FREE 5-Ingredient Recipe EBook

• Why You’ll Love My Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
• Ingredients & Substitutions
• How To Make Cabbage Rolls
• Recipe Tips
• Storage Instructions
• More Cabbage Dinner Recipes
• My Favorite Tools For This Recipe
• Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe card
• Recipe Reviews

If you’re a fan of my cabbage roll casserole , you’re going to love this stuffed cabbage rolls recipe . This dish originated from Poland, but my version is close to my heart because it’s my attempt to recreate the ones my grandmother made. Ironically enough, I didn’t even like them as a kid, but now I’d give anything to have hers again. Each bite is a blend of tender cabbage, savory beef, and perfectly seasoned rice, all simmered in a rich tomato sauce. What’s not to like?!

Why You’ll Love My Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

• Rich, savory flavor – This recipe has a great mix of seasoned beef and a little sweetness from the cabbage. I’ve made it lots of times to get it just right. The filling is the heart of this dish, combining meat with rice and spices for a roll full of flavor.
• Simple ingredients – You need just 8 ingredients (plus salt and pepper), and they are all common grocery store staples. These are the types of recipes I turn to most often.
• Easy to make – This whole recipe is super straightforward. From start to finish, it’s about making something special without too much fuss. And even though the rolling takes some time, I find it relaxing.
• Comforting, hearty meal – This easy cabbage roll recipe is great for dinner with the family, special days, or even making ahead for the week. They always hit the spot.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for this recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .

• Cabbage – You’ll need 12 cabbage leaves, so pick up a head of cabbage and select the largest, sturdiest ones. I usually chop up the smaller ones and meal prep them as sauteed cabbage for later.
• Ground Beef – This is my meat of choice for stuffed cabbage rolls, but you can also use ground pork or ground turkey if you prefer.
• Cooked Rice – I used regular white rice, but you can easily substitute it with long grain rice, brown rice, or cooked cauliflower rice (or even frozen cauliflower rice if you cook it first) for a less starchy alternative.
• Onion – A diced yellow onion brings a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish, but you could also use white or red onion.
• Garlic – I always have fresh garlic on hand, but feel free to use 1 teaspoon of jarred minced garlic for convenience.
• Egg – It’s best to use a room temperature egg for binding the meat and rice mixture together. A flax egg should also work as an egg substitute .
• Parsley – Adds a fresh, herby touch to the rolls. If you don’t have any, 2 teaspoons of dried parsley will do the trick inside the filling. I don’t recommend garnishing with the dried herbs, though, so it’s better to skip the garnish altogether if you don’t have fresh.
• Tomato Sauce – I use a simple, plain variety for a classic taste.
• Sea Salt & Black Pepper

VARIATION: Add veggies to the filling!

You can add finely chopped vegetables, like bell peppers or carrots, into the meat filling for added texture and flavor.

How To Make Cabbage Rolls

I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .

1. Boil the cabbage. Preheat your oven. Boil a large pot of water and add the cabbage head, simmering until the leaves soften. Rotate halfway through if needed to ensure even cooking. Remove and let cool.
2. Make the filling. In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, cooked rice, onion, garlic, egg, parsley, sea salt, and black pepper, until just combined. Set aside.

1. Prep the baking dish. Spread some of the tomato sauce onto the bottom of a casserole dish . Set aside.
2. Prep the cabbage leaves. After cooling, cut the cabbage leaves from the core. Use a paring knife to remove the thick rib from each leaf in a “V” shape. (This makes rolling easier, as the V tends to stay too firm.)

1. Stuff the cabbage rolls. Divide the meat mixture into 12 portions. Shape one portion into a log at one end of a cabbage leaf, fold in the sides, and roll up like a burrito. Place each cabbage roll seam side down in a baking dish over the sauce. Repeat to make 12 rolls. Then spoon or pour more tomato sauce over them.
2. Bake. Cover the baking dish. Place the stuffed cabbage rolls in the oven, and cook until the beef is cooked through. Garnish with more parsley if you like — I always do because it looks so pretty!

Recipe Tips

• Don’t overmix the filling. Mix until just combined. It can turn out tough if you mix too much.
• Make sure the leaves soften enough to roll. If you cut open the cabbage and discover that the inner leaves are too firm, you can just place them in the pot of hot water again to soften them more.

