Why You’ll Love Kohlrouladen (German Stuffed Cabbage Rolls) Recipe
This recipe delivers cozy, satisfying comfort food that’s perfect for cooler weather or anytime you crave a warm, home‑cooked meal. You’ll love the combination of tender cabbage, savory meat filling, and a rich sauce with bacon that brings out deep flavor with every bite. It’s hearty, rustic, and easier to make than it looks.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the filling:
500 g ground beef
1 small onion, finely diced
1 small white bread roll (soaked and squeezed) or ½ cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp dried marjoram
Salt and black pepper
For the rolls:
1 large white or green cabbage
Butcher’s twine or toothpicks
For the sauce:
100 g bacon lardons or diced streaky bacon
250 ml beef broth
150 ml heavy cream
1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (optional)
Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
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Blanch the cabbage leaves in boiling water for 2–3 minutes until pliable, then drain.
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In a bowl, combine the ground beef, soaked bread or breadcrumbs, egg, diced onion, paprika, marjoram, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
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Lay a cabbage leaf flat and place about 2 heaping tablespoons of filling near its base. Fold in the sides and roll up tightly. Secure with butcher’s twine or toothpicks.
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In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the bacon until lightly crisp, then remove and set aside.
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Brown the cabbage rolls in the bacon fat on all sides over medium heat.
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Return the bacon to the pan, pour in the beef broth, cover, and simmer gently for about 30 minutes.
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Remove the lid, stir in the cream, and simmer another 10 minutes. If you want a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook briefly until thickened.
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Adjust seasoning and garnish with parsley before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 4 servings, yielding approximately 8–10 cabbage rolls.
Total time: Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes
Prep time: 35 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Variations
• Gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free breadcrumbs or cooked rice instead of bread.
• Lighter sauce: Substitute milk for heavy cream and use smoked turkey instead of bacon.
• Spiced version: Add caraway seeds or minced garlic to the filling for extra depth.
• Vegetarian: Replace meat with a mix of cooked lentils, mushrooms, and seasoned quinoa.
Storage/Reheating
Store cooled cabbage rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the oven with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
You can also freeze cooked rolls with sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
What is Kohlrouladen?
Kohlrouladen are traditional German cabbage rolls made by wrapping seasoned ground meat in cabbage leaves and cooking them in a savory sauce.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs or cooked rice for the bread roll.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely. Ground pork, turkey, or plant-based meat alternatives also work well.
Do I have to blanch the cabbage leaves?
Yes, blanching softens the leaves, making them flexible enough to roll without tearing.
How do I keep the rolls from unrolling?
Secure each roll with butcher’s twine or toothpicks before cooking.
Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the rolls a day in advance and store them in the fridge before cooking.
What should I serve with Kohlrouladen?
These rolls pair beautifully with mashed potatoes, spaetzle, boiled new potatoes, or braised red cabbage.
Is the sauce necessary?
While optional, the creamy bacon sauce adds richness and depth of flavor to the dish.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, substitute the meat filling with a blend of lentils, mushrooms, and quinoa or your preferred meatless alternative.
How long do leftovers last?
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3–4 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
Conclusion
Kohlrouladen are a classic German comfort food that’s as delicious as it is satisfying. With their tender cabbage wraps, flavorful meat filling, and creamy, savory sauce, these stuffed cabbage rolls make for a hearty and memorable meal. Whether you’re exploring German cuisine or looking for a comforting dish to share, this recipe is sure to impress.
