Easy Homemade Cabbage Rolls: A Hearty Comfort Food Recipe
Cabbage rolls are a timeless classic, cherished across many cultures for their comforting appeal and rich, savory flavors. This particular recipe brings together tender cabbage leaves with a robust filling of seasoned ground beef, flavorful Italian sausage, and fluffy long-grain rice, all simmered to perfection in a delectable tomato sauce. It’s a dish that warms the soul and satisfies even the heartiest appetites, making it a perfect addition to your family dinner rotation. The blend of textures and deeply infused flavors makes every bite a true delight, transforming humble ingredients into something extraordinary.
Why This Recipe Works: The Ultimate Comfort Food
What makes these homemade cabbage rolls truly special is their incredible blend of flavors and textures, alongside their surprising ease of preparation. Each bite offers the succulent taste of perfectly seasoned meat, the satisfying chewiness of rice, and the delicate sweetness of fork-tender cabbage, all harmoniously enveloped in a rich, tangy tomato sauce. This recipe streamlines the process, making what might seem like an intricate dish approachable for home cooks of all skill levels. The result is a profoundly satisfying meal that feels both wholesome and indulgent.
Beyond their deliciousness, these rolls are remarkably practical for modern households. They’re excellent for meal prepping, allowing you to prepare them in advance and enjoy a wholesome, home-cooked meal on busy weeknights without the stress of last-minute cooking. Furthermore, they freeze beautifully, ensuring you always have a comforting dish ready to go when you don’t feel like cooking from scratch but still crave something homemade and hearty. The convenience of having these delicious rolls on hand makes them an invaluable addition to your culinary repertoire. Pair them with a side of crispy potato pancakes or savory roasted potatoes for an ultimate, stick-to-your-ribs experience that truly embodies comfort food.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Cabbage Rolls
Creating these delightful cabbage rolls requires a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients that come together to form a rich and satisfying meal. You’ll find all precise measurements, ingredient details, and comprehensive instructions in the printable recipe card located at the conclusion of this post. For now, let’s dive into the core components that make this dish so special.
Ingredient Spotlight & Expert Substitution Tips
Understanding each ingredient’s role and knowing possible substitutions can help you tailor this recipe to your taste and dietary needs. Here’s a closer look at the key components:
MEAT – Our recipe utilizes a flavorful combination of 1 pound of ground beef and 1 pound of ground Italian sausage, which offers a depth of savory flavor and a delightful texture. The beef provides a classic richness, while the Italian sausage introduces aromatic spices and a touch of zest. However, the beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. Feel free to customize the meat to your preference. You can opt for all ground beef, all ground Italian sausage (mild or hot, depending on your spice preference), or experiment with other ground meats such as ground turkey, venison, chicken, lamb, or pork. The key is to use ground or minced meat for the filling. A common question arises about pre-cooking the meat, but rest assured, there’s no need to do so here. The meat cooks perfectly in the oven as the cabbage rolls simmer in the sauce, infusing them with even more flavor and ensuring a moist, tender result.
RICE – For the filling, we recommend using long-grain white rice, which maintains its texture well and absorbs flavors beautifully. Brown rice is also a suitable, healthier alternative if you prefer a nuttier flavor and more fiber; just be aware it might require slightly longer pre-cooking. A crucial step for perfectly tender cabbage rolls is to pre-cook the rice before incorporating it into the filling. This ensures that the rice is fully cooked and tender, rather than crunchy, once the rolls are baked, contributing to the overall harmonious texture of the dish. Approximately 1/2 cup of uncooked rice will yield the 1 1/2 cups of cooked rice needed for this recipe.
SAUCE – The luscious tomato sauce is a cornerstone of this recipe, providing the moisture and rich flavor that permeates the cabbage rolls. The addition of condensed tomato soup is a secret ingredient that works wonders, lending a subtle sweetness that beautifully balances the acidity of the tomato sauce. This creates a well-rounded, savory-sweet profile that coats the cabbage rolls perfectly and helps to thicken the sauce as it bakes. While the existing blend is rich in flavor, you can certainly personalize it by adding extra herbs (like oregano or basil) and spices to your liking. However, be cautious with additional salt, as the condensed tomato soup already contributes a significant amount of sodium, and you wouldn’t want to over-salt your delicious sauce.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Cabbage Rolls
These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are here to guide you visually through the process of making this comforting recipe. For the printable version, complete with precise measurements and comprehensive instructions, you can Jump to Recipe at the bottom of this page.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your oven is at the correct temperature for even baking once the rolls are assembled.
