Easy Cabbage Rolls with Ground Meats and Tomato Sauce Recipe

I absolutely love making this Easy Cabbage Rolls with Ground Meats and Tomato Sauce Recipe because it’s one of those cozy, comforting dishes that feels like a big, warm hug on a plate. Using frozen cabbage makes the rolling process so much easier, and the combination of ground turkey and Italian sausage creates a flavor that’s rich, savory, and deeply satisfying. Baked in a luscious tomato sauce with just the right blend of spices, every bite is juicy and packed with old-fashioned goodness that just can’t be beat.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Cabbage Rolls with Ground Meats and Tomato Sauce Recipe

From the moment I start sautéing the red onions and garlic, the aromas fill my kitchen with such a mouthwatering invitation. The taste is wonderfully balanced—the sweetness of the tomato sauce paired with subtle hints of cumin and cinnamon adds a depth you don’t expect in cabbage rolls. I love that the combination of turkey and sausage gives it a lean but flavorful profile that everyone at my table can’t get enough of. The cabbage leaves soften beautifully but still hold their structure, making each roll a perfect little parcel of deliciousness.

One of the best parts about this recipe is how surprisingly simple it is to prepare. I freeze the cabbage ahead of time to loosen the leaves, which saves so much hassle compared to boiling and peeling. Plus, the use of frozen cabbage means I never have to worry about cabbage going bad before I get a chance to make this dish. I find it perfect for both family dinners and special occasions because it looks impressive on the table, yet it’s totally doable after a busy day. Honestly, it stands out because it combines ease, comfort, and flavor in a way that I just keep coming back to again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. On the left, there are fresh green parsley leaves and a purple onion. Next to them are two cans—one of crushed tomatoes with a red and green label and one of tomato sauce with a red tomato image on the label. Below the cans is a blue container of Italian style bread crumbs. Beside it is a green carton of organic chicken broth. In front, there are two spice jars labeled cinnamon and cumin, a small glass bowl with white rice, a small bowl holding three garlic cloves, and one white egg. On the right, there is a clear glass baking dish holding a whole green cabbage head, and two white trays stacked with packages of ground meats, the top one darker in color and the bottom a lighter pink. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each bringing something special to the dish—from the tender texture of the frozen cabbage to the rich, savory filling that combines two ground meats for a perfect balance of flavor and moisture.

1 head green cabbage, frozen: Freezing loosens the leaves for easy rolling without boiling.
1 cup cooked white rice: Adds fluffy texture and stretches the meat mixture.
1 pound ground turkey: A lean base for a lighter flavor and tender bite.
1 pound Italian sausage: Brings richness and a wonderful savory depth.
1 egg: Acts as a binder to hold the filling together.
1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs: Adds texture and helps absorb moisture.
1 cup red onion, diced: Provides sweetness and a subtle bite when sautéed.
4 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the sauce with vibrant, aromatic flavor.
14 oz. crushed tomatoes: The heart of the rich tomato sauce.
8 oz. tomato sauce: Adds smoothness to the sauce base.
1 teaspoon sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin: Gives the tomato sauce a warm, earthy note.
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds an unexpected and delightful hint of sweetness.
1 cup chicken stock: Keeps the sauce saucy and infuses extra savory flavor as it cooks.
Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to elevate every ingredient.
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced: For gentle freshness sprinkled on top.

Directions

Step 1: Freeze the whole head of green cabbage for 24 hours. This step is key because it makes the leaves much easier to peel without boiling.

Step 2: Remove the frozen cabbage from the freezer and let it thaw for about 2 hours, or until the outer leaves begin to loosen and can be gently pulled off. You may only get a few leaves at a time at first since the center stays frozen longer.

Step 3: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) and prepare a 9×13-inch casserole dish, lightly greasing it to prevent sticking.

Step 4: To make the tomato sauce, sauté the diced red onion and minced garlic in a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat for 6 to 8 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Step 5: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, sugar, cumin, cinnamon, and chicken stock. Season with salt and pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.

Step 6: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked white rice, ground turkey, Italian sausage, egg, and Italian bread crumbs. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of flavors.

Step 7: Lay a cabbage leaf flat on your workspace. Using a medium ice cream scoop or spoon, place a portion of the meat mixture at the widest end of the leaf. Fold the sides in to encase the filling, then roll it up tightly but gently into a neat bundle. Repeat until all the filling is used.

Step 8: Pour half of the tomato sauce into the bottom of your prepared casserole dish. Arrange the cabbage rolls snugly in the dish, then pour the remaining sauce evenly over the top.

Step 9: Bake uncovered in your preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes. The rolls are done when the meat is cooked through, tender, and the sauce has thickened beautifully.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes approximately 8 to 10 cabbage rolls, perfect for serving a family or having delicious leftovers. Prep time involves freezing the cabbage (24 hours) plus about 20 minutes active prep time. The rolling and assembly usually take around 30 minutes. Bake time is 45 to 50 minutes, for a total active cooking and prep time of about 1 hour 15 minutes. Remember to account for the thawing period of about 2 hours if you freeze the cabbage yourself.

