Cabbage rolls are a classic comfort food that warms both the belly and the heart. Imagine tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory filling of ground meat and fluffy rice—each bite bursting with flavor and nostalgia. This dish captures the spirit of home-cooked meals, reminiscent of family gatherings and cherished recipes passed down through generations. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply enjoy a cozy dinner at home, cabbage rolls are a fantastic choice. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make! As we explore this delightful dish, you’ll find that it’s not just the taste that makes cabbage rolls special; it’s the love and warmth that come with every roll. So, grab your apron and let’s jump into this delicious adventure of making cabbage rolls that everyone will love!
Why This Recipe Works
Cabbage rolls are the ultimate comfort food, combining tender cabbage leaves with a savory filling of ground meat and rice. This recipe captures the essence of traditional Polish cooking, elevating a simple dish into a delightful and filling meal that resonates with warmth and nostalgia. You may find that the unique blend of flavors creates a delightful harmony that keeps you coming back for more.
Why You’ll Love This Cabbage Rolls
These cabbage rolls are not just easy to make, but they’re also customizable, making them perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner at home. The layers of flavor from the meat filling and the rich homemade tomato sauce bring the dish to life, ensuring every bite is satisfying and homey. Whether you’re a cabbage lover or new to the leafy green, these rolls promise to become a favorite on your dinner table.
Ingredients
- 1 head cabbage
- 1 tablespoon oil or butter (for sautéing)
- 1 small onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 ½ cups cooked white rice
- 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Preparing Cabbage
Boiling the Cabbage
To begin, bring a large pot of water to a boil. You’ll want to remove the core from the head of cabbage and place it in the pot. Once it’s in there, reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer. As it cooks, carefully peel away the outer leaves one by one using tongs. If you notice some leaves have thick veins, run a paring knife along them to make them more pliable. Set the detached leaves aside, ready for the filling.
Making the Filling
Sautéing the Aromatics
Now, let’s move on to the filling! In a medium skillet over medium heat, add either oil or butter and sauté one diced onion until it becomes translucent. Then, toss in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, keeping an eye on it to avoid burning. Once it’s fragrant and golden, remove from heat.
Mixing the Meat Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the raw ground beef, ground pork, cooked rice, and the sautéed onions and garlic. Also, add fresh parsley, eggs, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until just combined; remember, over-mixing can make the filling tough. You want it juicy and flavorful.
Preparing the Tomato Sauce
Cooking the Sauce
In a separate medium skillet, heat a bit more oil or butter, and sauté the second diced onion until it becomes translucent. Then, stir in the tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, brown sugar, white wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This bubbling sauce will add so much goodness to your cabbage rolls.
Assembling the Cabbage Rolls
Rolling the Cabbage
It’s time to assemble! Layer a few outer cabbage leaves at the bottom of a large Dutch oven or casserole dish. Take a spoonful of the meat filling and place it in the lower third of a cabbage leaf (near the core end). Roll the leaf like a burrito, folding in the sides as you go. Place each roll seam side down in the pot. The layers of rolls will create a beautifully stacked dish.
Layering the Rolls and Sauce
Next, pour a generous amount of the prepared tomato sauce over the first layer of rolls. Repeat this layering process with any remaining rolls and sauce, making sure to top off with any extra cabbage leaves before adding more tomato sauce. Cover the pot with a lid to lock in all those flavors.
Baking the Cabbage Rolls
Baking Time
Now, place the assembled cabbage rolls in the oven and bake at 350°F for 1 to 1 ½ hours. This slow cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Once finished, allow the rolls to rest for 15-20 minutes before serving hot. This resting phase enhances the flavors and makes them even more delightful.
Serving Suggestions
To truly enjoy your cabbage rolls, consider serving them with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad to complement the rich flavors. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh parsley can elevate the presentation and taste, adding a nice touch at the table.
Tips for Success
- Choose a large head of cabbage for more leaves and flexibility. This ensures you have plenty of wraps.
- Make sure your rice is well-cooked but not mushy; it contributes to the perfect filling texture.
Variations
Feel free to experiment with different proteins—ground turkey or chicken can work just as well. Additionally, adding spices like paprika or cumin can provide an extra flavor punch. Each variation offers a unique twist on the classic dish, perfect for trying something new!
FAQs
Can I make these cabbage rolls ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare and assemble them, then refrigerate before baking. Just remember to adjust the baking time slightly if they’re cold.
Can I freeze leftover cabbage rolls?
Absolutely! They freeze well. Just ensure they’re cool before storing them in an airtight container for a later treat.
What sides pair well with cabbage rolls?
Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple garden salad are great combinations that enhance the meal.
How long do cooked cabbage rolls last in the fridge?
They can be refrigerated for about 3-4 days, making them fantastic for leftovers.
What’s the best way to reheat cabbage rolls?
Gently reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of water to retain moisture.
Rich, savory, and comforting, cabbage rolls are a delightful dish that celebrates home cooking. The combination of flavors in each bite evokes warmth and togetherness, making them perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings. With the flexibility to adapt fillings and sauces, these cabbage rolls can easily fit any palate, ensuring they become a beloved staple in your recipe collection. Embrace the heartiness of cabbage rolls, and enjoy the connections they foster at your dining table!
Print
Cabbage Rolls
Cabbage rolls are a comforting dish made with tender leaves wrapping a delicious filling of ground meat and rice, topped with a savory tomato sauce. Ideal for family dinners or cozy nights in.
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 head cabbage
- 1 tablespoon oil or butter (for sautéing)
- 1 small onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 ½ cups cooked white rice
- 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Bring a pot of water to a boil, remove the core from the cabbage and simmer, peeling off leaves as they soften.
- Sauté diced onion in oil until translucent, then add minced garlic for another minute.
- In a bowl, mix ground beef, ground pork, cooked rice, sautéed onions, parsley, eggs, salt, and pepper.
- Heat oil and sauté a second onion, add tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, brown sugar, vinegar, salt, and pepper, simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Layer cabbage leaves in a casserole dish, fill with meat mixture, and roll them up.
- Pour tomato sauce over rolls, cover, and bake at 350°F for 1 to 1 ½ hours.
- Let rest for 15-20 minutes before serving.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Use a large head of cabbage for more leaves.
Ensure rice is cooked but not mushy for ideal filling texture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Polish
Nutrition
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
