Old Fashioned Cabbage Rolls Recipe | Easy Homemade Stuffed Rolls

Old Fashioned Cabbage Rolls Recipe (Homemade, Easy Stuffed Rolls) Classic cabbage rolls: tender cabbage leaves stuffed with a savory meat-and-rice filling, then baked/simmered in a rich tomato sauce until soft and juicy.
This Old Fashioned Cabbage Rolls Recipe is a cozy, comfort-food classic. These Homemade Rolled Rolls are Stuffed with a flavorful filling, simmered in a rich sauce, and come out tender every time. If you want an Easy dinner that feels traditional and satisfying, save this pin for later perfect for family meals, meal prep, and cold nights.
Easy cabbage rolls | Homemade stuffed rolls | Old fashioned cabbage rolls recipe | Easy rolled cabbage | Stuffed cabbage rolls homemade

Time + Servings

• Prep: 25–35 minutes
• Cook: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Total: ~1 hour 45 minutes
• Serves: 6 (makes about 12 rolls)

Ingredients

Cabbage

• 1 large green cabbage (about 2.5–3 lb)

Filling

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or half beef + half pork)
• 1/2 cup uncooked white rice (or 1 1/2 cups cooked rice)
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried parsley (or 1 tbsp fresh)

Sauce

• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce (optional for extra sauce)
• 1 to 1 1/2 cups beef broth (or water)
• 2 tbsp brown sugar (optional but classic “old fashioned” taste)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Optional

• 1 tbsp lemon juice (brightens the sauce)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Soften the cabbage leaves

Option A (boil method):

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
2. Remove the cabbage core with a knife.
3. Place cabbage in boiling water for 3–5 minutes.
4. Peel off softened outer leaves with tongs.
5. Repeat until you have 12 large leaves.

Option B (microwave method):

1. Core the cabbage.
2. Microwave the whole cabbage 5–7 minutes, turning once.
3. Peel off leaves as they soften.

Tip: Trim the thick rib on each leaf (shave it down) so it rolls easily.

Step 2: Make the filling

In a large bowl, mix:

• ground beef
• rice (uncooked or cooked)
• onion + garlic
• egg
• salt, pepper, paprika, parsley

Mix until combined, but don’t overmix.

Step 3: Roll the cabbage rolls

1. Lay a cabbage leaf flat.
2. Add 2–3 tbsp filling near the bottom.
3. Fold the sides inward.
4. Roll up tightly like a burrito.

Repeat until all rolls are formed.

Step 4: Make the sauce

In a bowl or saucepan, stir together:

• crushed tomatoes/tomato sauce
• beef broth
• brown sugar
• Worcestershire
• salt + pepper
• (optional lemon juice)

Step 5: Assemble the dish

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Pour a thin layer of sauce into a large baking dish.
3. Place cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish.
4. Pour remaining sauce over the rolls.

Cover tightly with foil.

Step 6: Bake

Bake covered for:

• 75–90 minutes
  until cabbage is tender and the filling is fully cooked.

Optional: Uncover for the last 10 minutes to slightly thicken the sauce.

How to Serve

• Serve hot with extra sauce spooned over the top.
• Great with mashed potatoes, bread, or a simple salad.

Tips for Best Results

• Don’t skip trimming the leaf rib — rolls stay neat and tender.
• If using uncooked rice, make sure you have enough liquid (broth) and bake full time.
• Want softer rolls? Bake closer to 90 minutes.

Storage & Freezing

• Fridge: 3–4 days in an airtight container
• Freezer: up to 3 months (best frozen with sauce)
• Reheat in oven at 350°F covered until hot, or microwave portions.

Easy Variations

• Use ground turkey for a lighter version.
• Add chopped bell pepper to the filling.
• Swap rice for cauliflower rice (lower carb) — reduce liquid slightly.