Hearty Beef and Rice Cabbage Rolls

Classic Stuffed Cabbage with Savory Tomato Sauce

These Hearty Beef and Rice Cabbage Rolls are a timeless comfort food favorite. Tender cabbage leaves are wrapped around a flavorful filling of ground beef and rice, then slowly baked in a rich tomato sauce until perfectly tender and juicy.

This dish is cozy, filling, and perfect for family dinners, Sunday meals, or make-ahead freezer cooking.

🥬 Why You’ll Love These Beef & Rice Cabbage Rolls

✔️ Classic comfort food
✔️ Hearty and satisfying
✔️ Great for meal prep
✔️ Freezer-friendly
✔️ Perfect for family dinners

🛒 Ingredients

For the Cabbage Rolls:

• 1 large green cabbage

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 works best)

• 1 cup cooked white rice

• 1 small onion, finely diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 large egg

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp paprika

For the Sauce:

• 2 cups tomato sauce

• 1 cup crushed tomatoes

• 1 tbsp brown sugar

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• ½ tsp dried thyme

👩‍🍳 How to Make Hearty Beef and Rice Cabbage Rolls

Step 1: Prep the Cabbage

Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
Carefully remove the core from the cabbage and place it in boiling water for 3–4 minutes.
Peel off softened leaves and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a large bowl, combine:

• Ground beef

• Cooked rice

• Onion

• Garlic

• Egg

• Salt, pepper, and paprika

Mix until just combined.

Step 3: Roll the Cabbage

Place 2–3 tablespoons of filling in the center of each cabbage leaf.
Fold in sides and roll tightly.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In a bowl, mix tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, brown sugar, Worcestershire, and thyme.

Step 5: Assemble & Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Spread a little sauce in the bottom of a baking dish.
Arrange cabbage rolls seam-side down.
Pour remaining sauce over the top.

Cover with foil and bake for 75–90 minutes until tender and cooked through.

🍅 Tips for the Best Cabbage Rolls

• Use Savoy cabbage for easier rolling

• Don’t overfill the leaves

• Let rest 10 minutes before serving

• Add sour cream on top for serving

📦 Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerator: Up to 4 days

• Freezer: Up to 2 months

• Reheat: Oven at 325°F or microwave

⭐ Final Thoughts

These Hearty Beef and Rice Cabbage Rolls are rich, comforting, and packed with classic homemade flavor. They’re perfect for cold nights, special family meals, or anytime you crave a hearty, old-fashioned dinner.