Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Stuffed cabbage rolls are a delightful dish that warms the heart and soul. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to make a cozy meal that brings the family together. With tender cabbage leaves filled with a savory mixture of meat and rice, stuffed cabbage rolls are sure to become a favorite in your household.

Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe

Stuffed cabbage rolls are a classic comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal. With a perfect blend of textures and flavors from tender cabbage leaves, savory meat, and perfectly cooked rice, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

A Comfort Food Classic

Making stuffed cabbage rolls is not only easy but also a rewarding cooking experience. The joy of preparing these rolls and sharing them with loved ones is simply unmatched. Follow this guide to learn how to create your own delicious stuffed cabbage rolls.

Ingredients

• 1 large head of green cabbage
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb ground Italian sausage
• 1 ½ cups cooked long grain rice (1/2 cup uncooked rice will yield 1 ½ cups cooked rice)
• 1 small yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper (plus more for sauce, optional)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning (plus more for sauce, optional)
• 1 large egg
• 15 oz tomato sauce (1 can, divided)
• 10.75 oz condensed tomato soup (1 can)
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Preparing the Cabbage Leaves

Softening Cabbage Leaves

To make the cabbage leaves more pliable, you can either boil or steam them. A convenient method is to gently remove the leaves from the head of cabbage and place them in a large bowl with about an inch of water. Microwave for 2-3 minutes at a time until the leaves are wilted, then drain the water. This step is crucial because soft leaves will be easier to roll.

Preparing the Filling

Mixing the Filling Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, Italian sausage, cooked rice, diced onion, salt, pepper, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, egg, and ½ cup of tomato sauce. Use gloved hands to thoroughly mix all the ingredients together until well combined. It’s important to mix well so that every bite is full of flavor.

Assembling the Cabbage Rolls

Filling and Rolling the Leaves

In another bowl, whisk together the remaining tomato sauce, tomato soup, and an extra pinch of Italian seasoning and pepper if desired. Place about ½ cup of this sauce mixture at the bottom of a 9×13 casserole dish. This sauce will help keep the rolls moist while they bake.

Take one cabbage leaf and place a large scoop (about ⅓ cup) of the meat and rice mixture in the center. Fold the stem side and top side of the leaf towards each other, then roll up the sides like a burrito to form a neat packet. Repeat until all the filling is used. Make sure to tuck in the sides well, so the filling doesn’t escape during baking.

Baking the Cabbage Rolls

Place each cabbage packet in the prepared casserole dish. Pour the remaining sauce over the top of the rolls, cover the dish with aluminum foil, and bake at 350°F for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. This low and slow cooking will allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Remove the foil, baste with sauce, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes to thicken the sauce.

Garnishing and Serving

Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot, enjoying the comforting flavors of your homemade stuffed cabbage rolls. The vibrant green parsley adds a nice touch of color and freshness to this hearty dish.

Tips For Success

• Ensure that the cabbage leaves are sufficiently softened to avoid tearing. If some leaves do tear, don’t worry—just use them as a base for smaller portions.
• Customize the filling with your favorite herbs or spices for extra flavor. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add some heat if you like things spicy.

Proper Storage

Allow the cabbage rolls to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Variations

Try using different types of meat, such as ground turkey or pork, or substitute quinoa for rice for a healthier option. You can also add vegetables like diced bell peppers or carrots for added nutrition. The possibilities are endless!

Pairing Ideas

Serve stuffed cabbage rolls with crusty bread, a side salad, or creamy mashed potatoes for a complete meal. The soft bread is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce.

FAQs

Q1: Can I make stuffed cabbage rolls ahead of time?
A1: Yes, you can prepare the rolls and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it easier to plan your meals ahead.

Q2: Can I freeze cooked cabbage rolls?
A2: Yes, cooked cabbage rolls can be frozen. Just make sure they are completely cooled before placing them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw and reheat.

Q3: What can I use instead of tomato sauce?
A3: You can substitute tomato sauce with marinara sauce or a homemade tomato puree. This can give your rolls a different flavor profile.

Q4: How do I know when the cabbage rolls are cooked?
A4: Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 145°F. This ensures that your filling is fully cooked.

Conclusion

By following this guide, you can easily create your own delicious stuffed cabbage rolls that are sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy the rich flavors and comforting experience of this beloved dish! Each bite is a taste of home, and you’ll love making this classic recipe time and again. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy a meal that brings everyone to the table. Happy cooking!

More Easy Lunch & Dinner Recipes:

• Greek Meatballs
• One Pot Mac And Cheese
• Stuffed Pasta Shells
• Cozy Homemade Shepherd’s Pie

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Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

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Stuffed cabbage rolls are a comforting meal made of tender cabbage leaves filled with a flavorful mixture of meat and rice, perfect for bringing the family together.

• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 large head of green cabbage
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb ground Italian sausage
• 1 ½ cups cooked long grain rice (1/2 cup uncooked rice will yield 1 ½ cups cooked rice)
• 1 small yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper (plus more for sauce, optional)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning (plus more for sauce, optional)
• 1 large egg
• 15 oz tomato sauce (1 can, divided)
• 10.75 oz condensed tomato soup (1 can)
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

• Soften cabbage leaves by microwaving them in a bowl with water for 2-3 minutes.
• In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, Italian sausage, cooked rice, diced onion, salt, pepper, garlic, Italian seasoning, egg, and ½ cup tomato sauce.
• Prepare sauce mixture with remaining tomato sauce, tomato soup, and seasoning.
• Place ½ cup of sauce mixture in a casserole dish and fill cabbage leaves with meat mixture, rolling them tightly.
• Arrange rolls in dish, pour remaining sauce over, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for 1 hour.
• Remove foil, baste with sauce, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes.
• Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Notes

Ensure cabbage leaves are sufficiently softened to avoid tearing.
Customize the filling with favorite herbs or spices for added flavor.

• Author: Rachael
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Eastern European

Nutrition

• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 4
• Sodium: 600
• Fat: 18
• Saturated Fat: 6
• Unsaturated Fat: 10
• Trans Fat: 0
• Carbohydrates: 25
• Fiber: 3
• Protein: 18
• Cholesterol: 70