Storage Instructions

• Store: Place leftovers in an airtight container (or cover with foil), and store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Meal prep: This stuffed cabbage rolls recipe is an excellent meal prep choice, because they keep well in the fridge, reheat beautifully, and their flavors actually get better with time. Cook completely and store, or assemble the dish uncooked for up to 2 days ahead and bake when ready.
• Reheat: Warm leftovers in the microwave or in the oven at 350 degrees F, until heated through.
• Freeze: Just place the rolls in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. You can thaw in the fridge overnight for faster heating, but I often just reheat from frozen.

More Cabbage Dinner Recipes

Craving more cabbage? Try these hearty and satisfying cabbage dinner recipes:

Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry

Cabbage And Sausage

Beef & Cabbage Soup

Cabbage Roll Casserole

My Favorite Tools For This Recipe

• Large Pot – You’ll want a pot large enough to fit the entire uncut cabbage head. This will make it easier to soften and peel off the leaves without tearing them.
• Baking Dish – This dish is the perfect size for a batch of stuffed cabbage rolls. Plus, I love that I can take it straight from the oven to the table!

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

• 1 head Cabbage ▢
• 1 1/2 lbs Ground beef ▢
• 1 cup Cooked rice ▢
• 1 cup Yellow onion (diced) ▢
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced) ▢
• 1 large Egg ▢
• 3 tbsp Parsley (divided into 2 tbsp and 1 tbsp) ▢
• 1/2 tbsp Sea salt ▢
• ½ tsp Black pepper ▢
• 2 cups Tomato sauce (divided) ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C).
2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the head of cabbage into the boiling water. Boil for 5 minutes , just until the leaves are soft enough to bend. Depending on how large the pot is, rotate half way through, so all parts touch the water. Remove the cabbage from the pot and let cool.
3. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, onion, garlic, egg, 2 tablespoons of parsley, sea salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined. Set aside.
4. Spread 1 cup of sauce to the bottom of the baking dish . Set aside.
5. Once the cabbage has cooled enough to handle, use a knife to cut the leaves from the core of the cabbage. If the inner leaves are still too firm, return them to the pot of water to soften them.
6. Pick out the 12 largest, sturdiest cabbage leaves. Cut the thick rib in a “V” shape from the end of each cabbage leaf.
7. Divide the meat mixture into 12 sections (mine were 85 grams per roll). Form one section into a log shape at one end of a cabbage leaf. Fold in the inner sides, then roll up like a burrito.
8. Place the cabbage roll, seam side down, in the baking dish over the sauce. Repeat to make 12 cabbage rolls.
9. Spoon the remaining 1 cup of sauce over the cabbage rolls.
10. Cover the baking dish and bake for 60-75 minutes , or until the beef is cooked through. Garnish with the remaining 1 tablespoon of parsley.

LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 3 stuffed cabbage rolls

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

Add Your NotesYour Notes

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List

• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• The Basic Keto Meal Formula
• Understanding Macros
• Keto Food Swaps
• Keto Food List
• Electrolyte Basics
• Keto Diet Types
• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• Recipe Reviews

Even though I have a great guide to starting a keto diet , people often ask me for a quick keto cheat sheet they can use. That’s why I created this simple keto diet cheat sheet , so that you can have all the info you need handy. We’ll cover the basic keto formula for building meals, foods to eat and to avoid, delicious keto swaps for high-carb foods, electrolyte basics, and 4 ways to follow the keto lifestyle.

You can keep reading to view this info, or download my keto cheat sheet printable pdf to print out or save ad-free on any device (plus the pdf has more details!).

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Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ foods) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
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The Basic Keto Meal Formula

Eating keto doesn’t have to be complicated! While there are plenty of delicious easy keto recipes to choose from, you don’t even have to cook from a recipe to get started.

Simply follow the keto cheat sheet formula of protein + veggie + fat for your meals.

Be sure to choose a moderate amount of protein, only low carb vegetables (mostly ones that grow above ground), and generous fat to attain an optimal macro ratio. That’s approximately 60-75% of calories from fat, 20-25% protein, and 5-10% from carbohydrates. The table below will give you ideas for what to choose.

