Easy Mediterranean Cabbage Rolls

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Wholesome cabbage rolls made with health ground meat and oats—flavorful, nutrient-rich, and simple to prepare. A hearty healthy comfort dish!

Cabbage Roll

Here’s the thing about a cabbage roll. The size of the roll depends upon the size of the cabbage leaf you’re stuffing. Personally, I prefer to make smaller cabbage rolls. 

What I look for carefully is that head of cabbage. It’s just not any head of cabbage but a head that has some outer leaves that can be used. Remember, too, that you’re going to have to remove several of the outer leaves just because they’re typically tougher and not as good to use for stuffed cabbage rolls. 

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Cabbage rolls are one of those timeless comfort dishes that feel like home no matter where you are.

This version combines a trio of meats—lamb, beef, and sausage—with the fresh bite of blanched cabbage leaves and a burst of tang from crushed tomatoes and capers. It’s a hearty, nourishing dish with Mediterranean flair and down-to-earth simplicity.

However, if you don’t want to use a trio of meats, you can certainly focus on one, two or other ground meats like turkey and chicken. There’s a caveat to using the turkey or chicken. It’s not as flavorful as lamb, beef and/or sausage. And, it’s tyically not as moist. I do recommend that if you’re using turkey or chicken, you add pork to ramp up the flavor. 

Recipe for Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

While cabbage rolls sound fancy, they’re surprisingly easy to make.

The key is blanching the cabbage leaves just until pliable—this makes them easy to roll without tearing. I take my clean leaves and immerse them in simmer boiling hot water for several minutes, maybe up to 5, and then using tongs, pull them out to drain and cool. 

The meat mixture comes together in minutes: combine the lamb, beef, and sausage with eggs, seasoning, salt, pepper, oats, and a sprinkle of parmesan.

Traditional Cabbage Rolls

Another tip on these cabbage rolls. When serving, please let your folks know that there are toothpicks in the caggage rolls that hold together the leaf. OR, you can remove before serving. 

Really the most ‘difficult’ thing about this recipe is filling the wilted cabbage leaves.

Once the meat filling is ready, spoon a bit onto each leaf, fold the sides over, and roll tightly like a burrito. A toothpick helps secure each roll for cooking.

Nestle the rolls in a baking dish with a layer of chopped cabbage and crushed tomatoes, then bake until bubbling and tender.

Easy Cabbage Rolls

Here are a few cooking tips when making cabbage rolls.

• Choose the right cabbage: Savoy or green cabbage works best—they’re sturdy yet tender.

• Don’t overstuff: Leave space for rolling so the leaves don’t split.

• Layer for flavor: Scatter chopped cabbage and extra sauce over the rolls for added texture.

• Rest before serving: Letting the rolls sit a few minutes after baking helps them hold shape and absorb the sauce.

Easy Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe

Now I do love cabbage and have a LOT of different recipes. 

Some of my hot favorites are these:

Eastern European Chicken Cabbage Soup

Cabbage Roll Soup

Meatless Cabbage Soup

Benefits of Cabbage

These rolls deliver hearty comfort with a balance of lean protein, fiber, and nutrient-dense ingredients—making them a perfect wholesome meal that satisfies and nourishes.

How to Make Cabbage Rolls

Here are a few variations you can consider. 

• Swap oats for cooked quinoa for a gluten-free twist.

• Add minced garlic or chili flakes for a flavor boost.

• Use ground turkey or plant-based sausage for a lighter option.

• Leftovers taste even better the next day—store covered in the fridge up to 3 days.

Nutritional Value of Cabbage

These cabbage rolls check all the boxes—comforting, flavorful, nutritious, and simple enough for weeknight cooking. The blend of meats creates depth, while the oats and vegetables keep it wholesome.

It’s a dish that’s as rewarding to make as it is to eat—old-world comfort with a modern healthy twist.

Here are estimated nutrients per serving:

• Calories: ~360

• Protein: 28g

• Fiber: 4g

• Healthy fats: from lamb and olive-oil-rich sausage

• Nutrient-rich: iron, calcium, B vitamins, and antioxidants from tomatoes and capers