Reuben Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Reuben Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are the kind of fusion dish that makes your taste buds sing and your heart feel a little warmer. Combining the classic flavors of a Reuben sandwich savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, nutty Swiss cheese, and creamy Russian dressing with the cozy, wholesome appeal of cabbage rolls, this recipe hits all the right notes.

In my family, cabbage rolls were a staple on chilly Sundays, lovingly assembled by grandma with a steaming pot bubbling in the background. Meanwhile, Reuben sandwiches were our go-to deli order crispy rye, corned beef piled high, and that bold dressing. This recipe marries both traditions, wrapping comfort and nostalgia into every bite of Reuben Stuffed Cabbage Rolls.

Why You’ll Love This Reuben Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

If you’re a fan of comfort food with a twist, Reuben Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a dream come true. This dish:

• Packs all the bold flavors of a Reuben in a tender cabbage wrap
• Is a low-carb option that still feels indulgent
• Perfect for prepping ahead and reheating
• Turns humble ingredients into something special
• Is a fantastic family meal or potluck showstopper

Pure Comfort

The blend of melty Swiss cheese, the slight bite of sauerkraut, and that signature sweet-tangy sauce brings a deeply satisfying richness that defines comfort food. Wrapped in warm, soft cabbage, each bite of these Reuben Stuffed Cabbage Rolls feels like a nostalgic hug.

Ingredients for Reuben Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Serves 4 – Yields ~8 Rolls

• 8 large cabbage leaves (blanched until pliable)
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or use corned beef shredded for traditional Reuben flavor)
• 1 cup finely chopped sauerkraut (drained)
• 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
• ½ cup finely chopped onions
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ tsp caraway seeds (optional)
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil

🍯 For the Sauce:

• 1 cup Russian or Thousand Island dressing
• ½ cup ketchup (for tang & color)

What You Need

All you need are a few mixing bowls, a saucepan, a large baking dish, and a little patience to roll up those cabbage leaves. If you’ve made The Ultimate Barilla Lasagna Recipe, this recipe will feel like second nature.

Time to Cook Reuben Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

⏱ Time Estimate

• Prep: 25 minutes
• Bake: 35 minutes
• Total: ~1 hour

Steps to Make It

1. Prepare the Cabbage

Core a head of cabbage and blanch the whole leaves in boiling water for 2–3 minutes until soft. Drain and pat leaves dry.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, cooking until translucent (about 3–4 minutes). Let cool slightly.

3. Mix the Filling

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef (or shredded corned beef), sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, sautéed onions and garlic, caraway seeds (optional), salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

4. Fill and Roll

Lay out one cabbage leaf, place about ⅓ to ½ cup of filling in the center. Fold in the sides and roll up snugly. Repeat until all filling is used.

5. Assemble in Baking Dish

Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of the dish. Arrange the rolls seam side down. Top with remaining sauce, spreading evenly.

6. Bake

Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350 °F (175 °C) for 25 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle with extra cheese if desired, and bake an additional 10 minutes until golden and bubbly.

7. Finish and Serve

Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh dill or chopped parsley. Serve with extra Russian dressing on the side.

Make It Perfect

The key to perfect Reuben Stuffed Cabbage Rolls is to blanch the cabbage just enough so it’s pliable but not mushy. Let the filling cool slightly before rolling so the cheese doesn’t melt prematurely. And don’t skimp on the sauce—it brings all the flavors together beautifully.

Mix It Up

Looking for variations? Try:

• Swapping beef for ground turkey for a leaner option
• Adding a dash of horseradish to the filling for a spicy kick
• Using provolone instead of Swiss for a milder cheese flavor
• Making it vegetarian with Easy Baked Taco Lasagne style beans and rice filling

Perfect Partners

Serve your Reuben Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with:

• Crusty rye bread or warm dinner rolls
• A light cucumber salad or Swamp Soup for contrast
• Pickles or sauerkraut on the side for extra tang

Busy Day Hero

Make the cabbage leaves and the filling ahead of time, store them separately, and assemble when you’re ready to bake. It’s a real lifesaver on hectic days.

