Bring Layered Cabbage Rolls to your table with an easy method and crowd-pleasing taste. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and casual gatherings alike.
Layered Cabbage Rolls captures the essence of meals|beef & lamb while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, Layered Cabbage Rolls becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.
INGREDIENTS
1 medium head of cabbage, sliced into 1/2″ strips
2 pounds ground beef
1 small onion, chopped small
⅔ cup uncooked rice
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
24 ounces crushed tomatoes
15 ounces tomato sauce
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
⅓ cup light brown sugar
PREPARATION STEPS
1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C)
Spread the cabbage across the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish (or two smaller pans)
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef along with the chopped onion until browned.
2
Drain any excess grease from the skillet and add the uncooked rice, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet with the meat
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine
Spread the meat mixture evenly over the cabbage in the baking dish.
In a separate bowl, mix together the tomato sauce, white wine vinegar, and brown sugar. Pour this mixture over the meat and cabbage in the baking dish.
4
Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 90 minutes
Remove the foil and let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving
Enjoy this comforting and flavorful meal!
Prep Time: 15 min
Cooking Time: 90 min
Total Time: 1 hr 45 min
Servings: 8
ORIGIN STORY
Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.
META INFOS
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 65 min | Servings: 4 | Calories: ~450 kcal | Difficulty: Medium
BENEFITS
Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.
OCCASIONS
Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep
VARIATIONS
Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.
PAIRING
Green salad; Roasted vegetables; Rice or bread
STORAGE
Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
TIPS
Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.