The Easiest No-Fuss Cabbage Rolls Recipe You’ll Ever Make

Crafting delicious cabbage rolls doesn’t have to feel like a culinary marathon.

My grandmother’s simple method changed everything about traditional Eastern European cooking.

Polish and Ukrainian kitchens inspired these savory bundles of comfort.

Tender cabbage leaves wrap around a hearty mixture of ground meat and rice.

Generations have passed down this cherished recipe through careful hands and warm kitchens.

Seasoned with subtle spices and love, each roll tells a story of home-cooked simplicity.

Dive into this straightforward recipe and create a meal that connects you with timeless traditions.

Ingredients for Easy Cabbage Rolls

• Ground Pork, Ground Beef: Rich meats that provide hearty flavor and protein for the cabbage rolls.
• Egg: Helps bind the meat mixture together and adds moisture.

• Cabbage Leaves: Tender wrapping that holds the delicious filling and provides a soft, nutritious exterior.
• Onions, Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that enhance the overall depth of flavor in the meat mixture.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds moisture and a subtle tangy element to the filling.

• Tomato Sauce, Tomato Soup: Create a rich, smooth sauce that covers and moistens the cabbage rolls.
• Rice: Serves as a substantial filler in the meat mixture, adding texture and bulk to the rolls.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients.

How to Make Easy Cabbage Rolls

Step 1: Prepare Cabbage Leaves

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully submerge whole cabbage leaves and cook for 2 minutes until they become soft and pliable.

Remove leaves gently and spread them on a clean kitchen towel to cool and drain.

Step 2: Create Flavorful Meat Filling

• Ground pork
• Ground beef
• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Cook until meat is completely brown and no pink remains.

• Partially cooked rice
• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Beaten egg

Stir ingredients until well combined and set aside.

Step 3: Build Delicious Sauce

• Remaining tomato sauce
• Tomato soup

Spread a thin layer of this sauce across the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.

Step 4: Roll Cabbage Packages

Place a cabbage leaf flat on your work surface.

Spoon meat filling into the center of each leaf. Fold sides inward and roll tightly, creating a neat package.

Position each roll seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.

Step 5: Bake and Serve

Pour remaining sauce over cabbage rolls.

Cover the baking dish completely with aluminum foil. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 75-90 minutes.

Let the dish rest for 15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.

Tips for Easy Cabbage Rolls

• Soften cabbage leaves gently by boiling to prevent tearing and make rolling easier.
• Partially cook rice beforehand to maintain perfect texture inside rolls and prevent mushiness.
• Drain meat thoroughly to reduce excess grease and ensure a lighter, cleaner-tasting filling.
• Choose lean ground meats like turkey or chicken for a healthier alternative to traditional pork and beef.
• Try additional herbs like dill or parsley to enhance the overall flavor profile of the cabbage rolls.

Variations of Easy Cabbage Rolls

• Vegetarian Cabbage Rolls: Replace meat with a mixture of lentils, quinoa, and mushrooms for a protein-packed plant-based alternative that maintains the classic roll texture and flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap traditional rice with cauliflower rice or quinoa, and ensure all sauce ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Low-Carb Option: Use riced cauliflower instead of traditional rice, and substitute ground meat with ground chicken or turkey for a lighter, low-carbohydrate meal that still delivers robust flavors.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Variation: Incorporate feta cheese, fresh herbs like oregano and mint, and add pine nuts to the filling for a Mediterranean-style cabbage roll with a unique, zesty character.

Pairing Ideas for Easy Cabbage Rolls

• Select a medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or Merlot, which beautifully cuts through the rich meat and balances the tomato-based sauce with its smooth tannins.
• Prepare a light, tangy salad with fresh mixed greens, cucumber slices, and a zesty vinaigrette to contrast the hearty cabbage rolls and cleanse the palate between bites.
• Whip up smooth, buttery mashed potatoes that provide a comforting and soft texture to complement the slightly dense cabbage rolls, creating a satisfying and balanced meal experience.

