Cabbage Rolls Recipe Like Grandma Used to Make

Last Updated on December 25, 2025 by Kenza

When I think of soul-warming comfort food, this cabbage rolls recipe always comes to mind. It’s one of those dishes that immediately wraps you up in cozy vibes, like a big warm hug from the inside. I first tried cabbage rolls at a neighborhood potluck in Queens, and ever since then, I’ve been hooked. There’s something magical about tender cabbage leaves hugging a savory filling of seasoned ground meat and rice, all simmered in a rich tomato sauce. The smell alone brings everyone to the kitchen before it even hits the table.

This recipe is a true classic—perfect for a chilly night when you want something hearty and satisfying, but also packed with nostalgia. It’s surprisingly simple to make and even easier to customize. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, cabbage rolls are a timeless favorite that never disappoints.

The flavor profile is savory, slightly tangy from the tomato sauce, and beautifully balanced by the sweetness of slow-cooked cabbage. The filling is juicy and flavorful, with a tender bite from the rice. Honestly, if you’ve never made cabbage rolls before, you’re in for something special.

Why You’ll Love These Cozy Cabbage Rolls

This cabbage rolls recipe is a total game-changer for comfort food lovers, and here’s why it works so beautifully:

• Perfectly balanced flavors: The savory ground beef and rice filling is seasoned just right, while the tomato sauce adds a rich tanginess that ties everything together.
• Melt-in-your-mouth texture: Slow-baking the cabbage rolls gives the cabbage a soft, tender texture without becoming mushy. It practically melts around the filling.
• Great for make-ahead meals: These rolls reheat like a dream, making them ideal for meal prep or a stress-free weeknight dinner.
• Customizable to your tastes: You can easily swap out the meat, add extra veggies, or go completely vegetarian.
• Old-world comfort, modern simplicity: While they taste like something grandma simmered all day, they’re actually very manageable for home cooks.

Easy Customizations:

Want to make these cabbage rolls fit your lifestyle? Try these swaps:

• Vegetarian/Vegan: Use lentils or chopped mushrooms instead of meat, and swap in veggie broth and dairy-free cheese if desired.
• Gluten-Free: Make sure your tomato sauce and spices are gluten-free, and you’re good to go.
• Low Carb: Skip the rice and bulk up the filling with extra ground meat or finely chopped cauliflower.

Whether you’re craving something nostalgic or just want a hearty, feel-good dish that fills your kitchen with savory goodness, this cabbage rolls recipe is a winner.

How To Make This Recipe

Cabbage Rolls Recipe

Recipe by Kenza

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Medium

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

1

hour 

15

minutes

Calories

420

kcal

This hearty cabbage rolls recipe is pure comfort food. Tender cabbage leaves are wrapped around a flavorful beef and rice filling, then baked in a rich tomato sauce until perfectly tender and delicious.

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Ingredients

• 1 large head green cabbage

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 cup cooked white rice

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 large egg

• 1 tsp salt

• 0.5 tsp black pepper

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 2 cups tomato sauce

• 0.5 cup beef or vegetable broth

• 1 tbsp sugar (optional)

• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar or lemon juice

• 1 tsp dried oregano or smoked paprika (optional)

• Fresh parsley or grated Parmesan for garnish (optional)

Directions

• First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. While that’s heating up, carefully remove the outer leaves from a head of green cabbage. You want 12 to 14 good-sized leaves. Once the water is boiling, place the whole cabbage head in for 2 to 3 minutes. This softens the leaves, making them flexible and easy to roll. Remove the cabbage and peel off the leaves gently. If needed, return the cabbage to the pot to soften more layers.
• While the cabbage is cooling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, in a large bowl, mix together ground beef, cooked rice, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, an egg, salt, pepper, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce. It should be sticky and well combined but not overly wet.
• Lay a cabbage leaf flat on a cutting board. Use a small sharp knife to shave down the thick stem if needed to make rolling easier. Place 2 to 3 tablespoons of filling near the base of the leaf. Fold in the sides, then roll up from the bottom like a burrito. Repeat until all your filling is used.
• Now, let’s talk sauce. You can use a homemade or good-quality store-bought tomato sauce. In a separate bowl, mix the sauce with a bit of broth or water to loosen it up, and add a pinch of sugar, a dash of vinegar or lemon juice, and a little more seasoning if you like (I sometimes toss in some oregano or smoked paprika).
• Spread a little sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in a single layer, then pour the rest of the sauce over the top. Cover tightly with foil and bake for about 1 hour and 15 minutes. The rolls should be tender, and the flavors beautifully melded.
• Let them rest for 10 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or a bit of grated Parmesan if you want a little extra flair!

