Name: Easy Cabbage Rolls with Savory Tomato Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup cooked white rice; 1 pound ground turkey; 1 pound Italian sausage; 1 egg; 1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs; 1 cup red onion, diced; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 head green cabbage, frozen; 14 oz. crushed tomatoes; 8 oz. tomato sauce; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 cup chicken stock; Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced; Olive oil, for sautéing (estimated 2 tablespoons)

There’s something genuinely comforting about a dish like Easy Cabbage Rolls with Savory Tomato Sauce Recipe. The tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a flavorful, hearty filling, all baked in rich tomato sauce — it’s a delightful meal that feels like a warm hug after a busy day.

The image shows two stuffed cabbage rolls placed on a white plate with thin grey stripes. The cabbage rolls are covered with a thick layer of rich, red tomato sauce. The cabbage leaves are pale green with a smooth texture, peeking from under the sauce. The tomato sauce has a slightly chunky texture and a bright red color, spread evenly over the rolls and slightly pooling on the plate. The plate rests on a white marbled surface, adding a clean and simple background to the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Cabbage Rolls with Savory Tomato Sauce Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Easy Cabbage Rolls with Savory Tomato Sauce Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Easy Cabbage Rolls with Savory Tomato Sauce Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve been making this recipe for years now, and it never disappoints. What makes it special is the perfect balance of savory meat wrapped in cabbage with that amazing tomato sauce simmered with just a hint of warming spices. It’s one of those recipes you don’t forget once you’ve tried it — plus, it’s easier than you think!

Simple prep with a frozen cabbage trick: Freezing the cabbage first makes peeling the leaves a breeze – no boiling or steaming needed!
Flavor-packed tomato sauce: A mix of cumin, cinnamon, and sugar in the sauce adds a cozy depth that pairs perfectly with the savory filling.
Hearty, meaty filling: Combining ground turkey and Italian sausage balances lean and rich flavors for a juicy interior.
Perfect for batch cooking: This makes great leftovers and even freezes beautifully, so you’ll thank yourself later.

The image shows a close-up of stuffed cabbage rolls on a white plate with a light brown pattern, placed on a white marbled surface. The dish has several layers: the outer layer is pale yellow cooked cabbage leaves that are soft and slightly translucent, wrapping a filling. The filling inside is a mix of finely ground meat with small visible bits of onion, giving it a rough texture in light brown and beige colors. The rolls are covered partially with a thick red-orange tomato sauce that has a slightly chunky texture. There are more cabbage rolls visible in the background inside a clear glass baking dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe combines simple, accessible ingredients that come together in a way that’s both classic and a little unexpected. Each one plays a role — from the foundation of cabbage leaves to the fragrant spices in the tomato sauce.

Flat lay of a whole head of fresh green cabbage with a few loose leaves, a small white ceramic bowl of cooked white rice, raw ground turkey shaped loosely into a mound, raw Italian sausage links without casings, one whole uncracked brown egg, a small white bowl of Italian bread crumbs, a small pile of diced red onion, four whole garlic cloves with papery skins, a small white bowl filled with crushed red tomatoes, a small white bowl of smooth tomato sauce, a sprinkle of sugar crystals on white ceramic plate, small piles of ground cumin and ground cinnamon on white ceramic spoons replaced by small white bowls, a small white bowl of clear chicken stock, a small bunch of fresh flat-leaf parsley with stems attached, and small piles of kosher salt and freshly cracked black peppercorns on white ceramic plates, all arranged with perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Green cabbage: Freezing the cabbage makes the leaves easier to separate without losing any flavor or texture.
Cooked white rice: Adds bulk and moisture to the meat filling, helping to keep it tender and balanced.
Ground turkey: A lean protein base that keeps the rolls from feeling too heavy.
Italian sausage: Infuses the filling with savory flavor and moisture.
Egg: Acts as a binder so the filling stays together well inside the cabbage leaves.
Italian bread crumbs: Adds texture and lightness to the filling.
Red onion & garlic: Sautéed to bring out their sweetness and depth in both the filling and sauce.
Crushed tomatoes & tomato sauce: The rich base of the savory tomato sauce, providing moisture and tang.
Sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes and brings warmth.
Ground cumin & cinnamon: Adds a fragrant, slightly exotic twist that elevates the dish.
Chicken stock: Adds body and subtle savory notes to the sauce.
Fresh parsley: Finishing touch for freshness and color.
Kosher salt & freshly cracked black pepper: Essential for seasoning layers of flavor throughout.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love how adaptable this recipe is — you can make it your own in so many ways. Depending on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences, consider swapping ingredients or adding extras for a personal twist.

Variation: I’ve tried using ground beef instead of turkey, and it still turns out fantastic, with a richer flavor. You can also go all turkey for a lighter option.
Dietary tweaks: For gluten-free, swap the Italian bread crumbs for gluten-free crumbs or crushed nuts.
Seasonal additions: Feel free to add chopped mushrooms or bell peppers into the filling for an earthy or sweet touch.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Cabbage Rolls with Savory Tomato Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Freeze and Prep Your Cabbage

Start by placing your whole head of green cabbage in the freezer for a full 24 hours. This freezing method makes it so much easier to separate the leaves cleanly without boiling. When you’re ready, pull the cabbage out and let it thaw for about 2 hours. You’ll notice the leaves start to peel away naturally. It might be a bit slow at first since the core thaws last, but peeling a few leaves at a time works perfectly.

Step 2: Make Your Savory Tomato Sauce

Heat some olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat and sauté the diced red onion and minced garlic until they're soft and fragrant—about 6 to 8 minutes. Then add your crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, sugar, cumin, cinnamon, and chicken stock. Bring the whole mix to a gentle simmer and season with salt and pepper. Once the sauce looks thickened and yummy, take it off the heat and let it cool while you prep the filling.

Step 3: Prepare the Meat Filling

Grab a large bowl and combine the cooked white rice with ground turkey, Italian sausage, egg, and bread crumbs. Mix everything really well until you have a cohesive filling—you want the meat nicely distributed with the rice and bread crumbs to hold it all together.

Step 4: Assemble Your Cabbage Rolls

Lay a cabbage leaf flat on your countertop. Using a medium-sized ice cream scoop (trust me, it makes portioning so easy!), place some filling into the wider end of the leaf. Fold the sides in, then roll it up gently but firmly enough so the filling stays wrapped. Repeat this until you’ve used all your filling.

Step 5: Bake and Enjoy

Preheat your oven to 350ºF and pour half of that fragrant tomato sauce into a 9x13 casserole dish. Arrange the cabbage rolls in a single layer over the sauce, then pour the rest of the sauce on top. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and tender. The kitchen will smell incredible, and I promise patience here pays off!

Top Tip

After hundreds of cabbage rolls over the years, I’ve picked up a few little tricks that make the process smoother and the result tastier. These helped me avoid common pitfalls and get consistent, delicious results every time.

Freeze the cabbage: This simple step saves so much hassle by loosening the leaves naturally. Don’t skip it!
Even filling portions: Using a small ice cream scoop helps keep your rolls all about the same size for even cooking.
Simmer the sauce: Letting the tomato sauce simmer lets the spices bloom beautifully, lifting the whole dish.
Don’t overfill the leaves: Less is more here — overstuffing can cause holes or tears, so fold carefully and gently.

How to Serve Easy Cabbage Rolls with Savory Tomato Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing these cabbage rolls with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Sometimes I add a dollop of sour cream for creaminess that balances the tang of the tomato sauce — it’s like an extra cozy touch.

Side Dishes

Pairing this meal with buttery mashed potatoes or crusty bread soaks up the rich tomato sauce perfectly. A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette adds a crisp, refreshing contrast to the hearty cabbage rolls as well.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to arrange the cabbage rolls in a circular pattern and garnish with extra parsley and sliced olives. Another fun idea is serving each roll on a small plate with a swirl of sauce artfully drizzled around for an elegant touch that impresses guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cabbage rolls? Absolutely! I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, adding a splash of water or broth to cover helps keep them from drying out.

Freezing

This recipe freezes like a dream. I recommend freezing the rolls individually on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag — that way, you can just take out as many as you need without thawing the whole batch.

Reheating

Reheat cabbage rolls covered in the oven at 350ºF until warmed through — about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave them in short bursts with a cover to keep moisture locked in, but I prefer the oven for the best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh cabbage instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh cabbage. You’d usually blanch the leaves in boiling water to soften them enough for rolling. But the freezing method I use is a great shortcut because it eliminates boiling and keeps the leaves from becoming too soggy.

What can I substitute for Italian sausage?

If you prefer, you can substitute Italian sausage with ground pork or add just extra ground turkey with some Italian seasoning to mimic the flavor. Using sausage adds fat and spices that boost taste, so consider adding a pinch of fennel or paprika if skipping it.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the meat for cooked lentils, mushrooms, or a plant-based ground meat alternative. Adjust the seasonings to make sure the filling stays flavorful, and keep the same tomato sauce for that signature taste.

How do I prevent cabbage rolls from falling apart while baking?

The key is not to overfill the cabbage leaves and to tuck in the sides snugly before rolling. Using an egg and bread crumbs in the filling also helps bind everything together. Finally, bake gently at the recommended temperature to ensure the rolls stay intact and cook evenly.

Final Thoughts

Easy Cabbage Rolls with Savory Tomato Sauce Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen repertoire — it’s a dish that’s comforting, nostalgic, and surprisingly straightforward. Once you try this method, you’ll see there’s no need to shy away from cabbage rolls anymore. They’re a wonderful way to bring family and friends together around a meal that’s hearty, flavorful, and made with love. I can’t wait for you to taste it — I’m sure you’ll want to make it again and again.