Cabbage Rolls Recipe for Any Occasion

The aroma of simmering tomato sauce wafts through the kitchen as tender cabbage leaves cradle a savory filling. Imagine biting into a warm roll, where every layer bursts with flavor and comfort. Cabbage rolls are not just a meal; they’re a hug on a plate.

I fondly remember my grandma’s kitchen during family gatherings, where her famous cabbage rolls turned an ordinary Sunday into a feast of laughter and love. These delightful bundles of joy always brought everyone together—perfect for cozy evenings or festive occasions.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This recipe offers an easy way to prepare delicious cabbage rolls that please both kids and adults alike
  • You can personalize the filling to suit your taste preferences
  • The vibrant colors make this dish visually appealing on any dinner table
  • Ideal for gatherings or meal prep throughout the week!

Sharing these beauties at potlucks never fails to get rave reviews; who knew rolled cabbage could be so popular!

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

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

  • Green Cabbage: Choose a firm head without brown spots; it should feel heavy for its size.
  • Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for less grease; you can also opt for turkey or chicken.
  • Rice: Uncooked long-grain rice absorbs flavors beautifully while cooking inside the rolls.
  • Onion: A finely chopped onion adds sweetness and depth; sauté it before mixing with the filling.
  • Tomato Sauce: Use your favorite brand or homemade sauce for an extra special touch.
  • Garlic: Fresh minced garlic elevates the flavor profile; it’s like adding a magic touch!
  • Herbs and Spices: Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and parsley to enhance those savory notes.
  • Lemon Juice: A splash of fresh lemon juice brightens up the flavors—don’t skip it!

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 salted water to a boil. Carefully remove the core from your head of cabbage and submerge it in boiling water for about 2-3 minutes until the outer leaves soften. Remove them gently and let them cool on a towel.

Create the Filling: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, uncooked rice, sautéed onions, minced garlic, herbs, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Mix thoroughly using your hands until well combined—this is where you can channel your inner chef!

Assemble Your Rolls: Take one softened cabbage leaf and place about two tablespoons of filling at its base. Roll it up tightly like a burrito while tucking in the sides to keep everything secure—think of it as wrapping up your culinary treasure!

Prepare the Sauce: Pour half of your tomato sauce into the bottom of a large baking dish. As you layer the rolls snugly side by side on top of the sauce, cover them with the remaining sauce—this will keep them juicy while baking.

Bake Until Perfectly Done: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and cover your baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake for about 45 minutes until cooked through and bubbly—it’ll smell heavenly!

Garnish and Serve!: Once out of the oven, let your cabbages rest for about 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired—your guests will think you’re an absolute rock star in the kitchen!

Cabbage rolls are not just delicious; they’re also versatile! Feel free to experiment with different fillings based on what you have in your pantry or fridge.

These savory bundles create memories around any dinner table while being packed with nutrients—who knew comfort food could be so wholesome? Enjoy each bite as you share stories with loved ones!

You Must Know

  • Cabbage rolls are not just hearty; they can be a fun family affair
  • Encourage kids to help roll them up, making it a bonding experience
  • The aroma of bubbling sauce will have everyone eagerly waiting at the dinner table

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by prepping your filling while the cabbage steams. Assemble the rolls after cooking them for perfect timing.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to substitute ground turkey or lentils for the meat, and experiment with spices like smoked paprika or dill.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover cabbage rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • To avoid soggy cabbage, blanch only until tender and not overcooked
  • For extra flavor, cook the filling with onions and garlic beforehand
  • Always taste the filling before rolling it into cabbage leaves for seasoning adjustments

Sharing a laugh when my sister attempted to roll her first cabbage was priceless; we ended up with “cabbage burritos” instead of rolls, but it made great memories.

FAQs

FAQ

What type of cabbage is best for cabbage rolls?

Savoy cabbage works well due to its tender leaves and flexibility for rolling.

Can I prepare cabbage rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble them and refrigerate until you’re ready to cook.

How do I know when my cabbage rolls are done?

Cabbage rolls are done when they are hot throughout and the filling reaches 165°F internally.

Print
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Cabbage Rolls Dish

Delicious Cabbage Rolls


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  • Author: Sophie
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 12 cabbage rolls (6 servings) 1x

Description

Delight in these savory cabbage rolls, a comforting dish filled with flavorful ingredients that bring family together for any occasion.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 head green cabbage
  • 1 lb lean ground beef (or turkey)
  • 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

  1. 1. Prepare the Cabbage Leaves: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Remove the core from the cabbage and submerge it for about 2-3 minutes until the outer leaves soften. Gently remove and cool on a towel.
  2. 2. Create the Filling: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, uncooked rice, sautéed onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, parsley, and lemon juice. Mix thoroughly.
  3. 3. Assemble Your Rolls: Place about two tablespoons of filling at the base of each softened cabbage leaf and roll tightly, tucking in the sides.
  4. 4. Prepare the Sauce: Pour half the tomato sauce into a large baking dish. Layer rolls snugly side by side and cover with remaining sauce.
  5. 5. Bake Until Perfectly Done: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and bake for about 45 minutes until cooked through.
  6. 6. Garnish and Serve: Let rest for about 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

  •  For a vegetarian option, substitute ground beef with lentils or beans.
  • Feel free to experiment with spices like smoked paprika or dill to customize flavors.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Comfort Food

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 cabbage rolls (about 300g)
  • Calories: 315
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 550mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg

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