Beef And Rice Cabbage Rolls

Name: Beef And Rice Cabbage Rolls
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 large head of cabbage; 1 pound ground beef; 1 cup cooked rice; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 egg; 2 cups tomato sauce; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Highlighted under: Family Cooking

I love making Beef and Rice Cabbage Rolls because they’re a comforting blend of flavors that brings warmth to my meals. The tender cabbage leaves envelop a juicy mixture of ground beef and fluffy rice, all simmered in a tangy tomato sauce. It’s a perfect dish for family gatherings or cozy evenings at home. Each bite feels like a warm hug, and I can’t resist going back for seconds. Plus, they freeze well, making meal prep a breeze for busy weeks ahead!

Created by

Flora Kensington

Last updated on 2026-02-08T07:29:35.891Z

As I first experimented with Beef and Rice Cabbage Rolls, I realized the importance of thoroughly cooking the rice beforehand. It absorbs the sauce beautifully while ensuring the beef cooks evenly. This simple tip transforms the dish from ordinary to extraordinary, allowing the flavors to meld perfectly!

One of my favorite moments was when I served these rolls to a group of friends. They were amazed that such a comforting dish could come in a healthy wrapper like cabbage, which is often overlooked. Seeing their delight made all the effort worthwhile!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Hearty and satisfying combination of beef and rice
Nutritious cabbage providing a unique texture
Perfect for meal prep and easy to freeze

      

Mastering the Art of Cabbage Preparation

The foundation of great cabbage rolls lies in perfectly prepared cabbage leaves. To achieve this, ensure you remove the core carefully, as this allows the leaves to become more pliable when boiled. The boiling process typically takes about 5 to 7 minutes; you want the leaves to be tender but not falling apart. If you have difficulty peeling the leaves apart, return the cabbage to the boiling water for an additional minute, which can help loosen them further.

After boiling, let the leaves cool to avoid burns when handling them. It's a good idea to pat them dry gently with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which can sometimes water down your filling. This step ensures that when you roll them, they hold their shape, giving your cabbage rolls a neat and appealing appearance.

Tips for a Flavorful Filling

The mixture of beef and rice can be elevated with a few additional spices. Consider adding a dash of Italian seasoning or some fresh herbs, like parsley or dill, to enhance the flavor profile. The role of the egg is crucial as it acts as a binder, ensuring the filling does not fall apart during cooking. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, quinoa can be a wonderful substitute for rice without compromising on taste or texture.

When combining the filling ingredients, mix them just until everything is integrated. Over-mixing can lead to a dense filling, which takes away from the lightness you want in each bite. Aim for a well-combined mixture with a slightly chunky texture that incorporates the onion and garlic evenly, providing bursts of flavor throughout.

Serving and Storage Suggestions

Once your beef and rice cabbage rolls are baked to perfection, they can be served with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh parsley for added brightness. If you're looking to switch it up, consider pairing them with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious tomato sauce. These rolls are not only tasty but visually appealing, making them perfect for family gatherings or potlucks.

For meal prep, these cabbage rolls freeze exceptionally well, which is a fantastic way to save time. After baking, let them cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 25-30 minutes or until heated through, ensuring those flavors stay vibrant and comforting.

Ingredients

For the Rolls

1 large head of cabbage
1 pound ground beef
1 cup cooked rice
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 egg

For the Sauce

2 cups tomato sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon dried oregano

Instructions

Prepare the Cabbage Leaves

In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage, then place the entire head into the pot. Boil for about 5-7 minutes until the outer leaves are tender. Remove the leaves and let them cool.

Prepare the Filling

In a bowl, mix together the ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and the egg until well combined.

Assemble the Rolls

Take a cabbage leaf and place about 2 tablespoons of the filling at the base. Roll it up tightly, tucking in the sides as you go. Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.

Prepare the Sauce

In a saucepan, combine the tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and oregano, then heat over medium until simmering.

Bake

In a large baking dish, spread a little sauce on the bottom. Place the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish and cover with the remaining sauce. Cover with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 60 minutes.

Let the rolls cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!

Pro Tips

For a bit of extra flavor, try adding chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill to the meat mixture.

Ingredients Breakdown

Cabbage is not just a vessel; it adds a layer of nutrition and texture to your dish. The green leaves provide fiber and essential vitamins while absorbing flavors from the filling and sauce. Make sure to select a firm, fresh head of cabbage for the best results, as wilted or damaged leaves won’t hold up well during cooking.

Ground beef is the star of your filling, so choosing the right fat content is crucial. Opt for an 80/20 blend of lean to fatty beef for a juicy and flavorful roll. If you're looking to lighten the dish, ground turkey or chicken can be excellent alternatives while still keeping the protein punch intact.

Common Troubleshooting Tips

If you're finding that your cabbage rolls are falling apart during baking, it's typically a sign of either too much filling or that the leaves weren’t pliable enough. Make sure to adjust the filling to about 2 tablespoons per roll, ensuring they are snug but not bursting at the seams.

Another common issue is overcooked, mushy cabbage leaves. Watch your boiling time carefully; the leaves should be tender but still have a bit of structure. If you accidentally boil them too long, try cooling them immediately in cold water to halt the cooking process.

Creative Variations

Feel free to play with the filling by adding different veggies, like shredded carrots or finely diced bell peppers, for added color and crunch. You can also experiment with different grains, such as farro or barley, to introduce unique textures and nutrition.

For an extra kick, consider mixing in some chopped jalapeños or adding spicy sausage meat alongside the ground beef. This will give your cabbage rolls a delightful heat that complements the tangy tomato sauce beautifully.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the rolls and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

→ Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work well as alternatives.

→ Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?

You can substitute the beef with lentils or mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian version.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.