Baked Cabbage Rolls with Ground Beef and Tomato Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender cabbage leaves wrap around a savory beef and rice filling, baked in a rich tomato sauce for a comforting, family-friendly meal. This international-inspired one pot ready in about 90 minutes pairs green cabbage, ground beef, cooked rice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.4 (15 ratings) Prep: 30 min Cook: 60 min Serves 6 International cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a medium bowl, combine 1 lb ground beef, 1/2 cup cooked rice, 1/2 cup finely chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 large egg, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup tomato paste, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Mix until fully incorporated and form into 12 equal portions.
  2. Step 2: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Blanch 12 large green cabbage leaves for exactly 2 minutes until pliable. Transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop cooking, then pat dry.
  3. Step 3: Spread 1/4 cup marinara sauce evenly in a 9x13 inch baking dish. Place each cabbage leaf on a flat surface, fill with 1/4 cup beef mixture, and roll tightly. Arrange seam-side down in the dish.
  4. Step 4: Mix 2 cups marinara sauce with 1/4 cup water in a small bowl. Pour over rolls, covering completely. Cover tightly with aluminum foil.
  5. Step 5: Bake for 45 minutes covered, then remove foil and bake 15 minutes uncovered until sauce bubbles and cabbage is tender.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Cabbage Rolls with Ground Beef and Tomato Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 90 minutes (30 min prep + 60 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Baked Cabbage Rolls with Ground Beef and Tomato Sauce?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep green cabbage from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Cabbage Rolls with Ground Beef and Tomato Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Baked Cabbage Rolls with Ground Beef and Tomato Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Baked Cabbage Rolls with Ground Beef and Tomato Sauce?

International one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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