These stuffed cabbage rolls are the kind of cozy, old-fashioned dinner that never really goes out of style. Tender cabbage leaves are wrapped around a savory ground beef and rice filling, then simmered in tomato soup until everything is warm, hearty, and full of comforting flavor.
What makes this recipe such a keeper? It’s simple, budget-friendly, and made with everyday ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. The cabbage softens beautifully, the beef and rice filling stays satisfying, and the tomato soup creates an easy sauce without needing a long list of extras.
This recipe has been loved for more than 20 years, and it is easy to see why. It works well on the stovetop for a classic skillet dinner, but you can also make it in the slow cooker when you want a more hands-off meal.
Why You’ll Love These Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Why do classic comfort food recipes always feel the most satisfying? These stuffed cabbage rolls are hearty, simple, and packed with familiar flavors that taste like home.
The filling is made with lean ground beef, cooked rice, onion, egg, salt, pepper, and just a little tomato soup to help bind everything together. Wrapped inside tender cabbage leaves, it becomes a complete meal in every bite.
I love how the tomato soup keeps the recipe easy while still creating a rich, cozy sauce. No complicated tomato base, no fussy steps—just a simple can of condensed tomato soup doing all the heavy lifting.
They’re also wonderfully flexible. Make them in a skillet when you want dinner in about an hour, or tuck them into a slow cooker and let them simmer slowly until tender.
Stuffed Cabbage Roll Ingredients
This recipe uses simple ingredients, but each one plays an important role in creating a filling, flavorful cabbage roll.
Cabbage Leaves
You’ll need 8 cabbage leaves for this recipe. The leaves are briefly boiled until softened, which makes them easier to roll without tearing.
Ground Beef
Lean ground beef gives the cabbage rolls their hearty, savory filling. It pairs perfectly with the rice and tomato sauce.
White Rice
Uncooked white rice is simmered first, then mixed into the beef filling. The cooked rice helps stretch the filling and gives each roll a tender, satisfying texture.
Onion
Chopped onion adds a little sweetness and depth to the beef mixture.
Egg
A slightly beaten egg helps bind the filling together so the rolls hold their shape as they cook.
Tomato Soup
Condensed tomato soup is used in two ways: a small amount goes into the filling, while the rest is poured over the cabbage rolls as they simmer.
Salt and Pepper
Simple seasoning lets the cabbage, beef, rice, and tomato sauce shine.
Ingredients
⅔ cup water
⅓ cup uncooked white rice
8 cabbage leaves
1 pound lean ground beef
¼ cup chopped onion
1 large egg, slightly beaten
1 can condensed tomato soup, divided
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
How to Make Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Making stuffed cabbage rolls is easier than it looks. The key is softening the cabbage leaves first, preparing the rice, then rolling everything tightly so the filling stays tucked inside.
Start by bringing the water and rice to a boil in a saucepan. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. This usually takes about 20 minutes.
While the rice cooks, bring a large, wide saucepan of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the cabbage leaves and cook them for 2 to 4 minutes, just until softened. Drain them well and set them aside.
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, 1 cup of cooked rice, chopped onion, beaten egg, 2 tablespoons of tomato soup, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until the filling is evenly combined.
Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the beef mixture onto each cabbage leaf. Fold one end of the cabbage leaf over the filling, then roll it up, tucking in the sides as you go so the filling does not fall out.
Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in a large skillet over medium heat. Pour the remaining tomato soup over the top.
Cover the skillet and bring everything to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, basting the rolls with the sauce often, until the beef is cooked through. This takes about 40 minutes.
Serve warm and enjoy the kind of simple, comforting meal that tastes like it came straight from a family recipe box.
Slow Cooker Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
These cabbage rolls also work beautifully in the slow cooker.
To make them this way, arrange the stuffed cabbage rolls seam-side down in the slow cooker. Pour the remaining tomato soup evenly over the top.
Cover and cook on Low for 6 to 8 hours, or on High for 3 to 5 hours, until the cabbage is tender and the beef filling is fully cooked.
This is a great option when you want a cozy dinner ready later in the day without needing to watch the skillet.
Stuffed Cabbage Roll Tips
Soften the Cabbage Leaves First
Do not skip boiling the cabbage leaves. Softened leaves are much easier to roll and less likely to crack.
Place Rolls Seam-Side Down
Arranging the cabbage rolls seam-side down helps keep them closed while they simmer.
Baste with Sauce
Spoon the tomato sauce over the rolls as they cook. This keeps the cabbage moist and helps the flavor soak into every bite.
Make Them Ahead
Stuffed cabbage rolls are great for meal prep. The flavors deepen as they sit, making leftovers especially delicious.
What to Serve With Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
These cabbage rolls are hearty enough to serve on their own, but they also pair well with simple sides.
Try them with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, roasted vegetables, buttered noodles, or a crisp green salad. The tomato sauce is especially good with something that can soak it up.
Stuffed Cabbage Roll Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about stuffed cabbage rolls is how adaptable they are.
You can use ground turkey instead of ground beef for a lighter version. Brown rice can replace white rice, though it may add a slightly nuttier flavor and firmer texture.
For extra flavor, mix a little garlic powder, paprika, parsley, or Italian seasoning into the filling. You can also use tomato sauce in place of condensed tomato soup if you prefer a less sweet sauce.
Want a saucier version? Add a little extra tomato soup or tomato sauce over the top before simmering.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving:
Calories: 223
Fat: 13g
Carbs: 13g
Protein: 13g
Final Thoughts
Stuffed cabbage rolls are simple, hearty, and deeply comforting. With tender cabbage, a savory beef and rice filling, and an easy tomato soup sauce, this recipe proves that classic dinners do not need to be complicated.
Whether you make them on the stovetop or in the slow cooker, these cabbage rolls are perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or any night when you want something warm and satisfying.