- To ensure your cabbage leaves are pliable and easy to roll without tearing, you’ll need to soften them. This can be achieved through boiling or steaming. For a quick and effortless method, carefully detach each large outer leaf from the head of cabbage, ensuring they remain intact. Place them in a large microwave-safe bowl with about an inch of water at the bottom. Microwave for 2-3 minutes at a time, checking until the leaves become wilted and flexible. Once softened, carefully drain any excess water from the bowl.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground Italian sausage, precooked long grain rice, finely diced onion, salt, black pepper, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and one large egg. Add 1⁄2 cup of the tomato sauce to this mixture. For thorough incorporation, use gloved hands to mix all ingredients until they are evenly combined. This ensures every part of the filling is perfectly seasoned.
- In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together the remaining tomato sauce, the can of condensed tomato soup, and an additional pinch of Italian seasoning and pepper, if desired. This creates the rich and tangy sauce that will blanket your cabbage rolls during baking.
- Spread about 1⁄2 cup of this prepared tomato sauce mixture evenly across the bottom of a 9×13 casserole dish. This layer will prevent the rolls from sticking and add moisture from below.
- Lay one softened cabbage leaf flat in front of you. Place a generous scoop (approximately 1⁄3 cup) of the meat and rice mixture in the center, towards the stem end. Carefully fold the stem side of the cabbage leaf over the filling, then fold in the sides of the leaf, much like wrapping a burrito. Finally, roll the cabbage leaf tightly away from you to form a neat, compact packet.
- Place each neatly rolled cabbage packet seam-side down in the prepared casserole dish. Arrange them snugly next to each other to help them hold their shape.
- Continue the process of filling and rolling the cabbage leaves until all of the meat mixture is used up and the casserole dish is filled. The number of rolls will depend on the size of your cabbage leaves and how much filling you use per roll; typically, this recipe yields about 9 large cabbage rolls.
- Once all rolls are in the dish, generously pour the remaining tomato sauce mixture evenly over the top of all the cabbage rolls. Ensure they are well coated to keep them moist and flavorful during baking.
- Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature of the cabbage rolls reaches a safe 145°F (63°C) when checked with an instant-read thermometer. The foil helps to steam the cabbage and cook the meat thoroughly while keeping the rolls tender.
- After the initial baking, remove the aluminum foil. Baste the cabbage rolls with the delicious sauce that has collected in the dish. Return the uncovered dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes. This final uncovered baking helps to slightly thicken the sauce and can lightly caramelize the tops of the rolls.
- Garnish your freshly baked cabbage rolls with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a touch of color and fresh flavor before serving. Enjoy them warm!
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips
Freezing cabbage rolls is a fantastic way to extend their shelf life and prepare for future meals. For best results, we highly recommend freezing uncooked cabbage rolls. To do this, first, flash freeze the assembled but uncooked rolls on a baking sheet or in a baking dish until they are firm enough to hold their shape on their own. This prevents them from sticking together. Once thoroughly frozen, transfer them to a large freezer-safe zip-top bag or an airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 5 months, maintaining their quality and flavor. When you’re ready to cook, simply transfer them to the refrigerator overnight to thaw. Remove them from the fridge as your oven preheats to allow them to come closer to room temperature, then follow the original baking instructions. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure they are heated through and cooked to perfection, as freezing can sometimes extend the cooking duration slightly.
Leftover cabbage rolls are just as delicious, if not more so, the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together! To store, allow the cooked rolls to cool completely to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. Properly sealed, they will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For reheating, you can warm them gently in the microwave or cover and bake in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce seems too thick.
Absolutely! Cabbage rolls are an excellent make-ahead dish, perfect for entertaining or preparing for a busy week. You can assemble the rolls up to 24 hours in advance. Once rolled and placed in your casserole dish, cover them tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors of the filling to meld beautifully. When you’re ready to bake, take them out of the fridge approximately 30-60 minutes before baking, while your oven preheats, to allow them to come closer to room temperature. Then, bake according to the recipe directions. This strategy offers maximum flavor development and a stress-free meal preparation experience.
Delicious Serving Suggestions
These hearty cabbage rolls are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. While they are a complete and satisfying meal on their own, you can easily elevate your dinner by pairing them with a variety of complementary sides. Classic choices include fluffy mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, crispy roasted potatoes, or savory potato pancakes for a truly comforting and satisfying meal that soaks up the delicious sauce. For a lighter touch, consider a fresh green salad with a vinaigrette dressing, steamed green beans, or a vibrant grain salad. Warm dinner rolls or crusty bread are also excellent for mopping up every last bit of that delicious tomato sauce. Serve them hot straight from the oven, generously spooning extra tomato sauce over each roll for maximum enjoyment and a beautifully presented dish.
