Old Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

 

 

 Old-Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls: A Comfort Food Classic That Never Gets Old
There’s something deeply comforting about recipes that have stood the test of time — the kind passed down from grandmothers, scribbled on worn recipe cards, and made with love for generations. Old-Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are one of those dishes.

Tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a hearty mix of seasoned meat and rice, then simmered in a rich tomato sauce — it’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and your heart with memories.

Whether you grew up eating them or are trying them for the first time, these cabbage rolls are a celebration of tradition, flavor, and family.

 What Are Stuffed Cabbage Rolls?
Stuffed cabbage rolls, also known as golabki in Polish cuisine, sarma in Eastern Europe, or simply “cabbage rolls” in American kitchens, are made by wrapping a filling (typically ground beef, rice, onions, and spices) in blanched cabbage leaves and slowly baking or simmering them in tomato sauce.

The result? A melt-in-your-mouth dish that’s savory, saucy, and deeply satisfying.

 Ingredients You’ll Need
1 large head of green cabbage

1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)

1 cup cooked rice

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 egg

Salt and pepper to taste

2 cups tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes

1 tbsp brown sugar (optional, for sweetness)

1 tsp vinegar or lemon juice (for a touch of acidity)

 How to Make Old-Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
1. Prep the Cabbage
Core the cabbage and place it in a pot of boiling water for 2–3 minutes.

Carefully peel away the softened outer leaves (you’ll need about 10–12).

Trim the thick vein from the base of each leaf for easier rolling.

2. Make the Filling
In a bowl, combine ground beef, cooked rice, onion, garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

3. Roll It Up
Place a heaping spoonful of filling in the center of each cabbage leaf.

Fold in the sides and roll up tightly like a burrito.

4. Layer and Sauce
Place a few extra cabbage leaves on the bottom of a baking dish.

Arrange the rolls seam-side down in the dish.

Pour tomato sauce over the rolls, mixing in brown sugar and vinegar if desired for extra depth.

5. Bake
Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the rolls are tender and flavorful.

 Serving Suggestions
Serve with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or crusty bread

Add a dollop of sour cream on top for a creamy finish

Garnish with chopped parsley for freshness and color

 Tips for Success
Don’t overstuff the rolls — a little filling goes a long way.

Add a pinch of paprika or herbs like dill for an Eastern European twist.

These taste even better the next day after the flavors meld — perfect for meal prep!

 Final Thoughts
Old-Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are more than just a meal — they’re a culinary hug from the past. Hearty, humble, and deeply flavorful, they bring warmth to the table and stories to the surface. Whether you’re recreating your grandma’s version or making them for the first time, you’ll be glad you did.

Would you like a printable version of this recipe or a slow cooker adaptation? I’d be happy to help customize it for you!