Creole Cabbage Rolls

If you’re on the hunt for a meal that’s hearty, a little spicy, and absolutely soul-satisfying, let me introduce you to Creole Cabbage Rolls.

These aren’t your grandma’s old-school cabbage rolls (no offense, Grandma). These are bursting with bold Creole flavors think smoky paprika, savory ground beef, and a punch of seasoning that’ll make you feel like you’re dining in a cozy Louisiana kitchen. Whether you’re planning a family dinner, trying a new twist on tradition, or looking for a Slow Cooker Creole Cabbage Rolls option to simplify your day, this recipe is about to become your new favorite!

Why You’ll Love These Creole Cabbage Rolls

• Big, Bold Flavors: Smoky, savory, a little spicy every bite hits differently (in the best way).
• Versatile: Easily adapt this recipe to make Vegetarian Creole Cabbage Rolls or Gluten-Free Creole Cabbage Rolls.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prep today, bake tomorrow. They taste even better the next day!
• One-Pot Wonder: For minimal cleanup, you can even turn this into a One-Pan Creole Cabbage Roll Casserole.

What You’ll Need

(For exact measurements, check the Recipe Card right below this article!)

• Cabbage: One medium head will give you plenty of leaves to roll with.
• Ground Beef: Full of flavor and protein.
• Cooked Rice: Adds heartiness and helps bind the filling.
• Onion and Garlic: Because no good Southern dish starts without these two.
• Creole Seasoning, Smoked Paprika, Cayenne: For that signature Louisiana-style kick.
• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce, Worcestershire, Beef Broth: Makes a rich, savory sauce you’ll want to spoon over everything.
• Olive Oil, Salt, and Pepper: Basics that bring it all together.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional but makes it look so fancy with minimal effort.

How to Make Creole Cabbage Rolls Step by Step

Step 1: Prep Your Cabbage Leaves

Bring a big pot of water to a boil. Gently peel the cabbage leaves off the head (be patient—no need to Hulk-smash the cabbage), then blanch them in the boiling water for about 2 minutes until softened. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make That Savory Filling

In a little olive oil, sauté the chopped onion until it’s soft and sweet-smelling. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Then, mix the ground beef, cooked rice, sautéed onion, garlic, Creole seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne (if you like it spicy), salt, and pepper together in a big bowl.

Step 3: Roll ‘Em Up

Scoop about 2–3 tablespoons of filling into each cabbage leaf. Fold the sides over and roll tightly (like a burrito but cuter).

Step 4: Build That Flavorful Sauce

In a bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Stir it up like you mean it.

Step 5: Assemble and Cook

Pour a little sauce into the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down. Cover them with the rest of the sauce. Cover the dish tightly with foil.

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour until everything is bubbly and delicious.

Estimated Nutrition

• Calories: 280 per serving
• Protein: 18g
• Fat: 16g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 620mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Cooking Tips for Perfect Louisiana–Style Cabbage Rolls

• Don’t Overstuff: Less is more when it comes to filling it makes rolling so much easier.
• Use a Sharp Knife: A sharp paring knife makes it easy to remove the thick core from each cabbage leaf.
• Add Extra Sauce: These rolls love to soak up sauce, so don’t be stingy.
• For a Slow Cooker Version: Assemble as above, but cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for about 3–4 hours.

How to Serve Creole Stuffed Cabbage

• Spoon extra sauce over the top right before serving.
• Serve with a side of crusty bread to sop up all that goodness.
• Add a simple green salad for balance if you’re feeling virtuous.

Preparing Ahead and Storing Leftovers

Make Ahead: Assemble the rolls, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Just bake when you’re ready!

Storing Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing: Cabbage rolls freeze beautifully! Just wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating: Thaw if frozen, then bake covered at 350°F until heated through, about 25–30 minutes.

A Little Story from My Kitchen

The first time I made these Easy Creole Cabbage Rolls recipe, I was aiming to impress my Louisiana-born neighbor at a potluck. No pressure, right? Well, after two bites he said, “Girl, this tastes like home!” and went back for thirds. I call that a solid win.

FAQ About Creole Cabbage Rolls

Wrapping It Up

Whether you’re craving a hearty comfort meal or planning a cozy get-together, these Creole Cabbage Rolls will bring a little Louisiana love to your table. This Creole Cabbage Rolls Recipe is easy, versatile, and packed with flavor. From a slow-cooked Sunday dinner to a quick One-Pan Creole Cabbage Roll Casserole, it’s a dish that’s sure to warm your heart and fill your belly spicy, savory, and oh-so-satisfying.

Creole Cabbage Rolls

These Creole Cabbage Rolls are stuffed with ground beef, rice, and Louisiana-style spices, then simmered in a rich tomato sauce. A comforting, flavorful meal the whole family will love!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Creole, Southern

Servings 6 servings

Calories 280 kcal

Equipment

• Large pot
• Large Baking Dish

Ingredients

  

Cabbage Rolls Filling

• 1 medium head of cabbage
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup cooked rice
• 1 small onion finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tsp Creole seasoning
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper optional, for heat

Tomato Sauce Mixture

• 1 can diced tomatoes 15 oz can
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 cup beef broth

For Cooking

• salt and pepper to taste
• olive oil for sautéing
• fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

 

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove whole cabbage leaves and blanch for 2 minutes until softened. Drain and set aside.
• In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté chopped onion until softened. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
• In a large bowl, combine ground beef, cooked rice, sautéed onions and garlic, Creole seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
• Place 2–3 tablespoons of filling onto each cabbage leaf. Fold sides and roll tightly.
• In another bowl, mix diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth.
• Pour a little sauce into a baking dish. Arrange cabbage rolls seam-side down. Pour remaining sauce on top.
• Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour until cooked through and bubbly.
• Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

For a faster version, chop the cabbage and layer everything casserole-style instead of rolling individual leaves!

Keyword Creole Cabbage Rolls, Creole Cabbage Rolls Recipe, Creole Cabbage Rolls with ground beef and rice, Creole Stuffed Cabbage, Easy Creole Cabbage Rolls recipe, Gluten-Free Creole Cabbage Rolls, How to make Creole Cabbage Rolls step by step, Louisiana–Style Cabbage Rolls, One-Pan Creole Cabbage Roll Casserole, Slow Cooker Creole Cabbage Rolls, Vegetarian Creole Cabbage Rolls