Why Make This Recipe
German Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a comforting and hearty dish that is perfect for any family dinner. With a delicious filling of ground beef and pork mixed with rice and spices, these rolls are wrapped in tender cabbage leaves and cooked in a savory tomato sauce. This recipe is a great way to enjoy a classic dish that fills your home with warmth and good smells.
How to Make German Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Ingredients:
- 8 cabbage leaves
- 400 g ground beef
- 200 g ground pork
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 egg
- 1 cup cooked rice
- Salt & pepper
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
Directions:
- Blanch cabbage leaves until soft and pliable.
- In a bowl, mix the ground beef, ground pork, chopped onion, cooked rice, egg, salt, and pepper.
- Take a spoonful of the meat mixture and place it onto each cabbage leaf. Roll the leaf tightly to enclose the filling.
- Arrange the rolls in a large pot. Pour the tomato sauce and beef broth over the rolls.
- Cover the pot and let it simmer for 45 to 60 minutes until the rolls are cooked through.
- Serve the cabbage rolls warm with extra sauce on the side.
How to Serve German Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Serve the stuffed cabbage rolls warm, drizzled with the rich tomato sauce that they cooked in. You can enjoy them on their own or pair them with crusty bread or a simple salad. These rolls make a great main dish that everyone will love.
How to Store German Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
If you have leftovers, place the rolls in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will last for about 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze the rolls for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight and reheat in a pot on the stove or in the microwave.
Tips to Make German Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
- Choose green cabbage for the best results, as the leaves are more pliable and easier to roll.
- For added flavor, you can mix in some herbs or spices according to your taste, such as parsley or garlic powder.
- Be careful not to overfill the cabbage leaves to make rolling easier and to prevent them from breaking.
Variation
You can customize the filling by using different meats like ground chicken or turkey. For a vegetarian option, replace the meat with lentils or cooked quinoa mixed with chopped vegetables.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen cabbage leaves?
Yes, you can use frozen cabbage leaves. Just thaw them and follow the same steps for making the rolls.
2. How do I know when the cabbage rolls are done cooking?
The cabbage rolls are done when the meat is cooked through and the cabbage leaves are tender. You can cut one open to check that the meat is no longer pink.
3. Can I make the rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the rolls a day in advance and store them in the fridge before cooking. Just add a little extra cooking time if cooking straight from the fridge.

German Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Ingredients
Method
- Blanch cabbage leaves until soft and pliable.
- In a bowl, mix the ground beef, ground pork, chopped onion, cooked rice, egg, salt, and pepper.
- Take a spoonful of the meat mixture and place it onto each cabbage leaf. Roll the leaf tightly to enclose the filling.
- Arrange the rolls in a large pot. Pour the tomato sauce and beef broth over the rolls.
- Cover the pot and let it simmer for 45 to 60 minutes until the rolls are cooked through.
- Serve the cabbage rolls warm with extra sauce on the side.