Old Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Few recipes capture the essence of home-cooked comfort quite like Old Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls. A staple in kitchens across Eastern Europe and beloved in many American households, these tender cabbage leaves are filled with a savory mixture of ground meat, rice, and seasonings, then simmered gently in a rich tomato sauce until everything melds into a flavorful, soul-satisfying dish.

This recipe is the kind of food that warms you from the inside out. It’s hearty, budget-friendly, and deeply nostalgic for many families who grew up enjoying it around the dinner table. Whether you know them as golabki in Poland, holubtsi in Ukraine, sarma in the Balkans, or simply “stuffed cabbage” here in the United States, this dish carries with it a sense of tradition, patience, and love.

What makes stuffed cabbage rolls so timeless is their versatility. The filling can be adjusted to what you have on hand, the sauce can be sweet, tangy, or spicy, and the preparation—though a little time-intensive—is straightforward enough for any home cook to master. Once you make a batch, you’ll see why this dish has stood the test of time for generations.

Why This Recipe Works

Tender Cabbage Leaves – Blanching or steaming the cabbage softens the leaves, making them pliable and perfect for rolling without tearing.

Balanced Filling – A mix of ground beef (or pork), cooked rice, onion, and simple seasonings creates a savory, hearty filling that holds together beautifully.

Slow Simmering – Cooking the rolls in tomato sauce allows the flavors to meld, and the cabbage becomes buttery-tender.

Rich Sauce – The sauce, often a combination of tomato, garlic, and spices, adds moisture and depth, soaking into the rolls as they cook.

Comfort in Every Bite – Each roll delivers a satisfying bite of cabbage, meat, and rice, with the sauce tying everything together in perfect harmony.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cabbage Rolls:

1 large head of green cabbage

1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)

1 cup cooked white rice

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 large egg, lightly beaten

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for warmth)

For the Tomato Sauce:

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 small onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1 teaspoon sugar (balances acidity)

1 teaspoon dried oregano

½ teaspoon paprika or smoked paprika

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 cup beef broth (or water)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Core the cabbage and carefully place it into the boiling water. Cook for 3–5 minutes, then gently peel off the softened outer leaves with tongs.

Continue until you have about 12–15 large leaves. Set aside to cool.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and paprika.

Mix gently until well combined, but don’t overmix to avoid toughness.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.

Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

Stir in garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, oregano, and paprika. Add beef broth to thin.

Simmer for 10 minutes, adjusting seasoning to taste.

Step 4: Assemble the Rolls

Lay a cabbage leaf flat and place 2–3 tablespoons of filling near the stem end.

Fold the sides inward, then roll up tightly like a burrito.

Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.

Step 5: Cook the Rolls

Spread a thin layer of sauce in the bottom of a large baking dish or Dutch oven.

Arrange the rolls seam-side down in the dish.

Pour the remaining sauce over the rolls.

Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1½ to 2 hours, until the rolls are tender and cooked through.

Tips for Perfect Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Choose the Right Cabbage – A large head with wide, flexible leaves works best. Savoy cabbage is an excellent alternative.

Pre-Cook the Rice – Using cooked rice ensures the filling is tender and not starchy.

Don’t Overstuff – Use just enough filling to allow the cabbage leaf to roll easily without bursting.

Make-Ahead Friendly – Assemble the rolls a day ahead, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve.

Freezer Friendly – Stuffed cabbage rolls freeze beautifully. Place cooled rolls in a freezer-safe dish, cover well, and freeze for up to 3 months.

Serving Suggestions

Classic Pairing: Serve with mashed potatoes or buttered noodles for a hearty meal.

Fresh Contrast: A crisp cucumber salad or coleslaw balances the richness.

Bread Lover’s Choice: Pair with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Family Style: Serve straight from the Dutch oven for a cozy, rustic presentation.

Variations Around the World

Polish Golabki: Often includes mushrooms in the filling and a slightly sweeter tomato sauce.

Ukrainian Holubtsi: Sometimes made with buckwheat or barley instead of rice.

Balkan Sarma: Uses sauerkraut leaves for a tangier flavor.

Jewish Stuffed Cabbage (Holishkes): Traditionally sweet-and-sour, with raisins or a touch of honey.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

Comfort Food Classic: It’s hearty, filling, and deeply satisfying.

Budget-Friendly: Simple ingredients come together in an impressive dish.

Meal Prep Friendly: Makes a large batch, perfect for leftovers or freezing.

Family Tradition: A recipe that connects generations and cultures.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer: Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months.

Reheating: Warm in the oven at 325°F (160°C) or in the microwave until heated through.

Final Thoughts

Old Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are more than just a recipe—they’re a tradition, a comfort, and a reminder of simpler times. With tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory filling and simmered in rich tomato sauce, this dish offers everything you want in comfort food: flavor, warmth, and a sense of home.

Whether you grew up with them or are discovering them for the first time, one thing is certain—once you taste these hearty cabbage rolls, they’ll earn a permanent place in your kitchen rotation. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy Sunday suppers, they’re the kind of dish that brings people together around the table, one roll at a time.

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