Easy & Best Beef and Rice Cabbage Rolls Recipe
These Easy & Best Beef and Rice Cabbage Rolls are a comforting and delicious dish that combines tender cabbage leaves filled with a savory mixture of seasoned beef and rice, all smothered in a rich tomato sauce. This classic comfort food is hearty, satisfying, and perfect for family dinners or meal prep. The layers of flavor from the beef and rice filling pair perfectly with the tender cabbage, making it a dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Cabbage rolls are a versatile meal that can be easily customized, and they store well for leftovers, making them great for meal prepping. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to cabbage rolls, this recipe is simple, quick, and delicious, providing a balanced meal in every bite.
When you try these Beef and Rice Cabbage Rolls, you can look forward to a well-seasoned and hearty filling, tender cabbage wrapped around the mixture, and a tangy tomato sauce that brings everything together. Each bite offers a great balance of flavors and textures, from the rich beef and rice to the soft, slightly sweet cabbage. This meal is perfect for cozy dinners and can be served with a side of crusty bread for a complete meal.
Tools to Use
- Large pot or stockpot for boiling cabbage
- Large skillet for cooking the beef mixture
- Spoon for stuffing the cabbage rolls
- Baking dish (9×13-inch recommended)
- Aluminum foil to cover while baking
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- 1 head of cabbage (about 12 large leaves)
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes (or tomato puree)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional for sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for a little tang)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cabbage
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully cut the core out of the cabbage and separate the leaves, being careful not to tear them. Place the cabbage leaves into the boiling water for 3-5 minutes until they soften and become pliable. Drain and set aside to cool.
- Cook the Beef Filling
- In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
- Season the Beef
- Stir in the cooked rice, oregano, paprika, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), and parsley. Mix everything together and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Assemble the Cabbage Rolls
- Lay a cabbage leaf flat on a clean surface. Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the beef and rice mixture into the center of the leaf. Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling, then roll it up tightly, securing the ends. Repeat with the remaining cabbage leaves and filling.
- Prepare the Sauce
- In a medium bowl, mix the tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, brown sugar (if using), and lemon juice (optional). Stir well to combine.
- Bake the Cabbage Rolls
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce mixture in the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the cabbage rolls in the dish, seam side down. Pour the remaining sauce over the top of the rolls, covering them completely. Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake
- Bake the cabbage rolls in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and the rolls to brown slightly on top.
- Serve
- Remove the cabbage rolls from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the tender, flavorful cabbage rolls with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad.
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Easy & Best Beef and Rice Cabbage Rolls Recipe
Equipment
- Large pot or stockpot for boiling cabbage
- Large skillet for cooking the beef mixture
- Spoon for stuffing the cabbage rolls
- Baking dish (9×13-inch recommended)
- Aluminum foil to cover while baking
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey for a lighter option
- 1 cup cooked rice white or brown
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional for heat
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley optional
- 1 head of cabbage about 12 large leaves
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes or tomato puree
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar optional for sweetness
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice optional, for a little tang
Instructions
- Prepare the Cabbage
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully cut the core out of the cabbage and separate the leaves, being careful not to tear them. Place the cabbage leaves into the boiling water for 3-5 minutes until they soften and become pliable. Drain and set aside to cool.
- Cook the Beef Filling
- In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
- Season the Beef
- Stir in the cooked rice, oregano, paprika, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), and parsley. Mix everything together and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Assemble the Cabbage Rolls
- Lay a cabbage leaf flat on a clean surface. Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the beef and rice mixture into the center of the leaf. Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling, then roll it up tightly, securing the ends. Repeat with the remaining cabbage leaves and filling.
- Prepare the Sauce
- In a medium bowl, mix the tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, brown sugar (if using), and lemon juice (optional). Stir well to combine.
- Bake the Cabbage Rolls
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce mixture in the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the cabbage rolls in the dish, seam side down. Pour the remaining sauce over the top of the rolls, covering them completely. Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake
- Bake the cabbage rolls in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and the rolls to brown slightly on top.
- Serve
- Remove the cabbage rolls from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the tender, flavorful cabbage rolls with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad.
Tips for Cooking
- Blanch the Cabbage Leaves: To make them easier to roll, be sure to blanch the cabbage leaves properly. This softens them so they don’t tear when wrapping the filling.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the cabbage rolls in advance and refrigerate them (unbaked) for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply cover with plastic wrap and store in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
- Rice Variations: You can experiment with different types of rice, such as brown rice for a healthier option or even quinoa for added texture and protein.
- Leftovers: These cabbage rolls store well in the fridge for 3-4 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave. They also freeze well for up to 3 months.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
These Beef and Rice Cabbage Rolls are a hearty, flavorful, and comforting dish that’s perfect for a filling dinner. The beef and rice filling is perfectly seasoned, and the cabbage leaves provide a delicate, tender wrapper that holds everything together. The tomato sauce adds richness and depth to the dish, creating a well-rounded meal that the whole family will enjoy. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or making extras for leftovers, this dish is a great choice that will keep everyone satisfied.
If you’re looking for a hearty and comforting meal that’s full of flavor, these Beef and Rice Cabbage Rolls are a must-try. They’re easy to make, perfect for meal prepping, and great for cozy dinners with the family. Try this recipe today, and enjoy a delicious, well-rounded meal that everyone will love!
