Cabbage Rolls Recipe (2024)

A step-by-step recipe for classic Russian Cabbage Rolls. Stuffed cabbage filled with ground meat, rice, sauteed vegetables rolled in cabbage in a delicious sauce.

Just like authentic borscht and Oliver Salad, these rolls are a must in the Russian kitchen.

stuffed cabbage rolls-

Whenever I make stuffed rolls, it always reminds me of my mom’s cooking. I remember making these with her, such awesome memories. This recipe is hers and I’m so excited to share it. Cabbage leaves stuffed with rice, meat and veggie filling and baked in a juicy sauce. The rolls are so tender and juicy once baked. The flavors are similar to that of our oven braised cabbage! Serve both at family gatherings and holidays.

how to make cabbage rolls-

Though the process of making stuffed cabbage (pigs in a blanket) is slightly more time consuming than most recipes, it’s SO worth the wait.

cook rice-

• Cook long grain white rice 12 minutes. The rice should be cooked but not fully cooked, it will finish cooking when cabbage rolls are baking.
• Drain and rinse under cold water. Cover and set aside.

cook and prepare cabbage-

• Remove center of cabbage.
• Add to pot and cover with water. As cabbage leaves are tender and cooked, remove single leaves so they don’t turn mushy.
• Once cooked, layout cabbage leaves. Remove the center thickest part of leaf (core) and cut cabbage leaf into 3 part for smaller cabbage rolls or 3 parts for large cabbage rolls.

sautee vegetables-

• Chop onions, saute in a skillet with butter.
• Add grated carrots, cook until tender about 4 minutes. Set aside to cool.

prepare filling-

• In a bowl, combine the rice, sauteed vegetables, ground meat and remaining ingredients.
• Mix everything until well incorporated.

NOTE: We use Vegeta seasoning because we love it and that’s what I grew up using. If you don’t have Vegeta, substitute for your favorite seasoning (but you really need to purchase some, it’s amazing on everything).

how to wrap cabbage rolls-

• Reserve the thickest cabbage leaves to align the baking dish to keep cabbage rolls from burning.
• Take one of the leaves, add some filling to the leaf. Shape cabbage roll into a cone.
• Take the tops of the leaf that’s sticking out and tuck it down into the filling.

how to bake cabbage rolls-

I like to align the bottom of my baking dish or dutch oven with leftover cabbage leaves, they keep the cabbage rolls from burning.

• Cover bottom of a baking dish with cabbage rolls.
• Layout first row of stuffed cabbage rolls over leaves.
• Add red pepper and butter.
• Add the second layer of stuffed cabbage and top with remaining butter and peppers, pour sauce over everything.
• Cover tops of cabbage rolls with more cabbage leaves.
• Cover baking dish with foil when baking.

BAKING DISH:I have a really deep baking dish that I use and am able to get two rows in and fit all of the cabbage rolls. If you don’t have a deep dish, use two casserole dishes or a Dutch oven.

sauce for stuffed cabbage recipe-

If you will be baking the rolls immediately, you can pour the sauce while it’s hot over the stuffed rolls. If you will be making them in advance, allow the sauce to completely cool before pouring over rolls.

• Bring ketchup to a slight boil in a pan.
• Add the sour cream, heavy whipping cream, salt, pepper and mix vigorously.
• Add the broth, let cook about 30 seconds.

how long do I bake stuffed cabbage?

The baking time for stuffed cabbage will depend on the size of the cabbage rolls and what you bake them in. Anywhere between 1 – 1 1/2 hours for baking.

can I freeze rolls?

Yes, cabbage rolls freeze great and you can freeze them uncooked or cooked.

UNCOOKED: Completely follow recipe instruction until you need to bake the cabbage rolls. Place in freezer, they rolls will be good up to 3 months. Completely THAW in the refrigerator before baking and bake per original instructions.

COOKED: Add cooked rolls to a freezer container, will last up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw completely and reheat in a skillet with the tomato sauce over low heat.

I can’t wait for you to give these classic stuffed cabbage rolls a try. Don’t forget to add sour cream and fresh dill before serving. 🙂

Try these other DINNER recipes:

• Stuffed Peppers Recipe– expected flavors, so good.
• Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole– the ham and cheese filling in the sauce if wonderful.
• Savory Crepes– another recipe shared by mom.
• Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Thighs– easiest dinner.