Work Ahead

This dish refrigerates well for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen before baking—just wrap tightly and thaw overnight before popping into the oven.

Save Some For Later

Leftovers? No problem! Store in airtight containers. Reheat in the microwave or oven with a splash of water or extra dressing to keep things moist.

Everyone’s Happy

This dish is naturally gluten-free (just check your dressing), low-carb, and packed with protein. It’s a win for the whole table.

Good For You Too

Cabbage is loaded with vitamins C and K, and when paired with protein-rich meat and fermented sauerkraut, you’re getting gut-friendly benefits too.

Easy Clean Up

This recipe uses just one skillet and one baking dish. Fewer dishes, more deliciousness.

Switch It Up

Try wrapping the filling in Swiss chard or collard greens for a Southern twist. Or, use this same mix for stuffing bell peppers or topping baked potatoes.

Simply Perfect

Nothing over-complicated here just good ingredients, classic technique, and a flavorful twist that elevates the humble cabbage roll into something special.

FAQs for Reuben Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Can I use corned beef instead of ground beef?

Yes! In fact, shredded corned beef is traditional and gives you that signature Reuben flavor.

Can I make these vegetarian?

Absolutely. Swap the meat for a mixture of mushrooms, lentils, and cheese.

Can I use red cabbage?

Green cabbage is best for rolling, but you could experiment with red if it’s blanched thoroughly.

What sauce works best?

Russian dressing is classic, but Thousand Island works just as well for a slightly sweeter note.

How do I reheat leftovers?

Microwave with a bit of extra sauce, or reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10–15 minutes.

Conclusion for Reuben Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Reuben Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are the ultimate comfort meal a nostalgic nod to deli sandwiches and old-world home cooking in one satisfying dish. Whether you’re hosting Sunday dinner, meal-prepping for the week, or craving something uniquely delicious, this recipe delivers. And don’t forget to explore more hearty comfort meals on Rita Flavors for inspiration.

Happy cooking with Rita chef ❤️!

Reuben Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

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• Author: Rita
• Total Time: 60 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings (approx. 8 rolls) 1x

Print Recipe

Description

A comfort-packed twist on a classic deli sandwich, these Reuben Stuffed Cabbage Rolls feature ground beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and a tangy Russian-style sauce baked to perfection.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

8 large cabbage leaves (blanched until pliable)
1 lb (450g) ground beef or shredded corned beef
1 cup finely chopped sauerkraut (drained)
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
½ cup finely chopped onions
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ tsp caraway seeds (optional)
Salt & pepper, to taste
1 tbsp olive oil
1 cup Russian or Thousand Island dressing
½ cup ketchup

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Instructions

Core a head of cabbage and blanch whole leaves in boiling water for 2–3 minutes until soft. Drain and pat dry.
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add onions and garlic and sauté until translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Let cool slightly.
In a large bowl, mix ground beef or shredded corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, sautéed onions and garlic, caraway seeds, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Lay out one cabbage leaf, place ⅓–½ cup of filling in the center, fold in the sides, and roll up snugly. Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.
Spread a thin layer of the sauce (mixed Russian dressing and ketchup) on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange rolls seam side down.
Top the rolls with the remaining sauce, spreading evenly.
Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes.
Remove foil, sprinkle with extra cheese if desired, and bake uncovered for 10 more minutes until bubbly and golden.
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill and serve with extra Russian dressing on the side.

Notes

For authentic flavor, use shredded corned beef instead of ground beef. Red cabbage works if blanched well. The sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Fusion, American, Eastern European

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 rolls
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 940mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 11g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: Reuben cabbage rolls, stuffed cabbage with corned beef, cabbage rolls recipe, comfort food dinner