Few dishes feel as nostalgic as Old-Fashioned Cabbage Rolls. Each roll is a little bundle of love — soft cabbage leaves wrapped around a comforting mix of beef, rice, and onion, all simmered in tangy tomato sauce. It’s hearty, homey, and full of flavor that never goes out of style.
The first time I made these, I wanted to recreate the meal my grandma used to serve on cold Sunday afternoons. She never used a recipe — just instinct and love — and her kitchen always smelled of simmering tomatoes and buttered rolls. When I finally got the balance right, it felt like stepping back in time. Now this dish sits beside my Old-Fashioned Southern Meatloaf and Loaded Cornbread Casserole as one of my most-requested comfort meals.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove cabbage leaves and boil them for 2–3 minutes until soft and pliable. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, garlic, egg, salt, and pepper until just combined.
- Lay a cabbage leaf flat, add 2–3 tablespoons of filling, and roll tightly, tucking in the sides.
- Spread a bit of tomato sauce in a large pot or dish. Arrange cabbage rolls seam-side down and pour remaining sauce over top.
- Cover and cook on stovetop for 1½ hours or bake at 350°F for 90 minutes until tender.
- Spoon sauce over each roll before serving. Garnish with parsley, if desired.
Nutrition
Notes
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Let us know how it was!Why You’ll Love Old-Fashioned Cabbage Rolls
These cabbage rolls are hearty, filling, and full of rich, balanced flavors. The combination of tender cabbage, savory beef, and tangy tomato sauce makes them irresistible. Plus, they taste even better the next day — the true mark of a great comfort dish.
If you love slow-cooked, comforting classics like my Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes or Creamy Cheesy Potato Soup, these cabbage rolls will fit right in your cozy dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cabbage Rolls:
- 1 large head of cabbage
- 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg, beaten
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Tomato Sauce:
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
If you enjoy tomato-based comfort dishes, you’ll also love my Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup — same rustic charm, different twist.
How to Make Old-Fashioned Cabbage Rolls
Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove the cabbage leaves and boil them for 2–3 minutes until soft and pliable. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix just until combined — don’t overwork it.
Step 3: Fill and Roll
Lay a cabbage leaf flat, spoon about 2–3 tablespoons of filling in the center, and roll tightly, tucking in the sides as you go.
Step 4: Layer and Sauce
In a large pot or casserole dish, spread a bit of tomato sauce on the bottom. Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down, then pour the remaining sauce over the top.
Step 5: Simmer or Bake
Cover and cook on low heat on the stovetop for 1½ hours — or bake in the oven at 350°F for the same amount of time — until tender and bubbling.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Spoon sauce over each roll before serving. Garnish with a sprinkle of parsley for color.
If you love hearty family dinners like this, my Cajun Potato Soup is another comfort favorite that fills the house with warmth.
Tips for Perfect Cabbage Rolls
- Use tender cabbage leaves: Parboiling them makes rolling easy.
- Cook the rice first: It helps keep the filling fluffy and well-textured.
- Layer sauce generously: It adds moisture and deep flavor.
- Don’t rush: Slow simmering makes the cabbage melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Little details like this are the same reason my Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole always comes out perfect — patience and balance.
What to Serve with Cabbage Rolls
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Buttery dinner rolls
- A crisp green salad
- My Christmas Bread Recipe for a slightly sweet pairing
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container up to 4 days.
Freeze: Let cool completely, then freeze individually in sauce up to 3 months.
Reheat: Thaw and warm in the oven or microwave until hot.
Like my Garten’s Cranberry Orange Bread, this dish tastes even better after resting — the flavors deepen beautifully overnight.
Flavor Variations
- Pork & Beef Blend: Adds richer flavor and juicier texture.
- Spicy Rolls: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes.
- Cheesy Rolls: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella inside each roll.
- Vegetarian Version: Use cooked lentils or mushrooms instead of beef.
If you love customizable dishes like this, my Cajun Seafood Alfredo offers the same creative flexibility in a totally different form.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use savoy cabbage instead of green cabbage?
Yes — it’s softer and rolls even easier.
2. Can I use uncooked rice?
Not recommended; it can stay too firm. Use cooked rice for best results.
3. Can I make cabbage rolls ahead of time?
Yes — assemble them a day before and refrigerate until ready to cook.
4. Can I use marinara sauce?
Absolutely — it gives a more Italian-style flavor.
The Final Bite
This Old-Fashioned Cabbage Rolls recipe is true comfort food at its best — tender, saucy, and made with love. It’s one of those meals that brings people together around the table and leaves everyone asking for seconds.
Serve it with buttery mashed potatoes or my Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes for the ultimate cozy dinner that feels straight out of Grandma’s kitchen.