Best Easy Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe

Tender cabbage leaves stuffed with seasoned ground beef, rice, and tomato sauce are a comforting Eastern European-American classic. This high protein family dish is hearty, freezer-friendly, and deeply satisfying.

Cook 90 min Difficulty NORMAL 385 kcal
#high protein #diabetic friendly #family dinner #freezer meal
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • green cabbage 1 head
  • ground beef 1 lb
  • cooked long-grain white rice 1 cup
  • yellow onion 1 medium
  • egg 1 large
Seasonings/Sauce
  • garlic 2 cloves
  • tomato sauce 3 cups
  • dried oregano 1 tsp
  • paprika 1 tsp
  • salt 1 tsp
  • black pepper 0.5 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 30 g 31%
Protein 24 g 25%
Fat 16 g 37%
Serving size 270g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bring a large pot of water to a gentle boil and carefully peel 12 cabbage leaves from the head; blanch leaves for 2 minutes until flexible but not mushy.

  2. 2

    Finely dice yellow onion and mince garlic. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, cooked rice, diced onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and paprika. Mix just until blended to avoid tough filling.

  3. 3

    Lay a cabbage leaf flat, fill with about 1/3 cup of meat mixture, and roll up, tucking in sides for a secure seal. Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.

  4. 4

    Spread 1 cup of tomato sauce on the bottom of a large baking dish. Arrange cabbage rolls seam-side down in a single layer. Pour remaining tomato sauce evenly over the rolls.

  5. 5

    Cover the dish tightly with foil. Bake for 75–90 minutes, until cabbage is tender and filling reaches 160°F internal temperature. Uncover during the last 15 minutes to thicken the sauce if desired. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The key ingredient is green cabbage, which provides the signature wrapper for the savory ground beef and rice filling. The softness of blanched cabbage leaves is essential for both structure and classic flavor.
Q. Which seasoning gives stuffed cabbage rolls their distinct flavor?
Tomato sauce and dried oregano in the seasoning ingredient list are crucial for the classic sweet-tangy flavor profile. Paprika adds warmth and depth, while garlic and onion round out the aromatics.
Q. How do I keep the cabbage leaves from tearing or becoming mushy?
Blanch the cabbage leaves just until flexible (about 2 minutes in boiling water) and avoid overcooking. This ensures they remain pliable for rolling without becoming too soft or fragile.
Q. What is the protein-to-carb ratio and calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 24g protein and 30g carbs, with protein making up 25% and carbs about 31% of total calories. Each serving provides about 385 kcal.
Q. What’s the best way to ensure the filling stays juicy, not dry?
Mix the filling gently to avoid overworking the ground beef and bake the rolls covered in tomato sauce. The sauce and covered baking help keep the filling moist and flavorful during the cook.
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