Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Cozy Mushroom Stuffed Cabbage Rolls (Hearty & Healthy Dinner Idea!)


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Helena
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These cozy Mushroom Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a comforting, plant-based twist on a classic comfort food. Filled with earthy mushrooms, lentils, and brown rice, they’re simmered in a rich tomato sauce until tender and full of flavor. Perfect for make-ahead dinners, meal prep, or a cozy weekend meal that feels both hearty and wholesome.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Filling

1 medium head of green cabbage (choose firm, bright leaves)

1 cup cooked brown rice (short-grain preferred for texture)

1 cup cooked lentils (green or brown; tender but not mushy)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small yellow onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

10 ounces cremini mushrooms, chopped

½ cup dried porcini mushrooms, rehydrated and chopped

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon thyme (fresh or dried)

½ teaspoon sea salt

Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

For the Tomato Sauce

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes (fire-roasted for extra depth)

1 teaspoon sugar

1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Garnishes

Fresh parsley or dill

Drizzle of olive oil or vegan sour cream


Instructions

  • Prepare the cabbage leaves:
    Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Core the cabbage and carefully lower it into the pot. Simmer for 5–6 minutes until outer leaves begin to soften. Peel off 10–12 large leaves as they loosen, placing them on a towel to cool. Trim the thick rib at the base of each leaf so they fold easily.

  • Make the filling:
    In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion for 4 minutes until translucent, then add garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in cremini mushrooms and cook until golden, about 7–8 minutes. Add porcini mushrooms, lentils, brown rice, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well and cook for another minute or two. Taste and adjust seasoning.

  • Prepare the tomato sauce:
    In a saucepan, warm olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook briefly, then stir in crushed tomatoes, sugar, herbs, salt, and pepper. Simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes, until slightly thickened and flavorful.

  • Assemble the rolls:
    Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread 1 cup of tomato sauce over the bottom of a large baking dish. Place a cabbage leaf flat on your surface, add ⅓ cup of filling, and roll tightly, folding in sides like a burrito. Place seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with remaining leaves and filling. Pour remaining sauce evenly over top and cover tightly with foil.

  • Bake:
    Bake for 40–45 minutes until the rolls are tender and the sauce is bubbling. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

 

  • Serve:
    Spoon extra sauce over the top, garnish with fresh herbs, and enjoy warm.

Notes

To make ahead: Assemble rolls and refrigerate (unbaked) up to 24 hours in advance. Bake when ready to serve.

To freeze: Cool baked rolls completely, store in an airtight container with sauce, and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

For a creamy twist: Add a spoonful of cashew cream or vegan yogurt before serving.

Flavor boost: A dash of soy sauce or miso paste adds rich umami depth.

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: European

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 rolls
  • Calories: 295
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 540mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 43g
  • Fiber: 7g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg