Savory Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe – A Comforting Classic
Looking for the best Savory Stuffed Cabbage Rolls recipe? This easy stuffed cabbage rolls dish is a hearty, comforting meal perfect for family dinners, holidays, or meal prep. Packed with flavorful ground beef, tender cabbage leaves, and a rich tomato sauce, this traditional recipe will quickly become a favorite!
Ingredients:
1 large head green cabbage
1 cup quinoa (or rice)
1 lb ground beef (or plant-based substitute for vegetarian stuffed cabbage rolls)
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 carrot, grated
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 cups vegetable broth (or beef broth for extra depth)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the cabbage: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and carefully remove the cabbage leaves. Boil them for 2-3 minutes until tender, then drain and set aside.
2. Cook the quinoa (or rice): Rinse quinoa thoroughly and cook according to package instructions until fluffy.
3. Prepare the filling: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion, garlic, and carrot until fragrant. Add ground beef, breaking it apart while cooking. Stir in smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook until the meat is browned. Mix in cooked quinoa.
4. Make the sauce: In a bowl, combine diced tomatoes, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, and broth. Stir well.
5. Assemble the cabbage rolls: Place a spoonful of the meat mixture onto each cabbage leaf. Roll tightly, tucking in the sides, and place seam-side down in a baking dish.
6. Bake to perfection: Pour tomato sauce over the cabbage rolls, covering them well. Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes for a slightly crispy top.
7. Serve & enjoy: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm. These homemade cabbage rolls pair well with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or a side salad.
Recipe Notes:
Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or lentils for a lighter version.
Make ahead and freeze for an easy meal prep solution.
Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 320 kcal
Protein: 22g
Carbs: 35g
Fat: 10g
This classic stuffed cabbage rolls recipe is a great way to enjoy healthy comfort food while adding a nutritious and delicious dish to your meal rotation. Try this easy stuffed cabbage rolls recipe today and let us know how it turns out