11 Delicious Ukrainian Cabbage Rolls Recipes

Craving something hearty and comforting? Ukrainian cabbage rolls, or ‘holubtsi’, are the ultimate comfort food, wrapping tender cabbage leaves around flavorful fillings in a way that feels like a warm hug. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or trying them for the first time, our roundup of 11 delicious recipes will inspire your next meal. Dive in and discover your new favorite!

Classic Ukrainian Cabbage Rolls with Pork and Rice

Never underestimate the comfort of a well-made cabbage roll. These Ukrainian classics, stuffed with pork and rice, are a hearty meal that feels like home.

Ingredients

– 1 large head of cabbage – 1 lb ground pork – 1 cup cooked rice – 1 small onion, diced – 2 cloves garlic, minced – a splash of tomato sauce – a couple of tbsp of butter – salt and pepper to season

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. 2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully submerge the whole head of cabbage to soften the leaves, about 3 minutes. Remove and let cool. 3. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent. 4. Mix the ground pork, cooked rice, and sautéed onions and garlic in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper. 5. Peel off the softened cabbage leaves one by one. Place a spoonful of the pork mixture in the center of each leaf, then fold and roll tightly. 6. Arrange the rolls seam-side down in a baking dish. Pour tomato sauce over the top. 7. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes to brown the top. Tip: For extra flavor, add a bay leaf to the baking dish. Tip: If the cabbage leaves tear, overlap smaller leaves to cover the hole. Tip: Let the rolls rest for 5 minutes after baking for easier serving. Unwrap these tender rolls to reveal a juicy, flavorful filling. The cabbage leaves soften into the perfect wrapper, making each bite a comforting delight. Try serving with a dollop of sour cream for a creamy contrast.

Vegetarian Ukrainian Cabbage Rolls with Mushrooms and Buckwheat

Ukrainian cabbage rolls are a hearty, comforting dish that’s surprisingly easy to make vegetarian. Unwrap the flavors of Eastern Europe with these rolls stuffed with mushrooms and buckwheat, a perfect meal for any night of the week.

Ingredients

• 1 large head of cabbage
• a couple of cups of buckwheat
• a splash of olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cups of mushrooms, chopped
• a pinch of salt and pepper
• 1 tbsp of tomato paste
• a cup of vegetable broth

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully submerge the whole cabbage head for about 5 minutes until the leaves soften. Peel off 12 large leaves.
3. Cook the buckwheat according to package instructions, then set aside.
4. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the onion and mushrooms, cooking until soft, about 5 minutes.
5. Mix the cooked buckwheat with the mushroom mixture. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Place a spoonful of the filling onto each cabbage leaf. Fold the sides in and roll up tightly.
7. Arrange the rolls in a baking dish. Mix tomato paste with vegetable broth and pour over the rolls.
8. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes until the tops are slightly crispy.
9. Tip: Use a toothpick to keep the rolls from unraveling during baking.
10. Tip: For extra flavor, sauté the mushrooms until they release all their moisture and start to brown.
11. Tip: Let the rolls sit for 5 minutes after baking to absorb the sauce better.

Best served hot, these cabbage rolls offer a satisfying chew with a rich, earthy flavor from the mushrooms and buckwheat. Try serving them with a dollop of sour cream for an extra creamy touch.

Ukrainian Cabbage Rolls with Beef and Barley

Hungry for something hearty and comforting? These Ukrainian cabbage rolls pack beef and barley into tender cabbage leaves, simmered in a rich tomato sauce.

Ingredients

• 1 large head of cabbage
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup barley
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• A splash of water
• A couple of tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper, just enough to season

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Bring a large pot of water to boil. Carefully submerge the whole cabbage head for about 5 minutes until leaves soften. Peel off leaves gently.
3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium. Sauté onion and garlic until translucent, about 3 minutes.
4. Add ground beef, breaking it apart. Cook until no longer pink, roughly 5 minutes.
5. Stir in barley, tomato sauce, and a splash of water. Simmer for 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Place a spoonful of the beef mixture onto each cabbage leaf. Fold sides in and roll up tightly.
7. Arrange rolls seam-side down in a baking dish. Pour remaining sauce over top.
8. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Then uncover and bake for another 15 minutes.
9. Tip: For extra flavor, brown the cabbage rolls in a pan before baking.
10. Tip: Let them rest for 10 minutes after baking for easier handling.
11. Tip: Substitute barley with rice if preferred, adjusting liquid as needed.

Best served hot, these rolls offer a satisfying chew from the barley and a melt-in-your-mouth tenderness from the cabbage. Try topping with a dollop of sour cream for a creamy contrast.

Slow Cooker Ukrainian Cabbage Rolls in Tomato Sauce

You’ve got to try these slow cooker cabbage rolls—they’re hearty, flavorful, and practically make themselves. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a lazy weekend.