Understanding Macros

Macros are macronutrients for short. They include fat, protein, and carbohydrates.

You can calculate your own macros using the macro calculator , but the macro keto cheat sheet below will explain how to look at macros when following a keto lifestyle.

Carbs Are A Limit.

Keeping carbs low is what gets you into ketosis and keeps you there. Ketosis means that you’re using fat as your primary energy source instead of sugar, and requires keeping carbs very low.

A good starting point is 20-25 grams net carbs per day, but you can experiment after a few weeks to see if your body stays in ketosis at higher levels. People who are very active may be able to do more and stay in ketosis, up to around 50 grams per day.

“Carbs are a limit” means that you set a limit for how many carbs to eat per day and don’t exceed it. You don’t have to hit that limit, so if you’re under that’s okay, just don’t go over. Ideally most of your carbs would come from low carb vegetables, and if you’re eating enough veggies, you’ll usually get close to the limit naturally.

A common misconception is that reaching ketosis requires a certain macro ratio, but it’s really only restricting your carb intake that gets you there [ * ]. In the absence of sufficient carbs to use as energy, the body will switch to using fat as fuel. This is called the metabolic state of ketosis.

Protein Is A Goal.

Protein is made up of amino acids, the building blocks of all our cells. It’s a crucial for keeping our muscles strong and for many cellular functions [ * ].

“Protein is a goal” means that you always want to eat enough protein to reach the goal each day, but not exceed it too much. You want enough for your needs, but excess protein can trigger gluconeogenesis, which is protein being converted to sugar [ * ] and can kick you out of ketosis.

Fat Is A Lever.

Fat is the primary macronutrient in a keto lifestyle, because being in ketosis means that fat is your primary fuel source. Fat as a fuel source will come from your food, and if you are losing weight, from your body.

A big advantage of a keto lifestyle is the high fat intake. It keeps you full and satisfied, making it easier to stick to, and using it as the primary fuel source makes it easier on your body to burn body fat, with a lower chance of breaking down your muscle (provided you get enough protein).

Aside from reaching your protein goal and limiting your carbs, the remainder of your calories on a keto diet comes from fat.

Don’t fear fat – it’s your main energy source on keto, and getting enough of it trains your body to use fat for fuel instead of sugar. That means that as long as you are not overdoing your overall calorie intake, you’ll efficiently burn your body fat for fuel as well.

“Fat is a lever” means that you can increase or decrease your fat intake depending on your goals and hunger levels. Increase it (along with exercise) to gain muscle, or decrease it to lose weight.

Keto Food Swaps

One of my favorite challenges is creating recipes, or just discovering, keto food swaps. These are delicious keto replacements for traditionally high-carb or high-sugar foods.

So, I created this keto diet cheat sheet with all the swaps in one place! I also have more keto food swaps in my Easy Keto Cookbook .

Keto Swaps For Breakfast

Keto Swaps For Bread

Keto Swaps For Meals & Side Dishes

Keto Swaps For Snacks & Sauces

Keto Swaps For Cooking & Baking

Keto Swaps For Drinks

If you’re looking specifically for keto alcohol options, browse the full keto alcohol guide .

Keto Food List

When looking for a keto cheat sheet printable, the most-requested information is a keto food list.

The great thing is that keto doesn’t have to feel restrictive. It’s incredibly satisfying and there’s such a wide variety of foods you can eat!

Foods To Eat On Keto

• Leafy greens – Such as spinach, chard, and lettuce.
• Above-ground veggies – Such as peppers, zucchini, and cauliflower.
• Full-fat cream & cheese – Such as heavy cream, sour cream, and full-fat hard cheeses.
• Natural meats – Such as beef, lamb, and pork.
• Berries – Such as raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries.
• Avocados
• Unsweetened nut milks – Such as almond milk and coconut milk.
• Almond flour and coconut flour
• Eggs
• Healthy fats – Such as coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil and butter.

Foods To Avoid On Keto

• White flour & sugar
• Rice & grains – Such as barley, wheat, and corn.
• Milk & yogurt – Such as fruit on the bottom yogurt, sweetened Greek yogurt, and all milk.
• Cereal
• Processed food – Such as granola bars, candy
• Most fruit – Such as apples, bananas, and grapes
• Hydrogenated fats – Such as vegetable oil, soybean oil, and margarine
• Sweetened beverages & condiments – Such as soda, ketchup, and sweet dressings
• Starchy veggies – Such as peas, carrots, and beets.
• Potatoes – Such as sweet potatoes and white potatoes.

That’s the short keto diet cheat sheet version of all the keto food categories, but I recommend downloading the full Keto Cheat Sheet System. It includes a super detailed printable keto food list with over 100 items, including 2 color-coded pages with net carb counts, along with 6 more pages of keto cheat sheets:

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Electrolyte Basics

Getting enough electrolytes is crucial for anyone, but especially so on a keto diet. The reason is that ketosis has a diuretic effect, which increases excretion of water and electrolytes, especially sodium [ * ]. This is often the cause of the keto flu.

For more details on electrolytes and avoiding keto flu, check out the full keto flu guide here .

The important thing to know about electrolytes is that replenishing them will keep keto flu away and keep your body functioning well. I always recommend an electrolyte drink and whole food sources of anything your body needs before resorting to supplements, so I made a list of what to eat to get each of the 3 major electrolytes – sodium, magnesium and potassium.

Here’s your keto diet cheat sheet for getting electrolytes from food:

Keto Diet Types

People follow a keto lifestyle for different reasons. Some do it just to lose weight, others are after better overall health, increased energy, and reduced inflammation.

Strictly speaking, the defining factor of a keto diet is the metabolic state of ketosis, which is achieved by restricting carbs. However, many people (myself included) also reduce or eliminate processed, inflammatory, or low-nutrient foods.

Below is your keto cheat sheet summary of the different ways that people follow keto. You choose what works best for your goals and lifestyle!

• Strict Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, count all calories and macros, and eat clean, unprocessed foods.
• Lazy Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, and track only net carbs OR eat keto foods without tracking.
• Dirty Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, with “if it fits your macros” approach including processed foods.
• Low Carb – Up to 50-100g net carbs daily, less strict.

For a more detailed listing of these different types of keto with pros and cons, grab the Easy Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF below!

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ swaps) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System (75 pages, Only $37!)

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

This stuffed cabbage rolls recipe wraps beef, rice, onion and spices in tender cabbage and cooks in rich tomato sauce. The best comfort food!

Scan this QR code with your phone’s camera for the full recipe, including tips, step-by-step photos, and storage, or to save it to your account. You can also find it at: https://www.wholesomeyum.com/stuffed-cabbage-rolls/

Ingredients

• 1 head Cabbage
• 1 1/2 lbs Ground beef
• 1 cup Cooked rice
• 1 cup Yellow onion (diced)
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 large Egg
• 3 tbsp Parsley (divided into 2 tbsp and 1 tbsp)
• 1/2 tbsp Sea salt
• ½ tsp Black pepper
• 2 cups Tomato sauce (divided)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C).
2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the head of cabbage into the boiling water. Boil for 5 minutes , just until the leaves are soft enough to bend. Depending on how large the pot is, rotate half way through, so all parts touch the water. Remove the cabbage from the pot and let cool.
3. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, onion, garlic, egg, 2 tablespoons of parsley, sea salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined. Set aside.
4. Spread 1 cup of sauce to the bottom of the baking dish . Set aside.
5. Once the cabbage has cooled enough to handle, use a knife to cut the leaves from the core of the cabbage. If the inner leaves are still too firm, return them to the pot of water to soften them.
6. Pick out the 12 largest, sturdiest cabbage leaves. Cut the thick rib in a “V” shape from the end of each cabbage leaf.
7. Divide the meat mixture into 12 sections (mine were 85 grams per roll). Form one section into a log shape at one end of a cabbage leaf. Fold in the inner sides, then roll up like a burrito.
8. Place the cabbage roll, seam side down, in the baking dish over the sauce. Repeat to make 12 cabbage rolls.
9. Spoon the remaining 1 cup of sauce over the cabbage rolls.
10. Cover the baking dish and bake for 60-75 minutes , or until the beef is cooked through. Garnish with the remaining 1 tablespoon of parsley.

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 3 stuffed cabbage rolls

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. :)