If you’re craving a wholesome, comforting dish that wraps rich flavors inside tender cabbage leaves, then Country Cabbage Rolls are exactly what you need. This classic recipe combines savory meat, rice, and spices, all wrapped in soft cabbage for a meal that’s both satisfying and delicious. Whether you’re cooking for family dinners or special occasions, Country Cabbage Rolls bring warmth and hearty homemade goodness to your table every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Timeless comfort: This recipe brings the nostalgic flavors of traditional home cooking that everyone loves.
Hearty and filling: Packed with protein and fiber, it’s a meal that truly satisfies hunger.
Perfect for meal prep: It can be made ahead and stored, making busy weeknights a breeze.
Customizable flavors: Easy to adjust spices and ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
One-pot ease: Most of the cooking happens in a single dish, saving you time and cleanup.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple but essential ingredients that contribute to the rich flavors and textures found in Country Cabbage Rolls. Each adds its own special touch, from the earthiness of cabbage to the savory notes of the filling.

Green cabbage: Fresh leaves that serve as the perfect tender wrapping for the filling.
Ground beef or pork: Provides a juicy, meaty base that’s full of flavor and protein.
Cooked rice: Adds body and texture, helping to bind the filling together.
Onion: Chopped finely to bring sweetness and depth.
Garlic: Gives a fragrant punch that enhances the savory profile.
Tomato sauce: For a tangy, slightly sweet layer that ties the dish together.
Egg: Acts as a binder to keep the filling inside the cabbage rolls intact.
Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings to highlight all the natural flavors.
Fresh herbs (parsley or dill): Adds freshness and a hint of brightness.

Variations for Country Cabbage Rolls

One of the best parts about Country Cabbage Rolls is how adaptable they are. Whether you want to switch up the protein or tweak the sauce, customizing this recipe to your liking is easy and fun.

Vegetarian option: Replace meat with lentils or mushrooms for a plant-based twist that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Spicy kick: Add cayenne pepper or chopped chili peppers to the filling for a fiery surprise.
Different meat blends: Use a mix of ground beef and pork or add ground turkey for a leaner alternative.
Creamy sauce: Swap tomato sauce for a sour cream-based sauce for a silky finish.
Gluten-free adaptation: Use quinoa instead of rice to keep it gluten-free and boost the nutrient content.

How to Make Delicious Country Cabbage Rolls

How to Make Country Cabbage Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the cabbage leaves

Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage and blanch the whole head in the boiling water for about 5 minutes until the leaves are pliable. Peel off the leaves gently and set aside to cool, trimming thick veins as needed to make rolling easier.

Step 2: Make the filling

In a large bowl, combine ground beef (or preferred meat), cooked rice, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly for a flavorful filling.

Step 3: Roll the cabbage leaves

Lay each cabbage leaf flat and place a small amount of filling near the base of the leaf. Fold the edges over the filling and roll tightly from the bottom up, forming neat little parcels.

Step 4: Arrange and cook

In a large baking dish or deep skillet, layer the bottom with leftover or torn cabbage leaves to prevent sticking. Place the rolls seam side down snugly in the dish. Pour tomato sauce over the rolls, covering them evenly.

Step 5: Simmer until done

Cover the dish and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or simmer gently on the stovetop. The cabbage should be tender, and the filling cooked through with all the flavors mingled beautifully.

Pro Tips for Making Country Cabbage Rolls

Use fresh cabbage: Fresher leaves are more pliable and less likely to tear during rolling.
Don’t overfill: Keep each roll modest in size to ensure even cooking and easy handling.
Pre-cook the rice: Make sure rice is fully cooked before mixing to avoid underdone grains.
Simmer gently: Cooking on low heat helps flavors blend without drying out the rolls.
Rest before serving: Let the cabbage rolls sit a few minutes after cooking so they hold together better.

How to Serve Country Cabbage Rolls

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or dill on top brightens the dish and adds a pop of color and freshness that complements the rich flavors.

