Dinner

Country Cabbage Rolls Straight From A Mennonite Kitchen Recipe

Name: Country Cabbage Rolls Straight From A Mennonite Kitchen Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Mennonite
Ingredients: 12 cabbage leaves; 1 pound ground beef; 1/2 cup cooked rice; 1/2 cup finely chopped onion; 1 egg, beaten; 2 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon pepper; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

ByRafael Mansero January 13, 2026January 13, 2026

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Introduction

Country Cabbage Rolls are a comforting classic from a Mennonite kitchen, combining hearty ground beef with tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a flavorful rice mixture. This simple, homey dish bakes in a sweet and tangy tomato sauce, making it perfect for family dinners.

The dish is a layered casserole served on a white plate with red round patterns along the rim, placed on a white marbled surface. It has three clear layers: the bottom layer is a mix of cooked rice and ground meat with visible small grains of white rice and brown meat chunks; the middle layer is a thick red tomato sauce blending into the meat and rice; the top layer is melted cheese with a golden-brown color, melted evenly, with some slightly crispy and bubbling spots showing a lightly textured surface. The edges of the top layer show a mix of gooey cheese and soft translucent cabbage leaves. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

12 cabbage leaves
1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup cooked rice
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1 egg, beaten
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Blanch the cabbage leaves in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until pliable. Drain and set aside to cool.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, beaten egg, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix well to create the filling.
Step 3: Place a portion of the filling on each cabbage leaf. Roll the leaf around the filling and tuck in the ends to secure. Arrange the rolls seam side down in a baking dish.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together tomato sauce, brown sugar, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour this sauce evenly over the cabbage rolls.
Step 5: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for about 1 hour, until the meat is fully cooked and the cabbage is tender.

Tips & Variations

For an extra tender texture, you can simmer the cabbage rolls in the sauce for 10 minutes on the stove before baking.
Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or pork for a lighter version.
Use cauliflower rice instead of cooked rice for a low-carb alternative.

Storage

Store leftover cabbage rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) covered with foil, or microwave until warmed through.

How to Serve

A white rectangular baking dish filled with multiple cabbage rolls arranged in rows, each roll tightly wrapped with pale green cabbage leaves. The rolls are filled with a crumbly brown meat mixture visible at the sides. The cabbage rolls are topped with a layer of golden-orange melted cheese that has slightly browned, creating a bubbly and crispy texture on top. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cabbage leaves without blanching?

Blanching softens the cabbage leaves and makes them easier to roll without tearing. Using fresh, unblanched leaves may result in difficult rolling and a firmer texture after baking.

Can I freeze the cabbage rolls?

Yes, cabbage rolls freeze well. Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and baking as usual.