Storage Advice for Easy Cabbage Rolls

• Store leftover cabbage rolls in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, they'll stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Ensure container is completely sealed to prevent odor transfer.
• Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags. Frozen cabbage rolls maintain quality for up to 3 months. Label containers with date of freezing.
• Place cabbage rolls on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking temperature midway. Stir sauce to distribute heat evenly.

FAQs

• How do I prevent my cabbage rolls from falling apart?

Ensure you remove thick stems, use soft boiled leaves, and roll tightly by folding sides inward before rolling. Place rolls seam-side down in the baking pan to help maintain their shape.

• Can I make cabbage rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare cabbage rolls in advance. Assemble them completely, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This can actually enhance the flavors.

• What if my cabbage leaves tear during preparation?

If leaves tear, you can patch them by overlapping the torn sections or use smaller leaves to wrap around the filling. Don’t worry about minor imperfections – they’ll still taste delicious.

Easy Cabbage Rolls Essentials

• Comfort Food Champion: Classic cabbage rolls bring nostalgia and warmth to your dinner table, delivering a hearty meal that connects generations through traditional cooking.
• Customize with Ease: Swap meat options between pork and turkey, adjust seasonings, or add personal touch ingredients to make this recipe truly your own culinary creation.
• Budget-Friendly Delight: Utilize affordable ingredients like cabbage, ground meats, and pantry staples to create a satisfying meal that won't strain your wallet.
• Meal Prep Master: Prepare rolls ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake when ready, making it perfect for busy families seeking convenient and delicious dinner solutions.

Easy Cabbage Rolls Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Polish cabbage rolls, known as gołąbki, offer a comforting journey through Eastern European cuisine. Hearty ground meat, rice, and tender cabbage leaves combine in a savory dish you’ll want to savor again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground pork (alternatively, ground turkey)
• 1/2 lb ground beef
• 1 head fresh green cabbage
• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 2 small onions (finely diced)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 whole egg
• 1 1/2 cups + 1/3 cup tomato sauce
• 1 can (14 oz/397 g) diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 1 can (10.5 oz/298 g) tomato soup
• 3 tbsps freshly chopped parsley
• 1/2 tsp dill weed
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Prepare cabbage leaves by immersing them in boiling water for 2 minutes until tender. Remove carefully and let cool on a clean kitchen towel.

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and position a rack in the middle position.

1. Cook rice slightly undercooked, reducing standard cooking time by 5 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool.

1. In a large skillet, brown ground meats with onions and garlic over medium-high heat until no pink remains. Drain excess fat thoroughly.

1. Combine cooked meat with rice, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beaten egg. Mix ingredients until evenly distributed.

1. Create sauce by whisking tomato sauce and tomato soup until smooth.

1. Spread thin layer of sauce across bottom of 9×13 inch baking dish.

1. Trim thick cabbage leaf stems if necessary. Place filling in center of each leaf, fold sides inward, and roll tightly with seam facing downward.

1. Arrange rolls compactly in baking dish, ensuring they do not overlap.

1. Pour remaining sauce evenly over cabbage rolls, covering completely.

1. Cover dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 75-90 minutes until rolls are heated through and sauce is bubbling.

1. Remove from oven and let rest 15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and rolls to set.

Notes

• Use fresh, crisp cabbage leaves for easier rolling and better texture.
• Blanch cabbage leaves quickly to prevent tearing and make them pliable for wrapping.
• Consider using lean ground meats like turkey or chicken for a healthier alternative to traditional pork and beef.
• Experiment with herbs like dill or parsley to add extra flavor complexity to the meat mixture.
• If leaves are small, overlap them or use two leaves to create a complete roll.
• Drain meat thoroughly to prevent excess grease in the final dish.
• Allow rolls to rest after baking to help them set and make cutting easier.
• Freeze uncooked rolls for up to 3 months for convenient meal prep.
• For gluten-free option, replace tomato soup with additional tomato sauce and verify ingredient labels.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Eastern European

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 287 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 19 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg