Easy Cabbage Rolls Recipe

If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug, let me introduce you to these Easy Cabbage Rolls. They’re packed with a flavorful blend of ground turkey and beef, rice, and fresh herbs all wrapped in tender cabbage leaves and baked to perfection in a luscious tomato sauce. This classic dish is surprisingly simple to make, yet it delivers big on taste and wholesome goodness, making it a family favorite any night of the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the ingredients right for these Easy Cabbage Rolls is the first step to creating a delicious and satisfying dish. Each ingredient plays an essential role, whether it’s adding texture, flavor, or color to make the rolls truly special.

• Green cabbage: The star wrapper that softens beautifully and holds all the savory filling together.
• Long grain white rice: Provides a tender, slightly chewy texture that absorbs flavors well.
• Lean ground turkey: Adds a light, mild meatiness balancing perfectly with the beef.
• Lean ground beef: Brings rich flavor and juiciness to the mix.
• Yellow onions: Diced and cooked to bring sweetness and depth to the filling.
• Garlic cloves: Minced for that aromatic punch that wakes up the whole dish.
• Dried dill: Offers a subtle herbal note that complements the tomato sauce beautifully.
• Fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, vibrant touch and a pop of green color.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out all the natural flavors.
• Canned diced tomatoes: Brings juicy acidity and texture to the filling.
• Egg: Acts as a binder helping the filling stay together inside the cabbage leaves.
• Tomato sauce: Divided for layering and saucing to keep everything moist and flavorful.
• Condensed tomato soup: Mixed into the sauce, adding richness and a slight creaminess to the final bake.

How to Make Easy Cabbage Rolls

Step 1: Preparing the Cabbage Leaves

Start by boiling the cabbage leaves for about 2 minutes until they soften enough to roll without tearing. This makes them pliable and tender, which is essential because no one wants cabbage leaves that crack while rolling your delicious filling! After boiling, carefully separate the leaves and set them aside to cool, ready for stuffing.

Step 2: Cooking the Rice

Cook the rice following the package instructions but reduce the cooking time by about 5 minutes so the grains remain slightly firm. This step is crucial because the rice will continue cooking inside the cabbage rolls in the oven, and you don’t want it to turn mushy.

Step 3: Making the Filling

In a large pan, cook the ground turkey and beef together with diced onions, minced garlic, dried dill, salt, and pepper. Keep stirring until there’s no pink left and the meat is cooked through, then drain any excess fat. Add in the undercooked rice, canned diced tomatoes with their juices, and a third of the tomato sauce. Finally, stir in the beaten egg, which helps everything stick beautifully inside the cabbage leaves.

Step 4: Assembling the Rolls

Now for the fun part! Remove or thin the thick cabbage ribs if needed to make rolling easier. Place a cabbage leaf flat on your work surface, then spoon about a quarter to a third cup of the filling into the center. Fold in the sides tightly and roll up securely, like a little parcel. Place each roll seam side down into a 9×13-inch baking dish already lightly coated with a thin layer of the tomato sauce mixture you’ve prepared. Repeat until all the filling and cabbage leaves are used up.

Step 5: Baking the Cabbage Rolls

Pour the remaining tomato sauce and condensed tomato soup mixture over the packed rolls, covering them evenly. Cover the dish tightly with foil to lock in moisture, then bake at 350°F for 75 to 90 minutes. This slow bake allows all the flavors to meld together, the cabbage to become tender, and the filling to cook completely. After baking, let the dish rest for 15 minutes before serving to let everything set beautifully.

How to Serve Easy Cabbage Rolls

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the rolls for a burst of color and freshness. A dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt on the side adds a cool, creamy contrast to the tangy tomato sauce. If you like a little heat, a few red pepper flakes can add a nice kick.

Side Dishes

These cabbage rolls are hearty enough to be a meal on their own, but pairing them with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables like green beans or carrots can add a lovely balance. Garlic bread or crusty dinner rolls are fantastic for soaking up all that delicious tomato sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve each roll standing upright on a plate with sauce spooned artfully around it, topped with a fresh herb sprig. Alternatively, lay them side by side in a large serving dish for a rustic family-style presentation that invites everyone to dig in with their favorite sides.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, leftover cabbage rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They actually taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop and blend together.

Freezing

Easy Cabbage Rolls freeze beautifully. Arrange the cooled rolls in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, place the cabbage rolls in a covered baking dish and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20-30 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions covered with a damp paper towel, but the oven method keeps the texture much nicer.

FAQs

Can I make Easy Cabbage Rolls without ground beef?

Absolutely! You can use only ground turkey or even ground chicken for a lighter version. Some people also like to try plant-based meat alternatives to make it vegetarian-friendly.

What if my cabbage leaves are small or torn?

If the leaves are too small, you can simply use two leaves to wrap the filling, overlapping them to create a secure roll. For torn leaves, try to repair by folding or layering smaller pieces to hold the filling well.

Can I prepare the cabbage rolls ahead of time before baking?

Definitely! You can assemble the rolls and store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes dinner prep so much easier on busy days.

Is it okay to use white or brown rice?

Long grain white rice is preferred because it cooks faster and has a lighter texture. Brown rice can be used but may require adjusting the cooking time and liquid since it takes longer to cook and is chewier.

How do I prevent cabbage rolls from falling apart when cooking?

Boiling the cabbage leaves until soft and thinning out the thick ribs helps roll them tightly without tearing. Make sure to tuck in the sides properly and place each roll seam side down in the baking pan to keep them secure during baking.

Final Thoughts

Easy Cabbage Rolls are one of those timeless dishes that bring people together around the table with comfort and flavor. I hope this recipe inspires you to give it a try—it’s truly a rewarding experience to make and even better to enjoy with loved ones. Once you master these rolls, they’ll quickly become a go-to recipe for cozy dinners and happy memories.

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