonful of the meat mixture near the stem end of the leaf. Carefully fold the sides inward, then roll from the stem end to create a neat, compact package.

Step 5: Arrange in Cooking Vessel

Select a large baking dish or heavy-bottomed pot. Arrange the rolled cabbage leaves seam-side down, nestling them close together to prevent unraveling during cooking.

Step 6: Create Savory Sauce

• Tomato sauce
• Diced tomatoes
• Beef broth
• Worcestershire sauce
• Herbs

Whisk the sauce ingredients together, then pour evenly over the arranged cabbage rolls.

Step 7: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the dish with a tight-fitting lid or aluminum foil. Place in a preheated oven and bake at 350°F for approximately 1.5 hours. The rolls should become tender, and the sauce will develop rich, deep flavors.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Remove from the oven and let the cabbage rolls rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows the filling to set and makes serving easier. Plate the rolls and spoon additional sauce over the top for extra moisture and flavor.

Cooking Tips For Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

• Soften Leaves Perfectly: Blanch cabbage leaves briefly in boiling water to make them pliable and prevent tearing during rolling.
• Trim with Precision: Cut the thick stem base at an angle to ensure smooth, even rolling and prevent bulky spots in your stuffed cabbage.
• Prevent Leaf Breakage: Handle softened leaves gently and let them cool slightly on a clean kitchen towel to maintain their structural integrity.
• Master the Rolling Technique: Fold the sides of the leaf inward before rolling to create a tight, neat package that prevents filling from leaking during cooking.
• Batch Preparation Hack: Remove leaves one at a time and keep the remaining cabbage in hot water to maintain softness while you work.

How To Store Stuffed Cabbage Rolls For Later

• Refrigerate: Store leftover cabbage rolls in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.
• Freeze: Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. They'll stay fresh for 2-3 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Microwave Reheat: Place rolls on a microwave-safe plate, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes.
• Oven Reheat: Preheat oven to 350°F. Arrange rolls in a baking dish, add a splash of broth or water. Cover with foil and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

Pairing Suggestions For Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Complement the hearty, savory flavors of stuffed cabbage rolls with a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah. These wines offer rich, bold notes that stand up to the meaty, dense texture of the dish.
• Serve with Tangy Sauerkraut: Add a zesty sauerkraut side to cut through the richness of the cabbage rolls. The fermented, slightly sour kraut provides a bright contrast and enhances the overall flavor profile of the meal.
• Create a Fresh Side Salad: Prepare a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the heavy, comforting nature of the stuffed cabbage. The salad's freshness will cleanse the palate and add a refreshing element to the dining experience.
• Match with Cold Polish Beer: Enjoy a chilled Polish beer like Żywiec or Tyskie alongside the cabbage rolls. The beer's crisp, clean taste will complement the dish's robust flavors and provide a traditional Eastern European dining experience.

Fun Twists On Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

• Veggie Delight Rolls: Swap ground meat with a hearty mixture of quinoa, mushrooms, and lentils for a protein-packed vegetarian version that's both nutritious and satisfying.
• Spicy Southwestern Cabbage Wraps: Add diced jalapeños, black beans, corn, and pepper jack cheese to create a zesty, Mexican-inspired filling that brings bold flavors to the classic recipe.
• Mediterranean Herb Rolls: Incorporate feta cheese, chopped spinach, pine nuts, and a blend of oregano and mint into the filling for a Greek-inspired cabbage roll that transports your taste buds to the Mediterranean coast.
• Asian Fusion Cabbage Parcels: Mix ground pork with ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and green onions, then top with a drizzle of sriracha for an East Asian-inspired version that packs a flavorful punch.

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Questions Answered

• How do I prevent cabbage leaves from tearing while rolling?

Blanch the cabbage leaves briefly in boiling water and let them cool slightly. This softens the leaves and makes them more pliable, reducing the chance of tearing when you’re stuffing and rolling.

• Can I make cabbage rolls ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the rolls up to a day in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator. This actually helps the flavors meld together, making them even more delicious when you’re ready to cook.

• What if I can't get my cabbage leaves to stay rolled?

Use toothpicks to secure the rolls, or place them seam-side down in the baking dish. The weight and heat will help keep them compact during cooking.

• Are cabbage rolls difficult for beginners to make?

Not at all! While they might look complicated, cabbage rolls are actually quite simple. The key is taking your time with softening the leaves and creating a consistent rolling technique.

Stuffed Cabbages Rolls Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Polish Golabki weaves hearty comfort through tender cabbage leaves embracing a savory mixture of ground meat and rice. Generations of family culinary tradition converge in each delectable roll you’ll savor with warmth and satisfaction.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 large head of green cabbage
• 500 grams (1 pound) ground beef or mixed beef and pork
• 1 cup cooked white rice

Seasoning and Binding Ingredients:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
• 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme or oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare a spacious stockpot filled with bubbling water and meticulously extract the cabbage’s central core using a sharp knife.
2. Submerge the entire cabbage head into the roiling liquid, allowing it to soften for approximately 12 minutes, carefully maneuvering each delicate leaf away from the head as it becomes pliable.
3. Continue separating leaves until you have secured 12-15 pristine, translucent cabbage wrappings.
4. With precision, trim the robust stem base of each leaf, creating a more supple surface ideal for seamless rolling.
5. Allow the removed leaves to rest on a clean kitchen towel, ensuring they cool slightly and remain flat for effortless filling and folding.
6. Pat each leaf gently with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture, preparing them for the upcoming culinary transformation.

Notes

• Softening cabbage leaves requires patience and gentle handling to prevent tearing.
• Trim the thick stem base of each leaf carefully with a sharp knife to ensure easy rolling and even cooking.
• Work with slightly warm leaves for maximum flexibility and minimal breakage during the stuffing process.
• Keep extra cabbage leaves nearby as backup in case some leaves tear or split during preparation.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Eastern European

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg