Old-Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls (Grandma’s Comfort Classic)

C’est Warm, hearty, and full of old-world flavor — stuffed cabbage rolls are the ultimate comfort food. Tender cabbage leaves are filled with a savory blend of ground beef, rice, onion, and herbs, then simmered in a tangy tomato sauce until melt-in-your-mouth perfection. This is the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with nostalgia and your belly with satisfaction.

A Bit of History

Stuffed cabbage rolls have traveled the world under many names — golabki in Poland, holubtsi in Ukraine, sarma in the Balkans, and malfouf mahshi in the Middle East. Immigrants brought this humble dish to America, adapting it to local ingredients. The old-fashioned version, beloved in the U.S., typically combines beef, rice, and tomato sauce — a delicious fusion of European tradition and American

Ingredients

For the Cabbage Rolls:

• 1 large head of green cabbage
• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or half beef, half pork for richer flavor)
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional but adds depth)

For the Tomato Sauce:

• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 oz / 800 g) can of crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp white vinegar or lemon juice
• ½ cup beef broth or water
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper
• 1 tsp dried basil or oregano (optional)
• A pinch of red pepper flakes (for a gentle kick)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Remove the core of the cabbage with a sharp knife.
3. Carefully place the whole head in boiling water.
4. As the outer leaves soften, gently peel them off with tongs and set them aside. Continue until you have about 12–14 large leaves.
5. Trim the thick vein at the base of each leaf so it’s easier to roll.

Step 2: Make the Filling

1. In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, pepper, paprika, parsley, and Worcestershire sauce.
2. Mix gently — just until combined (don’t overmix or the rolls will be tough).

Step 3: Make the Tomato Sauce

1. In a saucepan, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat.
2. Sauté onion and garlic until soft and fragrant.
3. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, brown sugar, vinegar, beef broth, and seasonings.
4. Stir well, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 10–15 minutes.

Step 4: Assemble the Rolls

1. Lay a cabbage leaf flat on a plate.
2. Place about 2 tablespoons of filling near the stem end.
3. Fold the sides in, then roll tightly from the base up to the tip.
4. Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.

Step 5: Cook the Rolls

Option 1 – On the Stove:

1. Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom of a large pot or Dutch oven.
2. Arrange the cabbage rolls seam side down.
3. Pour remaining sauce over the rolls, making sure they’re well-covered.
4. Cover the pot and simmer on low heat for 1½–2 hours, until the rolls are tender.

Option 2 – In the Oven:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Layer the rolls in a baking dish, cover with sauce, and seal tightly with foil.
3. Bake for about 1½ hours, until the cabbage is soft and the filling is cooked through.

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot, spooning extra sauce over the top. They pair beautifully with:

• Mashed potatoes or buttered noodles
• A crisp green salad
• Crusty bread to soak up the tomato sauce

Benefit

Protein-rich** – great source of lean meat and fiber-rich rice.

Nourishing comfort** – cabbage is packed with vitamins C and K, while the tomato sauce provides antioxidants.

Budget-friendly** – stretches basic ingredients into a hearty family meal.

Freezer-friendly** – these rolls freeze and reheat beautifully.

Lovers of This Dish Say…

People love how every bite brings warmth and nostalgia — that tender cabbage wrapping around flavorful meat and rice, soaked in sweet-savory tomato sauce. It’s the taste of a grandmother’s kitchen, a symbol of care and patience in every roll.

Nutrition (per serving, approx.)

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 22 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fat: 14 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sodium: 780 mg

Conclusion

Old-fashioned stuffed cabbage rolls are proof that humble ingredients can make extraordinary food. Whether you simmer them slowly on a Sunday afternoon or bake them for a family dinner, they bring back the timeless comfort of home-cooked love.