If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that’s packed with flavor, these Easy Cabbage Rolls with Bacon are exactly what you need. This dish takes the classic cabbage rolls and elevates them with the savory richness of crispy bacon. The tender cabbage leaves are stuffed with a flavorful filling of seasoned ground meat, rice, and, of course, bacon. These rolls are then simmered in a rich tomato sauce, making each bite a perfect combination of savory, smoky, and tangy flavors.

What makes this dish so special is the addition of bacon, which adds a depth of flavor and a crispy texture that perfectly complements the tender cabbage. Plus, it’s easier to make than traditional cabbage rolls—no need for pre-blanching the cabbage leaves or complicated rolling techniques. With a simple, straightforward approach, you can enjoy all the deliciousness of this classic dish in no time!

I first made these Easy Cabbage Rolls with Bacon on a cozy Sunday afternoon when I was craving something hearty and flavorful. The smoky bacon added an unexpected twist that instantly became a favorite in our house. Now, every time I make them, they disappear fast! This dish is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen, too.

Why These Easy Cabbage Rolls with Bacon Will Be Your New Favorite

• Simple to make: With just a few ingredients and easy steps, these cabbage rolls come together quickly and without hassle.
• Smoky and savory: The crispy bacon adds an extra layer of flavor that makes these cabbage rolls stand out.
• Comforting and hearty: With ground meat, rice, and bacon wrapped in tender cabbage and simmered in a rich tomato sauce, this dish is filling and satisfying.
• Perfect for meal prep: These rolls store well in the fridge or freezer, making them great for meal prepping ahead of time.
• One-pot meal: Everything cooks in one dish, making cleanup a breeze.

What You Need For Easy Cabbage Rolls with Bacon

For the Rolls:

• 1 medium head of cabbage
• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, or pork)
• 1/2 lb bacon, chopped
• 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)

For the Sauce:

• 2 cups tomato sauce
• 1 cup beef broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter version)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Easy Cabbage Rolls with Bacon

1. Prepare the cabbage: Carefully remove the outer leaves of the cabbage, keeping them whole. Trim the thick vein from each leaf and set them aside. You may need about 10-12 large leaves. (Alternatively, you can blanch the cabbage in boiling water for a few minutes to soften the leaves, but it’s not required.)
2. Cook the bacon: In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside on paper towels to drain. Reserve about 2 tbsp of the bacon drippings in the skillet.
3. Cook the filling: Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet with the bacon drippings and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the ground meat and cook, breaking it apart, until browned and fully cooked. Stir in the cooked rice, crispy bacon, oregano, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Form the rolls: Lay out each cabbage leaf on a clean surface. Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the meat and rice mixture in the center of each leaf. Fold in the sides of the leaf and roll it up tightly to form a bundle. Repeat until all the filling is used up.
5. Prepare the sauce: In a large pot, combine the tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar (if using), basil, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
6. Cook the cabbage rolls: Place the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the simmering sauce. Cover the pot and let the rolls cook for 30-40 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the flavors have melded together.
7. Serve and enjoy: Once the cabbage rolls are cooked, remove them from the pot and serve with extra sauce on top. Enjoy!

Tips For Easy Cabbage Rolls with Bacon

• For extra flavor: Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice to the sauce for a bright, tangy finish.
• Make ahead: These cabbage rolls can be assembled the day before and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to cook them.
• Dumpling-style version: If you have extra filling, you can roll them into smaller portions to create mini cabbage rolls or even make meatballs to cook with the sauce.
• Freezing: These rolls freeze well. After cooking, allow them to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat by simmering in the sauce on the stovetop.

Substitutions and Variations

• Vegetarian: Use a combination of lentils, quinoa, or beans in place of the meat for a plant-based filling.
• Different meats: You can swap the ground beef for turkey, chicken, or pork for a leaner version.
• Spicy version: Add a chopped jalapeño or some crushed red pepper flakes to the filling for a little heat.

