Savory Cabbage Rolls Recipe: A Cozy Family Favorite

Cabbage rolls are a culinary hug wrapped in leafy greens, filled with savory goodness that warms the heart and soul. Imagine biting into tender cabbage leaves, bursting with seasoned meat and rice, all enveloped in a rich tomato sauce that smells like home.

These delightful bundles of joy take me back to my grandmother’s kitchen, where her laughter mingled with the aroma of bubbling sauce. Cabbage rolls were our family’s go-to dish for celebrations and cozy nights alike, ensuring smiles around the table with every bite.

I still remember the first time I made cabbage rolls for my friends; their delighted faces as they took their first bites were priceless.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Green Cabbage: Look for firm heads without blemishes; it’s crucial for wrapping those tasty fillings.

• Ground Meat: I prefer a mix of beef and pork for added flavor, but turkey works too if you’re feeling lean.

• Rice: Use uncooked white or brown rice; it will absorb all those lovely flavors as it cooks.

• Onion: A finely chopped onion adds sweetness and depth; don’t skimp on this essential ingredient.

• Tomato Sauce: Opt for a good-quality sauce since it forms the base of the cooking liquid—I’m all about flavor!

• Spices: Salt, pepper, paprika, and herbs like dill or parsley add vibrancy to the filling—season generously!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prepare the Cabbage Leaves: Start by bringing a large pot of water to boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage head and submerge it in boiling water for about 5-7 minutes until leaves are pliable.

Create the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ground meat, uncooked rice, chopped onion, salt, pepper, and spices. Mix well with your hands until everything is nicely combined; you want that filling flavorful!

Assemble the Rolls: Take a softened cabbage leaf and place about 2 tablespoons of filling near the stem end. Fold in sides and roll tightly from the stem end to form a neat package—think of it as wrapping a gift!

Prepare the Sauce: In a large baking dish, spread some tomato sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking. Place your cabbage rolls seam-side down in rows on top of the sauce.

Bake to Perfection: Pour remaining tomato sauce over the rolls evenly and cover with foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour or until cooked through and tender—your kitchen will smell divine!

Serve & Enjoy!: Once baked, let them cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired—they add color and freshness! Enjoy these comforting cabbage rolls with crusty bread or on their own; they’re delicious either way!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking the cabbage leaves until tender, then prepare the filling while they cool. Roll the filling tightly in each leaf and place them seam-side down in your baking dish for even cooking.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize your cabbage rolls with different proteins like turkey or lentils for a vegetarian option. You can also experiment with spices like smoked paprika or fresh herbs to enhance flavor.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover cabbage rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 25 minutes.

Reflecting on my first attempt at making cabbage rolls brings back fond memories. My grandma’s kitchen was filled with laughter and delicious smells as we rolled those leaves together, creating treasured family moments.

FAQ

What is the best type of cabbage for cabbage rolls?

Napa cabbage or Savoy cabbage works best due to their tender leaves.

Can I make cabbage rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare them a day in advance and refrigerate before baking.

What sauces go well with cabbage rolls?

Tomato sauce or a creamy mushroom sauce pairs beautifully with cabbage rolls for added flavor.

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Cabbage Rolls

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• Author: Ethan Brooks
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x

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Description

Cabbage rolls are a heartwarming dish, featuring tender cabbage leaves stuffed with a savory filling of seasoned meat and rice, all smothered in rich tomato sauce. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners, these delightful rolls evoke nostalgic memories of home-cooked meals. With straightforward preparation steps and the option to customize the filling, you can create a comforting dish that warms both the body and soul.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 large head green cabbage
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb ground pork (or 2 lbs total of lean ground turkey)
• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 4 cups tomato sauce (divided)
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• 2 tsp paprika
• 2 tbsp fresh dill or parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of water to boil. Remove the core from the cabbage and submerge it in boiling water for about 5-7 minutes until leaves are pliable.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, uncooked rice, chopped onion, salt, pepper, and spices. Mix thoroughly.
3. Take a softened cabbage leaf and place about 2 tablespoons of filling near the stem end. Fold in sides and roll tightly to seal.
4. Spread some tomato sauce on the bottom of a baking dish to prevent sticking. Place cabbage rolls seam-side down in rows over the sauce.
5. Pour remaining tomato sauce over rolls and cover with foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour or until cooked through.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Comfort Food

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cabbage roll (150g)
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: Customize your cabbage rolls by using different proteins such as turkey or lentils for a vegetarian option. Experiment with spices like smoked paprika or fresh herbs for added flavor. Leftover rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.