Keto Stuffed Cabbage Rolls – Classic, Comforting & Flavorful

By: Rabia

Recipe Card

Servings & Timing

  • Prep Time: 25 minutes

  • Cook Time: 1 hour

  • Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

  • Yield: About 6 servings

Dietary Badges:
✔ Classic Comfort Food
✔ Family-Style Meal
✔ Freezer-Friendly

🛒 Ingredients

  • Cabbage (1 medium head)

  • Ground beef or beef/pork mix

  • Uncooked rice

  • Onion

  • Garlic

  • Egg

  • Tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes

  • Tomato paste

  • Olive oil

  • Paprika

  • Dill (dried or fresh)

  • Salt & pepper

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Prep cabbage: Boil water in a large pot. Carefully separate cabbage leaves and blanch until pliable.

  2. Make filling: Mix ground meat, rice, onion, garlic, egg, paprika, salt, and pepper.

  3. Assemble rolls: Place filling in center of each cabbage leaf, fold sides, and roll tightly.

  4. Prepare sauce: Combine tomato sauce, paste, olive oil, dill, salt, and pepper.

  5. Bake: Arrange rolls in a baking dish, pour sauce over, cover with foil, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 1 hour until tender.

Notes:

  • Blanch cabbage just until flexible—overcooking makes it tear easily.

  • Can be made ahead and reheated.

Introduction

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a timeless dish beloved in kitchens around the world. Tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory beef-and-rice filling, baked in a rich tomato sauce—this is classic comfort food at its finest. Whether served as a hearty family dinner or made ahead for meal prep, this dish delivers cozy flavors in every bite.

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

Step 1 – Prepare the cabbage
Bring water to a boil and carefully peel off cabbage leaves. Blanch briefly until soft and flexible. Drain and set aside.

Step 2 – Mix the filling
Combine ground meat, uncooked rice, onion, garlic, egg, paprika, salt, and pepper. Tip: Mix gently to avoid a dense filling.

Step 3 – Roll the cabbage
Lay a cabbage leaf flat. Add 1–2 spoonfuls of filling near the stem end, fold in the sides, and roll up tightly like a burrito.

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Step 4 – Make the sauce
Whisk together tomato sauce, tomato paste, olive oil, dill, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Step 5 – Bake to perfection
Place rolls seam-side down in a baking dish. Cover with the tomato sauce. Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour, until the rolls are tender and the flavors have melded.

Ingredient Details & Substitution Tips

  • Meat: Use beef, pork, or a mix for deeper flavor. Ground turkey or chicken works for a lighter version.

  • Rice: White rice is traditional, but brown rice or quinoa can be used. Cooked rice makes a softer filling; uncooked rice cooks inside the roll.

  • Sauce Base: Crushed tomatoes add more texture, while tomato sauce gives a smoother finish.

  • Herbs & Spices: Paprika adds warmth, dill adds brightness. Try parsley, thyme, or oregano as alternatives.

Variations & Serving Suggestions

  • Eastern European Style: Add sauerkraut to the baking dish for tangy flavor.

  • Mediterranean Twist: Season filling with cinnamon, nutmeg, and fresh herbs.

  • Low-Carb/Keto: Substitute cauliflower rice for regular rice.

  • Serving Ideas:

    • Pair with mashed potatoes or crusty bread.

    • Add a dollop of sour cream before serving.

Storage & Make-Ahead

  • Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container up to 4 days.

  • Freezing: Freeze rolls individually or in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in fridge before reheating.

  • Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes, covered with foil.

FAQs

Q: Can I cook these on the stovetop instead of baking?
A: Yes—simmer covered in sauce over low heat for 1–1.5 hours.

Q: Do I need to cook the rice first?
A: Not necessarily. Uncooked rice will cook as the rolls bake, but pre-cooked rice makes the filling softer and slightly quicker to cook.

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Q: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A: Absolutely—substitute the meat with lentils, mushrooms, or a plant-based ground “meat.”

Personal Note

Stuffed cabbage rolls remind me of family gatherings where hearty, comforting meals were always at the center of the table. They take a little time to prepare, but the end result is worth every step—warm, satisfying, and filled with tradition.

Rabia
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