How to Make the Best Homemade Cabbage Rolls
Cabbage rolls bring comfort in every bite. They carry the warmth of a home-cooked meal and the charm of a recipe passed down through generations. A simple mix of meat and rice gets wrapped in tender cabbage leaves, then slowly baked in a rich tomato sauce. Every step feels like you’re creating something meaningful. It’s not just about cooking. It’s about making something hearty, filling, and completely satisfying.
Many people grew up with a version of cabbage rolls at the dinner table. Some remember the smell of the sauce bubbling away in the oven. Others think of family gatherings where trays of these rolls disappeared in minutes. They are made with care and served with pride. The recipe may look humble, but the taste is deep and comforting. Once you make them from scratch, you’ll see why they always bring people back for seconds.
How to Make the Best Homemade Cabbage Rolls
10-12
servings30
minutes1
hour30
minutes3000
kcalThese cabbage rolls are filled with a hearty mix of ground beef, rice, and spices, then wrapped in tender cabbage leaves and baked in a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, they bring together simple ingredients in the most satisfying way. Once you try homemade cabbage rolls, you’ll keep coming back to this cozy, oven-baked classic.
Ingredients
1 large head of green cabbage
1 and a half pounds of ground beef
1 cup of cooked white rice
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 large egg
1 teaspoon salt
Half a teaspoon black pepper
Half a teaspoon paprika
Half a teaspoon dried oregano
Quarter teaspoon ground cumin (optional for depth)
For the tomato sauce:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon sugar
Half a teaspoon salt
Half a teaspoon dried basil
Quarter teaspoon black pepper
1 cup water or low-sodium beef broth
Directions
- Begin by preparing the cabbage. Bring a large pot of water to a gentle boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage using a sharp knife. Place the whole head into the hot water. Let it sit for a few minutes until the outer leaves begin to loosen. Gently peel away 12 to 14 whole leaves, one at a time, as they soften. Set the leaves aside on a towel to drain and cool.
- In a skillet, heat a bit of oil and cook the chopped onion over medium heat until it turns soft and slightly golden. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Take it off the heat and let it cool a bit before mixing it with the filling.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, the sautéed onion and garlic, the egg, salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, and a touch of cumin if using. Mix everything gently with your hands or a spoon until fully combined, but try not to overmix it.
- Now place a cabbage leaf on a flat surface, vein-side down. Add about two tablespoons of the meat mixture near the bottom center of the leaf. Fold the sides inward, then roll it up tightly from the bottom like a burrito. Repeat until all the filling is used.
- To make the sauce, heat olive oil in a saucepan. Sauté the onion until soft, then stir in the garlic. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, salt, basil, and pepper. Pour in the water or broth and stir it all together. Let it simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes, stirring now and then.
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of the sauce on the bottom. Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish. Pour the rest of the tomato sauce over the rolls, making sure they’re fully coated.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for 15 more minutes so the tops can set and soak up the sauce.
- Let the rolls rest for a few minutes after baking. Serve warm with a spoonful of sauce on top of each one. They go well with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or a simple salad on the side.
Recipe Video
Notes
- To make peeling the cabbage leaves easier, let the whole head sit in boiling water for a few minutes and gently loosen the leaves one at a time as they soften. This helps prevent tearing and keeps each roll intact.
- For deeper flavor, you can prepare the cabbage rolls a few hours ahead or even the night before. Letting them sit in the sauce before baking allows everything to come together even more beautifully.
Conclusion
Incorporating the perfect balance of flavors, these homemade cabbage rolls are more than just a meal, they’re a tradition. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner or special occasion, this recipe guarantees a comforting, hearty dish that everyone will love. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a satisfying homemade meal that’s sure to impress. Give it a try and experience why cabbage rolls continue to be a timeless favorite in kitchens around the world.
