Stuffed Cabbage Rolls on a Vegetable Bed – Hearty, Wholesome Comfort Food

Name: Stuffed Cabbage Rolls on a Vegetable Bed
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Yield: 6-8 servings
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: 1 large head cabbage; 1 lb ground beef or turkey; 1 cup cooked rice; 1 onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can crushed tomatoes; Assorted vegetables (carrots, zucchini, bell pepper)

These Stuffed Cabbage Rolls on a Vegetable Bed are the perfect blend of comfort and nutrition. Tender cabbage leaves filled with a savory mixture of meat, rice, and spices sit atop a colorful bed of roasted vegetables and bake in a rich tomato sauce. The result? A dish that’s cozy, flavorful, and packed with heartwarming goodness — the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

🥬 Comfort classic: A beloved, old-fashioned favorite that’s filling and flavorful.
🍅 Nutritious and balanced: Packed with vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains.
🧡 Customizable: Works beautifully with ground beef, turkey, or even plant-based meat.
🍽️ Perfect for family dinners: Great for meal prep or cozy nights at home.

Ingredients (Serves 6–8)

For the Cabbage Rolls

1 large head green or Savoy cabbage
1 lb ground beef, turkey, or plant-based meat
1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or wild)
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 egg (optional, for binding)
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp dried thyme
Salt & black pepper, to taste

For the Sauce

1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
½ cup tomato sauce
¼ cup chicken or vegetable broth
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp sugar (optional, balances acidity)
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt & black pepper, to taste

For the Vegetable Bed

2 medium carrots, sliced
1 medium zucchini, chopped
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 small onion, chopped
2 tbsp olive oil
Optional: salt, pepper, and Italian herbs

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Set oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a large casserole or baking dish.
Soften the Cabbage: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Submerge the whole cabbage for 5–7 minutes, until the outer leaves are pliable. Peel off softened leaves and repeat until you have 8–10 usable leaves.
Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, mix ground meat, cooked rice, onion, garlic, egg (if using), paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper until fully combined.
Roll the Cabbage: Lay out a cabbage leaf, add 2–3 tablespoons of filling in the center, fold the sides over, and roll tightly like a burrito. Repeat for all rolls.
Make the Veggie Bed: Toss carrots, zucchini, bell pepper, and onion with olive oil, salt, and herbs. Spread evenly on the bottom of your baking dish.
Assemble & Bake: Arrange cabbage rolls on top of the vegetable bed. In a bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients and pour evenly over the rolls. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 45–50 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes, until tender and bubbling.
Serve & Enjoy: Let cool slightly before serving. Spoon the roasted vegetables and sauce alongside each roll. Serve warm with crusty bread or a fresh salad.

Chef Tips & Variations

🍚 Make it vegetarian: Swap the meat for lentils or chopped mushrooms for a hearty plant-based version.
🔥 Add spice: A pinch of red pepper flakes or chili powder gives the sauce a subtle kick.
🍋 Brighten it up: Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for a fresh, tangy note.
🥘 Meal prep tip: These reheat beautifully and taste even better the next day.

Storage

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze cooked rolls (with sauce) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use red cabbage instead of green?
Yes, but note that red cabbage has a slightly stronger flavor and firmer texture.

Do I have to pre-cook the rice?
Yes, using pre-cooked rice helps the rolls cook evenly and keeps the filling tender.

Can I make this in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the rolls a day ahead, refrigerate, and bake before serving.