Mediterranean Classic Stuffed Cabbage Rolls in Tomato Sauce
Mediterranean Classic Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a timeless comfort dish found across many coastal kitchens, from Greece to the Levant. Soft cabbage leaves are wrapped around a savory filling, gently simmered in a rich tomato sauce until tender and deeply flavorful. This version keeps things traditional and balanced, focusing on simple ingredients, fragrant herbs, and slow cooking to bring everything together naturally.
These cabbage rolls are hearty without being heavy, making them perfect for family meals, special gatherings, or weekend cooking when you want something satisfying and homemade. They also age beautifully, tasting even better the next day as the flavors settle. Whether served on their own or with crusty bread or yogurt on the side, this dish delivers warmth, comfort, and Mediterranean soul in every bite.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
Cabbage Rolls
Green cabbage, 1 large head
Ground meat (beef, lamb, or a mix)
White rice, uncooked
Onion, finely chopped
Garlic, minced
Fresh parsley, chopped
Olive oil
Salt
Black pepper
Dried oregano or mixed Mediterranean herbs
Tomato Sauce
Crushed tomatoes or tomato passata
Tomato paste
Onion, finely grated or minced
Garlic, minced
Olive oil
Water or light broth
Salt and black pepper
Bay leaf (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of water to a gentle boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage and lower it into the water.
As the outer leaves soften, peel them off gently and set aside. Continue until you have enough large leaves.
Trim the thick vein from the center of each leaf to make rolling easier.
In a bowl, combine ground meat, uncooked rice, chopped onion, garlic, parsley, olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs. Mix gently.
Place a spoonful of filling near the base of a cabbage leaf. Fold the sides inward and roll tightly but gently.
Repeat until all filling is used.
In a wide pot or deep pan, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic for the sauce until soft.
Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, water or broth, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Arrange cabbage rolls seam-side down in the sauce, fitting them snugly in a single layer if possible.
Cover and simmer gently for 60 to 70 minutes, until cabbage is tender and filling is fully cooked. Rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips for Best Results
Choose a cabbage with large, flexible leaves for easy rolling.
Don’t overfill the leaves; rice expands during cooking.
Simmer gently to avoid breaking the rolls.
Trim thick veins instead of removing them completely to keep leaves intact.
Use a wide pot so rolls cook evenly.
Keep rolls tightly packed to prevent unraveling.
Add extra liquid if sauce thickens too much while cooking.
Let the dish rest before serving for cleaner plating.
Taste sauce early and adjust seasoning.
Serve with lemon wedges for brightness.
Variations
Use ground lamb for a richer, traditional flavor.
Replace rice with bulgur for a nuttier texture.
Add pine nuts to the filling for subtle crunch.
Include fresh dill or mint for a brighter herbal note.
Make it vegetarian using rice, lentils, and mushrooms.
Add cinnamon or allspice for a warm Eastern Mediterranean profile.
Use savoy cabbage for softer leaves.
Add a splash of lemon juice to the sauce near the end.
Bake rolls in the oven instead of simmering on the stove.
Serve with yogurt or tzatziki on the side.
Q & A
Can I make stuffed cabbage ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes even better the next day.
Can I freeze cabbage rolls?
Absolutely. Freeze cooked rolls in sauce for up to 3 months.
Do I need to cook the rice first?
No, uncooked rice cooks perfectly inside the rolls.
How do I prevent rolls from falling apart?
Roll tightly and place seam-side down in the pot.
Can I use red cabbage?
Green cabbage is preferred for tenderness and flavor.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, naturally gluten-free.
Can I cook it in a slow cooker?
Yes, cook on low for 6 to 7 hours.
How do I know it’s done?
Cabbage should be very tender and rice fully cooked.
Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Finely chopped carrots or zucchini work well.
What should I serve with it?
Crusty bread, rice, or a fresh salad pair nicely.
Nutrition
(Approximate per Serving)
Calories: 380
Protein: 24g
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 6g
Sodium: Moderate
Nutrition varies based on meat choice and portion size.
Conclusion
Mediterranean Classic Stuffed Cabbage Rolls in Tomato Sauce are a beautiful example of how simple ingredients, treated with care, can become something truly special. This dish is comforting, nourishing, and deeply rooted in tradition, yet flexible enough to suit modern kitchens and preferences. Whether you’re cooking for family, guests, or meal prep, these cabbage rolls deliver warmth, flavor, and a sense of home that lasts well beyond the meal itself.