Stuffed cabbage rolls are a beloved comfort food that brings together simple ingredients to create an irresistible dish. With tender cabbage leaves enveloping a savory mix of ground beef and rice, all smothered in a rich tomato sauce, this timeless recipe has been handed down through generations. Perfect for family dinners or meal prepping, these slow-cooked cabbage rolls promise flavor in every bite.
In this detailed recipe, you’ll learn how to master the art of making perfect cabbage rolls with pro tips for rolling, seasoning, and achieving that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. Let’s bring tradition to your table!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need and why each ingredient matters:
- 2 heads of cabbage – The star of the dish; tender cabbage leaves wrap the filling perfectly after blanching.
- 2 lbs ground beef – Provides a hearty, protein-packed base for the filling. Use lean beef for less grease.
- 3 cups cooked rice – Adds texture, bulk, and ensures the filling is soft and satisfying.
- 1 egg – Acts as a binder to hold the filling together.
- 1 tsp garlic – Enhances the overall flavor with a savory, aromatic punch.
- 1 tbsp parsley – Adds a touch of freshness to the filling.
- 2 slices diced onion – Provides a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the mixture.
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce – A rich base for the sauce, offering classic tomato flavor.
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes – Gives the sauce body and a chunky texture.
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce (for meat mixture) – Moistens the filling, preventing it from drying out.
- Salt & Pepper to taste – Simple seasonings that elevate the dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Cabbage
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
- Carefully peel off any loose outer leaves from the cabbage heads. Place one cabbage head into the boiling water and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the outer leaves become pliable but still hold their shape.
- Remove the cabbage and allow it to cool slightly. Repeat this process for the second cabbage.
- Once cool, trim the thick vein at the base of each cabbage leaf. Cut into a V-shape to make rolling easier.
2. Make the Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- 3 cups cooked rice
- Diced onion
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp garlic
- 1 tbsp parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Add the ground beef and 1/4 cup of tomato sauce. Mix the ingredients lightly but thoroughly to ensure even distribution without overworking the meat.
3. Assemble the Cabbage Rolls
- Lay one cabbage leaf flat. Place about 1/4 cup of the beef mixture onto the center of the leaf.
- Fold the cut edges together, tuck in the sides, and roll tightly (like a burrito).
- Repeat this process until all the filling is used up.
4. Layer and Sauce
- Arrange 6 cabbage rolls, seam side down, in a 4-5 quart slow cooker.
- In a separate bowl, mix the remaining tomato sauce and crushed tomatoes.
- Pour half of the sauce over the first layer of cabbage rolls.
- Add the remaining rolls on top and cover with the rest of the sauce.
5. Cook the Rolls
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Set it to low heat and cook for 6-8 hours, or until:
- The cabbage is tender.
- The internal temperature of the beef reaches 160°F.
Pro Tips for Perfect Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
- Choose the Right Cabbage: Use green cabbage for its large, sturdy leaves that hold up well when cooked.
- Don’t Overwork the Meat Mixture: Over-mixing can result in tough cabbage rolls. Lightly combine the filling for a tender texture.
- Blanch the Cabbage Properly: Cooking the cabbage for 3-5 minutes ensures leaves are tender enough to roll but not mushy.
- Secure the Rolls: Rolling tightly ensures the filling doesn’t spill out during cooking. Tucking in the sides is key!
- Sauce Generously: The tomato sauce keeps the rolls moist and infuses them with flavor during the slow cook.
Why This Recipe is Loved
- Easy to Make: With just 30 minutes of prep time, the slow cooker does the rest of the work.
- Comfort Food Classic: The combination of beef, rice, and tomato sauce is hearty, flavorful, and nostalgic.
- Great for Leftovers: These cabbage rolls taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
- Family Favorite: A recipe loved across generations, perfect for gatherings or weeknight meals.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these Old Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with:
- A side of buttered egg noodles or creamy mashed potatoes.
- Steamed vegetables, like carrots or green beans, for a healthy balance.
- Crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the rich tomato sauce.
- A crisp green salad dressed with vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
Conclusion
These Old Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls bring warmth and tradition to the table. With tender cabbage leaves cradling a perfectly seasoned beef and rice filling, all slow-cooked in a flavorful tomato sauce, this dish is the epitome of hearty comfort food. Simple, satisfying, and perfect for any occasion, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite.
Add this to your meal rotation and enjoy a dish that’s timeless, easy, and utterly delicious. Try it today and share the love of stuffed cabbage rolls! 🌟
Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cook Time: 6-8 hours | Servings: 8 | Calories: ~250 kcal per serving