Ingredients

• 1 large head of cabbage
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper, a good pinch of each
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• A splash of water
• A couple of bay leaves

Instructions

1. Boil the whole head of cabbage in a large pot of water for about 10 minutes, until leaves are soft enough to peel off easily. Tip: Save the water for later use.
2. In a bowl, mix ground beef, cooked rice, diced onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Peel off cabbage leaves one by one, then place a small amount of the meat mixture in the center of each leaf. Roll them up, tucking in the sides as you go. Tip: If leaves are too large, cut them in half.
4. Layer the cabbage rolls in the slow cooker, seam side down, to prevent them from unraveling.
5. Pour tomato sauce and a splash of water over the rolls, then add bay leaves on top.
6. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Tip: Don’t peek too often; keeping the lid on ensures even cooking.

Serve these tender cabbage rolls with a dollop of sour cream for a creamy contrast. The tomato sauce becomes rich and slightly sweet, making every bite irresistible.

Ukrainian Cabbage Rolls with Quinoa and Lentils

Just when you thought cabbage rolls couldn’t get any better, here’s a hearty twist with quinoa and lentils. Perfect for a cozy dinner that’s both nutritious and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 large cabbage head
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 cup cooked lentils
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• a splash of olive oil
• a couple of tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• salt and pepper to season

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Bring a large pot of water to boil. Blanch the cabbage head for about 5 minutes until leaves are pliable. Peel off leaves carefully.
3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium. Sauté onion and garlic until soft, about 3 minutes.
4. Mix in quinoa, lentils, and tomato paste. Cook for another 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Place a spoonful of the mixture onto each cabbage leaf. Roll tightly, tucking in the sides.
6. Arrange rolls in a baking dish. Pour vegetable broth over them.
7. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes until tops are slightly crispy.
8. Tip: For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the filling. Tip: If leaves tear, overlap smaller leaves to cover gaps. Tip: Let rolls rest for 5 minutes before serving for easier handling.

These rolls are wonderfully tender with a smoky, savory filling. Try serving them with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh dill for an extra touch.

Spicy Ukrainian Cabbage Rolls with Chorizo and Rice

Oftentimes, the best dishes come from unexpected flavor combinations. This one’s a fiery twist on a classic, packing a punch with every bite.

Ingredients

– 1 large head of cabbage
– 1 cup of uncooked rice
– 1 lb chorizo, casing removed
– 2 cups tomato sauce
– A splash of olive oil
– A couple of garlic cloves, minced
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt to your liking

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Blanch the whole cabbage for about 3 minutes to soften the leaves. Tip: Use tongs to peel off the leaves gently.
3. In a skillet, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chorizo, breaking it apart until browned, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the uncooked rice, minced garlic, and smoked paprika. Cook for another 2 minutes. Tip: This toasts the rice, adding depth to the flavor.
5. Lay out a cabbage leaf, place a spoonful of the chorizo-rice mixture in the center, and fold the sides over, rolling tightly. Repeat with all leaves.
6. Arrange the rolls in a baking dish, cover with tomato sauce, and bake for 45 minutes. Tip: Cover with foil for the first 30 minutes to keep them moist.

Yum, these rolls are a textural dream—tender cabbage with a spicy, hearty filling. Serve them with a dollop of sour cream to cool the heat, or over a bed of mashed potatoes for extra comfort.

Ukrainian Cabbage Rolls with Turkey and Cranberries

Savory meets sweet in this twist on a classic. Ukrainian cabbage rolls get a leaner, festive makeover with ground turkey and tart cranberries.

Ingredients

• 1 large head of cabbage
• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1/2 cup cooked rice
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup chicken broth
• a splash of apple cider vinegar
• salt and pepper to season

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Boil cabbage in a large pot for 5 minutes to soften leaves. Peel off 12 large leaves carefully.
3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium. Sauté onion and garlic until soft, about 3 minutes.
4. Mix turkey, rice, cranberries, sautéed onion, and garlic in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Place 1/4 cup of the mixture on each cabbage leaf. Fold sides in and roll tightly.
6. Arrange rolls seam-side down in a baking dish. Pour chicken broth and a splash of apple cider vinegar over them.
7. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 15 minutes until tops are slightly browned.
8. Tip: Use a toothpick to secure rolls if they unravel. Tip: For extra flavor, brown the rolls in a pan before baking. Tip: Let them rest for 10 minutes after baking for easier handling.

Fluffy rice and juicy turkey pack these rolls, while cranberries add a pop of sweetness. Serve with a dollop of sour cream for a creamy contrast.

Gluten-Free Ukrainian Cabbage Rolls with Millet and Vegetables

Here’s a gluten-free twist on a classic comfort dish that’s packed with flavor and nutrients. Perfect for a cozy dinner that feels like a hug.