Explore More Hearty Casserole Recipes
If you love the comforting simplicity of a delicious casserole, you’re in for a treat! These recipes are perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or whenever you need a hearty, satisfying meal:
- Beef Enchiladas: Layers of flavor in a classic Mexican-inspired dish.
- Shepherd’s Pie: A traditional favorite with savory meat and a mashed potato topping.
- John Wayne Casserole: A robust, cheesy, and hearty casserole packed with flavor.
- Ground Beef Casserole: Easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser with ground beef.
- Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole: A creamy, family-friendly dish perfect for any night.
- Cabbage Roll Casserole: All the flavors of cabbage rolls, deconstructed into an easy bake.
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Cabbage Rolls
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 1 large head of green cabbage
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage
- 1 ½ cups cooked long grain rice 1/2 cup of uncooked rice will make 1 1/2 cups of cooked rice
- 1 small yellow onion diced (1 cup)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper plus more for sauce, optional
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning plus more for sauce, optional
- 1 large egg
- 15 oz tomato sauce 1 can, divided
- 10.75 oz condensed tomato soup 1 can
- chopped parsley for garnish
Things You’ll Need
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13×9 baking dish
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Mixing bowls
Before You Begin
- The meat mixture can be varied – you can substitute ground turkey for the ground beef or sausage, or use all one type of ground meat. Hot Italian sausage would also be a flavorful substitution, adding a nice kick to the dish.
- The tomato soup addition to the tomato sauce adds a little sweetness and depth, which helps to cut the acidity down a bit and creates a beautifully balanced flavor. You can add additional herbs and spices to the tomato sauce if desired, such as a pinch of dried basil or oregano. However, do not add more salt – the condensed tomato soup already has enough sodium.
- While some recipes suggest pre-cooking the meat, there’s no need to do so here. The meat cooks up completely and safely in the oven, releasing its juices into the sauce for extra flavor. We did pre-cook the rice to ensure it cooks fully and is tender, preventing any unwanted crunchiness in the finished cabbage rolls.
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Softening the cabbage leaves is crucial for easy rolling. Gently remove the large outer leaves from the head of cabbage and place them in a large microwave-safe bowl with about an inch of water at the bottom. Microwave for 2-3 minutes at a time until cabbage leaves are wilted and pliable. Drain excess water.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, sausage, cooked rice, diced onion, salt, pepper, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, egg, and 1⁄2 cup of the tomato sauce. Use gloved hands to thoroughly combine all of the ingredients until uniform.
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In another bowl, whisk together the remaining tomato sauce, condensed tomato soup, and an additional pinch of Italian seasoning and pepper, if desired, for the topping sauce.
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Spread about 1⁄2 cup of this sauce mixture in the bottom of a 9×13 casserole dish.
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To form a roll: Lay one cabbage leaf flat. Place a large scoop (about 1⁄3 cup) of the meat/rice mixture in the center. Fold the stem side and top side of the cabbage leaf toward each other, then roll up the cabbage leaf sides like a burrito to form a neat packet.
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Place each rolled cabbage packet seam-side down in the prepared casserole dish, arranging them snugly.
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Continue filling and rolling cabbage leaves until the meat mixture is used up and the casserole dish is full. (This recipe typically yields 9 large cabbage rolls.)
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Pour the rest of the tomato sauce mixture evenly over the top of all the cabbage rolls in the dish.
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Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature of the cabbage rolls reaches 145°F (63°C) on an instant-read thermometer.
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Remove the aluminum foil and baste the cabbage rolls with the accumulated sauce from the dish. Bake an additional 10 minutes, uncovered, to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
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Garnish with freshly chopped parsley just before serving. Serve warm and enjoy!
Expert Tips & FAQs
- Storage: Store cooked and cooled cabbage rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. They make excellent leftovers!
- Freezing Instructions: To freeze for future meals, it’s best to freeze uncooked rolls. Flash freeze them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a large zip-top freezer bag or airtight container. Freeze for up to 5 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. Remove them from the fridge while the oven preheats, then bake according to recipe instructions, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time if needed to ensure they are fully heated and cooked through.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the cabbage rolls up to 24 hours in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Take them out as the oven preheats to bring them closer to room temperature before baking.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.