Side Dishes

Country Cabbage Rolls pair wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or a crisp green salad to balance the hearty elements of the rolls.

Creative Ways to Present

For a modern twist, serve the cabbage rolls sliced in half with sauce drizzled over on a stylish plate, or stack them vertically for a fun layered presentation that’s sure to impress guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover cabbage rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 3 to 4 days for the best flavor and texture retention.

Freezing

Cabbage rolls freeze beautifully. Arrange uncooked or cooked rolls in a freezer-safe container or bag, separated with parchment paper, and store for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the oven covered with foil or in the microwave to maintain moisture. Adding a splash of tomato sauce before reheating helps prevent dryness.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cabbage?

Absolutely! Savoy or Napa cabbage leaves also work well because they are tender and flexible, making rolling easy.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, simply replace meat with cooked lentils, mushrooms, or a meat substitute to keep the filling hearty and flavorful.

How do I prevent the cabbage leaves from tearing?

Blanching the cabbage in boiling water until pliable and carefully peeling the leaves helps prevent tearing during rolling.

Can I prepare cabbage rolls in advance?

You can assemble them ahead and store them in the fridge before cooking, or cook them in advance and reheat when needed.

What should I serve with Country Cabbage Rolls?

They pair perfectly with mashed potatoes, rye bread, or a fresh side salad to round out the meal.

Final Thoughts

Country Cabbage Rolls are a timeless dish that brings warmth, flavor, and a comforting sense of home to any table. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can master this delicious recipe. I can’t wait for you to try these rolls and experience the hearty goodness they offer. Happy cooking!

Country Cabbage Rolls

Print Recipe

Country Cabbage Rolls are a classic, wholesome dish featuring savory meat, rice, and herbs wrapped in tender green cabbage leaves and baked in a tangy tomato sauce. This comforting recipe delivers hearty flavors with simple ingredients, perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or meal prep. Adaptable and satisfying, the rolls provide a nostalgic taste of homemade goodness.

Author: Lina
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Country / Traditional
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Herbs

1 large green cabbage (with fresh leaves for wrapping)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2–3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp fresh parsley or dill, chopped

Protein and Filling

1 lb ground beef or ground pork (or a blend)
1 cup cooked rice
1 large egg
Salt and pepper, to taste

Sauce

2 cups tomato sauce

Instructions

Prepare the cabbage leaves: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Remove the core from the cabbage, then blanch the whole head in boiling water for about 5 minutes until the leaves are pliable. Carefully peel off the leaves and let them cool. Trim thick veins if necessary to make rolling easier.
Make the filling: In a large bowl, combine ground beef (or your choice of meat), cooked rice, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated for a flavorful filling.
Roll the cabbage leaves: Lay each cabbage leaf flat, place a small amount of filling near the base, fold the edges over, and roll tightly from the bottom up to form neat parcels.
Arrange and cook: Line the bottom of a large baking dish or deep skillet with leftover or torn cabbage leaves to prevent sticking. Place the rolls seam side down snugly in the dish. Pour tomato sauce evenly over the rolls.
Simmer until done: Cover the dish and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 1 to 1.5 hours, or simmer gently on the stovetop. The cabbage should be tender, and the filling cooked through with flavors melded together.

Notes

Use fresh cabbage leaves as they are more pliable and less likely to tear.
Don’t overfill each roll to ensure even cooking and easier handling.
Make sure rice is fully cooked before mixing to avoid underdone grains.
Simmer on low heat to help flavors blend and prevent drying out.
Let the rolls rest a few minutes after cooking so they hold together better.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cabbage roll
Calories: 280 kcal
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 450 mg
Fat: 15 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 18 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 18 g
Cholesterol: 80 mg

Keywords: cabbage rolls, stuffed cabbage, ground beef, comfort food, traditional recipe, meal prep, one-pot meal