The image shows a comforting tray of oven-baked stuffed cabbage rolls—tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory meat and rice filling, baked in a rich tomato sauce until perfectly caramelized on top. This is a traditional Eastern European–inspired dish (popular in Polish, Hungarian, Ukrainian, and Jewish cuisines) and is often served as a hearty family dinner, holiday main course, or meal-prep favorite.

If you’re looking for a high-protein dinner recipe, budget-friendly family meal, or a make-ahead comfort food dish, this stuffed cabbage roll recipe checks all the boxes.

📝 Full Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe

⏱ Prep Time:

25 minutes

🔥 Cook Time:

1 hour 15 minutes

🍽 Servings:

6–8 servings

💰 Estimated Cost:

Budget-friendly meal prep recipe

🛒 Ingredients

For the Cabbage:

1 large green cabbage (about 12–14 leaves usable)
1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)

For the Filling:

1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
½ lb ground pork (optional but recommended for richer taste)
1 cup cooked white rice
1 small onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 egg
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Tomato Sauce:

2 cups crushed tomatoes
1 cup tomato sauce
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 tablespoon brown sugar (balances acidity)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
½ cup beef broth

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage Leaves

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Core the cabbage carefully.
Place the whole cabbage in boiling water for 3–5 minutes.
Remove softened outer leaves gently.
Trim thick stems for easier rolling.

💡 Pro Tip: Freezing the cabbage overnight and thawing it also softens leaves naturally.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

Ground beef
Ground pork
Cooked rice
Onion
Garlic
Egg
Parsley
Seasonings

Mix gently. Do not overwork the meat (prevents toughness).

Step 3: Roll the Cabbage

Place 2–3 tablespoons of filling in the center of each leaf.
Fold sides inward.
Roll tightly from bottom up.

Step 4: Assemble the Baking Dish

Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce at the bottom.
Arrange rolls seam-side down.
Pour remaining sauce evenly over top.

Step 5: Bake

Cover with foil.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 60–75 minutes.
Remove foil for the last 15 minutes for browning.

Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

🍽 What Does Stuffed Cabbage Taste Like?

Tender cabbage
Juicy seasoned meat
Slightly sweet, tangy tomato sauce
Hearty, comforting, and satisfying

This is a high-protein low-cost dinner idea perfect for large families or weekly meal prep.

🥗 What to Serve with Stuffed Cabbage Rolls?

Garlic mashed potatoes
Buttered egg noodles
Crusty artisan bread
Side salad with vinaigrette
Roasted vegetables

For a low-carb option: serve with cauliflower mash.

❄️ Can You Freeze Stuffed Cabbage Rolls?

Yes! This is one of the best freezer-friendly meal prep recipes.

Freeze before or after baking.
Store up to 3 months.
Reheat at 350°F until heated through.

🥩 Variations (Healthy & Dietary Options)

Low-Carb / Keto Version

Replace rice with cauliflower rice.

Vegetarian Version

Substitute meat with:
- Lentils
- Mushrooms
- Quinoa
- Chickpeas

Slow Cooker Version

Cook on low for 6–8 hours.

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🧠 Expert Cooking Tips

✔ Use a mix of beef and pork for juicy texture
✔ Don’t skip the sugar in sauce—it balances acidity
✔ Rest before serving for better structure
✔ Double the batch and freeze

🥬 Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)

Calories: 380–450
Protein: 25–30g
Carbs: 30g
Fat: 20g

Great for a high-protein dinner meal plan.

👍 Final Verdict: Yay or Nay?

If you love:

Comfort food recipes
Traditional European cuisine
Budget-friendly family dinners
Hearty baked casseroles