Savory Stuffed Cabbage Rolls: A Family Favorite Recipe

Stuffed cabbage rolls are like little parcels of joy, bursting with savory flavors and nestled in tender cabbage leaves. Imagine the aroma wafting through your kitchen as they cook, a delightful blend of spices and meat that makes your taste buds dance with anticipation. There’s something heartwarming about a dish that wraps comfort food in a cozy green blanket.

I first encountered stuffed cabbage rolls at my grandmother’s dinner table, where they were the star of many family gatherings. Every bite brought back memories of laughter and love, especially when my cousins tried to outdo each other in the “who can eat the most” challenge. It’s the perfect dish for holidays or cozy nights when you want something hearty and comforting.

Each time I make these, my friends rave about how delicious they are, often asking for seconds (and thirds) before even finishing their first helping!

Essential Ingredients

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

• Green Cabbage: Choose a large head of cabbage with firm leaves; this will help hold all the goodness inside.

• Ground Meat: A mixture of beef and pork gives the best flavor; feel free to use turkey for a lighter option.

• Rice: Uncooked white or brown rice absorbs flavors beautifully while providing texture; adjust quantities based on your preference.

• Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness when sautéed; chop finely for an even distribution in your filling.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves unleash aromatic magic; always use fresh instead of powdered for maximum flavor impact.

• Tomato Sauce: A rich tomato sauce creates a luscious base; opt for crushed tomatoes for added texture.

• Spices: Salt, pepper, paprika, and parsley bring everything together; don’t skip these essential flavor boosters!

• Sour Cream (Optional): For serving, this adds creaminess and tang that balances the savory filling perfectly.

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

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare the Cabbage Leaves: Boil a large pot of salted water. Carefully place whole cabbage heads into boiling water for about 3-5 minutes until leaves soften enough to peel off easily.

Make the Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until they turn translucent and fragrant. Combine cooked rice with sautéed veggies and ground meat in a bowl.

Season it Right: Add salt, pepper, paprika, and chopped parsley to your meat mixture. Mix thoroughly until well combined—get those hands in there!

Assemble Your Rolls: Lay one softened cabbage leaf on a flat surface. Spoon filling onto the leaf’s base, fold up the sides tightly around it like a cozy burrito. Place seam-side down in your baking dish.

Add Tomato Sauce: Pour tomato sauce evenly over your assembled rolls in the baking dish. Cover with foil to keep moisture locked inside while baking.

Bake Away: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake covered for about 45 minutes. Remove foil during the last 10 minutes to let tops brown slightly—yum!

With every step taken toward these delightful stuffed cabbage rolls, just think about how much love goes into creating such an iconic comfort food. The aroma will fill your kitchen as you approach that glorious moment of serving!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by blanching the cabbage leaves to soften them before filling and rolling. Sauté your filling ingredients while preparing the sauce simultaneously for maximum flavor infusion.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out meats or add grains like quinoa for added texture. Experiment with spices like smoked paprika or fresh herbs to personalize your rolls.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover stuffed cabbage rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Sharing my first experience making stuffed cabbage rolls reminds me of a family gathering where everyone devoured them in minutes. The joy on their faces was priceless!

FAQ

What type of meat works best for stuffed cabbage rolls?

Ground beef or turkey are popular choices, but feel free to mix different meats.

Can I make stuffed cabbage rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare them a day before and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

How do I know when they are fully cooked?

Your stuffed cabbage rolls should be tender and reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.

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Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

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Stuffed cabbage rolls are a delightful comfort food that combines savory meat and rice filling wrapped in tender cabbage leaves. This hearty dish is perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in, offering a warm burst of flavor with every bite. Not only are they delicious, but they also allow for creative variations based on your favorite ingredients. Prepare to fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas as you create these delightful parcels of joy!

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 8 stuffed rolls (8 servings) 1x
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Eastern European

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 large head green cabbage
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb ground pork
• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups crushed tomato sauce
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• sour cream for serving (optional)

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Instructions

1. Boil salted water in a large pot. Blanch the whole cabbage head for 3–5 minutes until leaves soften.
2. In a skillet, sauté onion and garlic over medium heat until translucent. Mix cooked rice, sautéed veggies, and meats in a bowl.
3. Season the filling with salt, pepper, paprika, and parsley. Mix thoroughly.
4. Lay a softened cabbage leaf flat, spoon filling at the base, fold sides tightly, and place seam-side down in a baking dish.
5. Pour crushed tomato sauce over the rolls and cover with foil.
6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 45 minutes. Remove foil during the last 10 minutes to brown tops.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 stuffed cabbage roll (150g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 70mg