Make a Healthier Version

• Low-fat: Use lean ground turkey or chicken and reduce the amount of bacon for a healthier option.
• Low-carb: Skip the rice and replace it with cauliflower rice or quinoa for a lower-carb alternative.
• Dairy-Free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free, so there’s no need for substitutions.

Closing For Easy Cabbage Rolls with Bacon

And there you have it! These Easy Cabbage Rolls with Bacon are a comforting, hearty meal that’s perfect for a cozy dinner with the family or a special occasion. The addition of bacon takes this classic dish to the next level, giving it a smoky, savory flavor that makes each bite incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re new to cabbage rolls or a seasoned fan, this easy version is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Don’t forget to let us know how your cabbage rolls turn out, and check out more of our comforting recipes for more delicious meals!

Frequently Asked Questions For Easy Cabbage Rolls with Bacon

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the cabbage rolls ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to a day before cooking. Just simmer them in the sauce when you’re ready to eat.

How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop, adding a bit of extra sauce to keep them moist.

Can I freeze these cabbage rolls?
Yes, these cabbage rolls freeze beautifully! After cooking, let them cool completely, then freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop.

Can I use frozen cabbage?
Yes, you can use frozen cabbage leaves. Thaw them before using, and be sure to drain off any excess water.

How do I make the cabbage rolls easier to roll?
If you find the cabbage leaves too thick to roll, you can blanch the leaves in boiling water for 1-2 minutes to soften them before stuffing.

What can I serve with these cabbage rolls?
These cabbage rolls are great with a side of mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh green salad.

Can I make these without bacon?
Yes, if you prefer a vegetarian or leaner version, you can skip the bacon and use olive oil or more seasoning in the filling.

What’s the best way to store leftover sauce?
You can store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s great as a base for other dishes or to serve with pasta.

Can I add other vegetables to the filling?
Yes! Chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach can be added to the filling for extra flavor and nutrition.

Can I make mini cabbage rolls?
Yes, you can roll the cabbage into smaller portions to create mini cabbage rolls or bite-sized appetizers.

Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook the cabbage rolls in a slow cooker. After assembling the rolls and placing them in the sauce, cook on low for 4-6 hours until the cabbage is tender and the flavors are melded.

How do I know when the cabbage rolls are done?
The cabbage rolls are done when the cabbage is tender and the filling is cooked through. You can insert a thermometer into the center of one to check if it has reached 165°F for safety.

Easy Cabbage Rolls with Bacon

Recipe by CutsfoodCourse: All Recipes, Dinner Recipe, Lunch Recipe, Weight watchers

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• For the Rolls:

• 1 medium head of cabbage

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, or pork)

• 1/2 lb bacon, chopped

• 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)

• For the Sauce:

• 2 cups tomato sauce

• 1 cup beef broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter version)

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional, for a touch of sweetness)

• 1/2 tsp dried basil

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

• Prepare the cabbage: Carefully remove the outer leaves of the cabbage, keeping them whole. Trim the thick vein from each leaf and set them aside. You may need about 10-12 large leaves. (Alternatively, you can blanch the cabbage in boiling water for a few minutes to soften the leaves, but it’s not required.)
• Cook the bacon: In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside on paper towels to drain. Reserve about 2 tbsp of the bacon drippings in the skillet.
• Cook the filling: Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet with the bacon drippings and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the ground meat and cook, breaking it apart, until browned and fully cooked. Stir in the cooked rice, crispy bacon, oregano, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). Remove from heat and set aside.
• Form the rolls: Lay out each cabbage leaf on a clean surface. Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the meat and rice mixture in the center of each leaf. Fold in the sides of the leaf and roll it up tightly to form a bundle. Repeat until all the filling is used up.
• Prepare the sauce: In a large pot, combine the tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar (if using), basil, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
• Cook the cabbage rolls: Place the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the simmering sauce. Cover the pot and let the rolls cook for 30-40 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the flavors have melded together.
• Serve and enjoy: Once the cabbage rolls are cooked, remove them from the pot and serve with extra sauce on top. Enjoy!