Ingredients

• 1 large head of cabbage
• 1 cup millet
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• a splash of olive oil
• a couple of carrots, diced
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• a handful of parsley, chopped
• salt and pepper to season

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully submerge the whole cabbage head for about 5 minutes to soften the leaves. Peel off 12 large leaves and set aside.
3. Rinse the millet under cold water. In a saucepan, combine millet and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer covered for 15 minutes until the broth is absorbed.
4. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add carrots, onion, and garlic. Sauté until soft, about 5 minutes.
5. Mix the cooked millet and sautéed vegetables in a bowl. Stir in parsley, salt, and pepper.
6. Place a portion of the millet mixture onto each cabbage leaf. Fold the sides and roll tightly.
7. Arrange the rolls seam-side down in a baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
8. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes to lightly brown the tops.

Come for the tender, flavorful rolls that are surprisingly hearty. Serve with a dollop of dairy-free yogurt or a sprinkle of fresh dill for an extra zing.

Ukrainian Cabbage Rolls with Lamb and Mint

Dive into the heart of Ukrainian cuisine with these hearty cabbage rolls, stuffed with savory lamb and fresh mint for a refreshing twist. Perfect for a cozy dinner, they’re a comforting blend of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

– 1 large head of cabbage
– 1 lb ground lamb
– 1/2 cup cooked rice
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
– 1 small onion, finely diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tbsp tomato paste
– A splash of olive oil
– 2 cups chicken broth
– Salt and pepper to season

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage and boil the whole head in a large pot of water for about 5 minutes, until the leaves are pliable. Tip: Use tongs to peel off the leaves gently without tearing.
3. In a skillet, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until soft, about 3 minutes.
4. Mix the ground lamb, cooked rice, mint, sautéed onion, and garlic in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Place a spoonful of the lamb mixture onto each cabbage leaf, fold the sides in, and roll up tightly. Tip: Don’t overfill to prevent bursting during cooking.
6. Arrange the rolls seam-side down in a baking dish. Spread tomato paste over the top and pour chicken broth around them.
7. Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour, until the lamb is cooked through. Tip: Check at 45 minutes to ensure they’re not drying out.
8. Remove from oven and let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Great served with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of extra mint for freshness. The rolls are tender, with a juicy filling and a hint of mint that brightens the rich lamb.

Ukrainian Cabbage Rolls with Fish and Dill

Gather around for a twist on the classic cabbage roll, Ukrainian style, packed with fish and fresh dill for a light yet satisfying bite.

Ingredients

– A head of cabbage, cored- 1 lb white fish fillets, like cod or haddock- A couple of tablespoons of olive oil- A splash of white vinegar- 1 cup cooked rice- A handful of fresh dill, chopped- Salt and pepper to season

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add the cored cabbage, and cook for about 5 minutes until the leaves soften. Tip: Save the boiling water to blanch the leaves if they’re tough.3. Carefully peel off 12 large cabbage leaves and set aside. Chop the remaining cabbage finely.4. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, add the chopped cabbage, and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes.5. Cut the fish into small pieces, mix with cooked rice, sautéed cabbage, dill, salt, and pepper in a bowl.6. Place a portion of the fish mixture on each cabbage leaf, fold the sides in, and roll up tightly.7. Arrange the rolls seam-side down in a baking dish, drizzle with white vinegar, and cover with foil.8. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until slightly golden. Tip: Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving for easier handling.9. Serve hot, garnished with extra dill if you like. Tip: A dollop of sour cream on the side adds a nice tang.Just right out of the oven, these rolls are tender with a hint of tang from the vinegar, and the dill brings a fresh pop. Perfect with a side of mashed potatoes or a crisp salad for a complete meal.

Sweet Ukrainian Cabbage Rolls with Apples and Cinnamon

Here’s a twist on classic cabbage rolls that’ll surprise your taste buds. Sweet, savory, and a hint of spice make this dish unforgettable.

Ingredients

• 1 large head of cabbage
• 1 lb ground pork
• 2 apples, peeled and diced
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• A splash of apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups tomato sauce

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Boil the whole cabbage in a large pot of water for about 5 minutes, then peel off the leaves carefully. Tip: Save the small leaves for lining the baking dish.
3. In a bowl, mix ground pork, apples, rice, onion, garlic, cinnamon, brown sugar, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
4. Place a spoonful of the mixture on each cabbage leaf, roll up, and tuck in the sides. Tip: Don’t overfill to prevent bursting.
5. Line a baking dish with the saved small cabbage leaves, place the rolls seam side down, and pour tomato sauce over. Tip: Cover with foil to keep moist.
6. Bake for 45 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 15 minutes until the sauce is bubbly.

Ready to serve, these rolls are tender with a sweet and tangy sauce. Pair with a dollop of sour cream for extra richness.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a curious beginner, these 11 Delicious Ukrainian Cabbage Rolls Recipes offer something for everyone. Dive into the rich flavors and traditions of Ukraine right from your kitchen. Don’t forget to leave a comment with your favorite recipe and share the love by pinning this article on Pinterest. Happy cooking!