How to Serve This Easy Cabbage Rolls with Ground Meats and Tomato Sauce Recipe

The image shows three stuffed cabbage rolls on a white plate with a ridged edge, each covered in bright red tomato sauce with a slightly chunky texture. The cabbage leaves are pale green and tender, wrapping a filling of light brown ground meat mixed with white rice, visible on the fork in the foreground. The fork holds a piece of cabbage roll close to the camera, showing the moist filling inside with bits of cabbage leaf. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, and behind it, a rectangular glass baking dish with more cabbage rolls and tomato sauce is partially visible, resting on a beige cloth with a thin blue stripe. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When it comes to serving these cabbage rolls, I love pairing them with a simple side of buttery mashed potatoes or creamy polenta to soak up all the tangy tomato sauce. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness. For a heartier meal, roasted root vegetables or a side of sautéed greens like kale or spinach complement the flavors perfectly.

For garnishing, I always sprinkle freshly minced parsley over the top just before serving. It adds a lovely pop of color and a fresh herbal note that brightens each bite. If you want to impress guests, serve the rolls individually on white plates with a drizzle of extra sauce and maybe a lemon wedge on the side to add a touch of brightness.

As for drinks, a light-medium bodied red wine such as Pinot Noir or a dry Riesling pairs beautifully with the savory meat and spice elements. If you prefer something non-alcoholic, a chilled sparkling water with a splash of lemon or a lightly brewed iced tea balances the meal nicely. These cabbage rolls are great for comforting weeknight dinners but also shine during holiday gatherings or Sunday family meals. I recommend enjoying them hot, fresh out of the oven, for the best texture and flavor experience.

Variations

I love experimenting with this recipe to suit different tastes and dietary needs. A simple way to change things up is by swapping out the ground meats; try ground beef for a richer flavor or go with a mix of pork and veal if you want that traditional Eastern European flair. For an extra burst of flavor, adding chopped mushrooms or grated carrots to the filling adds moisture and a subtle earthiness that I find irresistible.

If you want to make this dish gluten-free, just replace the Italian bread crumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond meal. For a lighter twist, you can substitute ground turkey entirely with ground chicken or lean pork. For my vegan friends, although this recipe is meat-based, you could try replacing the meat with cooked lentils or finely chopped mushrooms and skipping the egg, binding the mixture with ground flaxseed or a flax egg instead.

Different cooking methods also work well here—I’ve baked it covered for a softer cabbage texture or even cooked the rolls slowly in a crockpot for a hands-off approach that tenderizes the meat beautifully. Each method brings its own unique nuances to the dish, so I’d encourage playing around to discover your personal favorite way to enjoy these delicious cabbage rolls.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cabbage rolls store wonderfully in the refrigerator. I recommend placing them in an airtight container or tightly covering your casserole dish with plastic wrap or foil. They’ll keep well for 3 to 4 days, and the flavors often deepen as they sit. Make sure to cool them completely before refrigerating to maintain texture and safety.

Freezing

This Easy Cabbage Rolls with Ground Meats and Tomato Sauce Recipe freezes beautifully, which makes it perfect for meal prep. To freeze, arrange the cooked rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe airtight container or heavy-duty zip-top bag. This method prevents them from sticking together. You can freeze them for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

The best way to reheat cabbage rolls is in the oven at 325ºF (160ºC), covered with foil to keep them moist, for about 20 to 30 minutes until heated through. Microwaving works in a pinch, but I find it sometimes makes the cabbage a bit rubbery and the sauce less vibrant. To restore juiciness, adding a splash of water or chicken stock before reheating can help maintain the perfect texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cabbage instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh cabbage can be used but it requires blanching in boiling water to soften the leaves enough to roll. Freezing is a clever shortcut that avoids boiling and makes peeling easier without compromising texture.

What types of ground meat work best?

I personally enjoy a mix of ground turkey and Italian sausage for flavor and tenderness. However, ground beef, pork, or even veal can be used depending on your preference. Just make sure to balance fattier meats with leaner ones to avoid excess grease.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the cabbage rolls in advance, keep them covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a fantastic make-ahead meal for busy weeknights or entertaining.

Is this recipe suitable for freezing before baking?

Yes! You can freeze the raw, assembled rolls covered in sauce, then bake them from frozen. Just extend the baking time by 10-15 minutes, covering halfway through to ensure even cooking.

How spicy is this recipe?

This recipe is mild with warm spices like cumin and cinnamon adding subtle depth rather than heat. If you like it spicier, I recommend adding crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or including a bit of hot paprika in the meat filling.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly easy dinner, I truly hope you give this Easy Cabbage Rolls with Ground Meats and Tomato Sauce Recipe a try. It’s one of those dishes that brings warmth and satisfaction to any table, perfect for creating memories around the dinner plate. Trust me, once you make it, it’ll become a regular in your recipe rotation just like it is in mine!