Notes

• Blanching the cabbage is key—don’t skip it or your leaves will tear.
• Use leftover rice or even quinoa for a little twist.
• Want extra moisture? Add a bit more broth to the sauce before baking.
• For smoky flavor, try smoked paprika or a pinch of chili powder in the sauce.
• If using lean meat, don’t skip the egg—it helps bind the filling and adds moisture.
• These freeze beautifully—perfect for meal prep!

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 420kcal
• Fat: 20g
• Sodium: 580mg
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 6g
• Protein: 26g

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Pro Tips for Making the Best Cabbage Rolls Ever

Want your cabbage rolls to turn out tender, juicy, and packed with flavor every single time? Here are my go-to tricks to help you out:

• Use a large pot of boiling water to soften the cabbage: Don’t try to peel the leaves off raw cabbage. It’s frustrating and can lead to tearing. Boil the whole head for 2–3 minutes and peel gently.
• Trim the cabbage stems: After peeling the leaves, slice off the thick part of the stem to make rolling easier and more uniform.
• Don’t overstuff the rolls: It’s tempting to pack in that delicious filling, but too much can cause the rolls to split during cooking.
• Use a flavorful tomato sauce: A rich, seasoned tomato sauce makes all the difference. You can even link it to a roasted butternut squash soup for a cozy pairing.
• Let them rest after baking: Give the rolls about 10 minutes to rest out of the oven. This helps the juices settle and the rolls hold their shape when serving.

Delicious Twists on the Classic Cabbage Rolls Recipe

Once you’ve mastered the classic cabbage rolls recipe, there are so many fun directions you can take it! Whether you’re trying to use up ingredients or tailor the dish to dietary needs, here are some of my favorite variations:

1. Hungarian-Style Cabbage Rolls

Season your filling with smoked paprika and garlic, and use a combo of ground pork and beef. Add a touch of sauerkraut to the baking dish for an authentic tangy twist.

2. Vegetarian Cabbage Rolls

Skip the meat and make a hearty filling using cooked lentils, chopped mushrooms, rice, and sautéed onions. It’s earthy, satisfying, and a great way to go plant-based without sacrificing flavor.

3. Stuffed Acorn Squash Hybrid

Want to skip the cabbage altogether for a fall twist? Try stuffing a halved roasted squash with the same filling. Check out this stuffed acorn squash recipe if you’re curious!

4. Cheesy Cabbage Rolls

Mix in mozzarella or sharp cheddar into your filling and sprinkle extra cheese on top before baking. It makes the dish feel like a comforting pasta bake.

5. Spicy Tomato Cabbage Rolls

Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to your tomato sauce for a spicy kick. Perfect for those who love a little heat.

Serving Suggestions That Take It to the Next Level

Cabbage rolls are hearty on their own, but if you’re serving them as part of a full dinner, here are some great ideas to round out the meal:

• Mashed potatoes or garlic mashed potatoes make an ultra-comforting base to catch all that yummy tomato sauce.
• A light cucumber salad or crunchy coleslaw balances out the richness beautifully.
• Add a cozy drink like crockpot hot chocolate for the perfect winter dinner.
• A slice of rustic sourdough bread (maybe made from your own sourdough starter?) is perfect for sopping up extra sauce.

How to Store and Reheat Your Leftovers

These cabbage rolls store really well, making them an awesome meal prep option!

• To store: Let the rolls cool completely, then place in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• To freeze: Wrap individual rolls in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• To reheat: Place in a baking dish with a bit of extra tomato sauce, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes. Or microwave individual portions for 2–3 minutes, covered.

Fun Ways to Repurpose Leftover Cabbage Rolls

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to turn them into totally new meals:

• Chop them up and turn into a cabbage roll soup with extra broth and veggies.
• Mix into a pasta bake with cooked penne, extra tomato sauce, and cheese.
• Stuff them into a sandwich roll with melted cheese for a fun twist on a meatball sub.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a cozy, filling, and flavor-packed dinner, this cabbage rolls recipe delivers every time. It’s one of those meals that tastes like it took all day, but it’s surprisingly doable—even on a weeknight. I hope you love rolling up a little comfort with this classic dish.

Try pairing it with roasted butternut squash soup or ending your meal with a cup of crockpot hot chocolate for the ultimate comfort feast.

If you make it, let me know in the comments or tag me on social—I LOVE seeing your creations!