Baked Cabbage Rolls with Beef and Rice Recipe

If you’re craving something hearty, comforting, and downright satisfying, I’m excited to share my Baked Cabbage Rolls with Beef and Rice Recipe that’s become a staple in my kitchen. These rolls are packed with a flavorful blend of seasoned beef, pork, and tender rice, all snuggled inside soft cabbage leaves and baked in a rich tomato sauce. Whether you’re new to cabbage rolls or looking for a reliable, tasty version, you’re going to love how simple yet delicious this recipe is!

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Baked Cabbage Rolls with Beef and Rice Recipe starts with fresh cabbage and a simple but flavorful mix of ground meats and rice. You’ll want to get quality ingredients that work harmoniously — they’re affordable, easy to find, and super handy for balanced comfort food.

• Ground beef and ground pork: Combining these gives a great depth of flavor and keeps the filling juicy without being too fatty.
• Parboiled long-grain rice: Parboiled rice cooks faster than regular rice and adds a nice texture without becoming mushy.
• Yellow onion and garlic: Freshly minced for that perfect aromatic base that elevates every bite.
• Salt, black pepper, thyme, and sage: The simple seasonings bring warmth and subtle herbal notes to the meat filling.
• Olive oil: Helps keep the cabbage rolls moist when baking and adds a subtle fruity undertone.
• Tomato sauce and chicken broth: Combine as a luscious, tangy, and savory sauce to bake the rolls in, keeping them tender and flavorful.
• Green cabbage head: Fresh, firm, and large enough to yield plenty of beautiful leaves for rolling — the star veggie of the dish.

Variations

One of the things I love about Baked Cabbage Rolls with Beef and Rice Recipe is how customizable it is. Over time, I’ve tried tweaking ingredients and spices based on what I have on hand or dietary needs, and it’s always a hit. Feel free to experiment so the recipe fits your family’s flavor preferences perfectly.

• Use ground turkey or chicken: For a leaner option, swapping in your favorite ground poultry works wonderfully without losing moisture thanks to the sauce.
• Make it vegetarian: Replace the meat with cooked lentils, mushrooms, or chopped walnuts for texture-packed veggie rolls that even meat-eaters adore.
• Add spicy kick: Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeño to the beef mixture for a little zing.
• Swap fresh herbs: If you have fresh thyme or rosemary, use those instead of dried for a vibrant herbaceous touch.

How to Make Baked Cabbage Rolls with Beef and Rice Recipe

Step 1: Prep the cabbage leaves just right

The trickiest part for many is handling the cabbage leaves without tearing them — I used to struggle with this until I discovered the blanching method. First, discard any wilted outer leaves, then gently separate the rest. Blanch each leaf in boiling salted water for about 3 minutes until just tender. This softens the leaves, making them pliable and easy to roll without cracking. If you find some leaves have thick stems, do a small V-shaped cut there to make folding smoother.

Step 2: Mix the savory filling

In a large bowl, I always combine the ground beef, pork, parboiled rice, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, and sage carefully but thoroughly. I like to use my hands here — it distributes everything evenly and helps you feel the mixture’s texture. The rice adds a tender bite that isn’t mushy, so be sure to include it. The seasoned meat blend is what brings the warmth and richness that you’ll come back for again and again.

Step 3: Roll them with care

Now comes the fun part. Lay each cabbage leaf flat, spoon roughly three tablespoons of the meat and rice filling near the base, then fold in the sides before rolling from the bottom up to seal the filling inside like a snug little parcel. If you have extra-large leaves, I often use two leaves layered for more strength. Keep the rolls seam-side down when placing them in the baking pan to help them hold shape as they cook.

Step 4: Bake to perfection

Drizzle olive oil into your 9×13-inch baking dish to keep things from sticking, then arrange the rolls tightly together. Pour the tomato sauce and chicken broth mixture over everything, making sure the rolls are nicely bathed. Cover tightly with foil—this traps the steam and keeps the cabbage tender. Bake at 400°F for one hour, then vent the foil and bake uncovered for 20-30 more minutes until the meat reaches 160°F. You’ll know they’re done when the filling is juicy, the cabbage is tender, and the aroma fills your kitchen with pure comfort.

How to Serve Baked Cabbage Rolls with Beef and Rice Recipe

Garnishes

I love to sprinkle freshly chopped parsley right before serving — it adds a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness. Sometimes, a dollop of sour cream or a little tangy Greek yogurt on the side makes the rolls even more luscious in every bite.

Side Dishes

For sides, my family enjoys creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles alongside these rolls. A crisp green salad or steamed green beans also balance the richness beautifully, making the whole meal feel complete and well-rounded.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve layered the cabbage rolls in a pretty casserole dish and topped them with fresh basil or edible flowers for a touch of elegance. You could also serve individual rolls on small plates garnished with a chili slice or lemon wedge to brighten the plate and impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to let leftovers cool completely, then store them airtight in the fridge. They keep well for 3-4 days and actually taste even better the next day once the flavors have melded. Just make sure to separate any rolls with parchment paper if stacking to avoid sticking.

Freezing

If I’m making a big batch, I freeze individual rolls on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to freezer bags. This way you can reheat only what you need. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual, adding extra sauce if you like.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer oven warming so the cabbage stays tender and sauce thickens nicely. Cover with foil at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. Microwave works in a pinch but might dry the cabbage out a little.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Baked Cabbage Rolls with Beef and Rice Recipe brings people to the table and sparks comfort food joy every time. When I first tried it, the mix of juicy seasoned meat and tender cabbage made me realize how simple ingredients can create something truly special. I’m confident you’ll find the same satisfaction making it for your family or friends — it’s cozy, filling, and made even better with your own twists. So roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself to this classic meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate!

Print