Stuffed Cabbage Rolls (Classic Old-Fashioned Recipe)

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Stuffed Cabbage Rolls – Hearty, Comforting & Family-Style

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a timeless comfort food made with tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory filling of ground beef, rice, and seasonings, then baked in rich tomato sauce. This traditional dish has been passed down for generations and is perfect for Sunday dinners, holidays, or cozy family meals.

If you’re looking for a classic stuffed cabbage rolls recipe that’s flavorful, tender, and satisfying, this one is simple to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.

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Ingredients

For the Cabbage:

• 1 large green cabbage

For the Filling:

• 1 pound ground beef

• ½ pound ground pork (optional for extra flavor)

• 1 cup cooked white rice

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon paprika

For the Sauce:

• 2 cups tomato sauce

• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• ½ teaspoon dried thyme

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

2. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage.

3. Submerge cabbage in boiling water and peel off leaves as they soften (about 2–3 minutes per layer).

4. Set softened leaves aside to cool.

Step 2: Make the Filling

5. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, pork (if using), cooked rice, onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and paprika.

6. Mix gently until combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Rolls

7. Place 2–3 tablespoons of filling in the center of each cabbage leaf.

8. Fold sides inward and roll tightly.

9. Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

10. In a bowl, mix tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme.

Step 5: Bake

11. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

12. Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.

13. Arrange cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish.

14. Pour remaining sauce over the top.

15. Cover with foil and bake for 60–75 minutes, until cabbage is tender and filling is cooked through.

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Tips for Perfect Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

• Trim thick stems from cabbage leaves for easier rolling.

• Don’t overfill to prevent tearing.

• Add a little sauce between layers for extra moisture.

• Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

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Serving Suggestions

• Mashed potatoes

• Buttered noodles

• Crusty bread

• Steamed vegetables

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Storage Instructions

• Store leftovers in the refrigerator up to 4 days.

• Freeze fully cooked rolls for up to 3 months.

• Reheat covered to maintain moisture.