Delicious Cabbage Rolls Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Cabbage rolls, with their tender leaves enveloping a savory filling, are like little bundles of joy that warm the soul. Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly cooked roll, where the tangy aroma of tomatoes mingles with the earthy scent of cabbage, promising a flavor explosion in every bite.

Growing up, these delightful rolls were a staple at family gatherings, evoking memories of laughter and storytelling around the dinner table. They were always a hit, especially when Grandma made them—her secret ingredient was love, or maybe just an extra sprinkle of paprika. Either way, the anticipation for these delicious cabbage rolls made every gathering worthwhile.

I remember one Thanksgiving when I brought these cabbage rolls to impress my extended family. The smiles on their faces as they took the first bite were priceless.

Essential Ingredients

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

• Green Cabbage: Choose a fresh head with tightly packed leaves; it will be easier to roll.

• Ground Beef: Use lean beef for better texture; it holds up well during cooking.

• Rice: Uncooked white rice works best as it absorbs flavors while cooking.

• Onion: A finely chopped onion adds sweetness and depth to your filling.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic enhances the flavor; don’t skimp on this aromatic delight.

• Tomato Sauce: Use your favorite brand for richness; it makes the rolls deliciously saucy.

• Parsley: Fresh parsley adds brightness and color to both filling and sauce.

• Paprika: This spice brings warmth and subtle smokiness to your dish.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all other flavors beautifully.

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 the cabbage and submerge it in boiling water for about 5 minutes until leaves soften slightly.

Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, uncooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

Form the Rolls: Once cabbage leaves are cool enough to handle, take one leaf at a time and place about two tablespoons of filling near the base. Roll tightly from the bottom up while tucking in sides.

Arrange in Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Place each rolled cabbage seam-side down in rows until full.

Add Sauce and Bake: Pour remaining tomato sauce over all cabbage rolls ensuring even coverage. Cover tightly with foil and bake for about 1 hour or until rice is tender.

Serve with Love!: Once baked, let them cool slightly before serving. Garnish with additional parsley for color if desired; enjoy every flavorful bite with family or friends!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve perfectly cooked cabbage rolls, start by blanching the cabbage leaves first, then prepare the filling while they cool down. This way, you save time and ensure everything is ready to roll.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the meat in your cabbage rolls for something like lentils or quinoa for a vegetarian option. You can also experiment with spices to suit your taste, adding a bit of heat or sweetness.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover cabbage rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to preserve texture and flavor.

Cooking cabbage rolls brings back memories of my grandmother’s kitchen, where we’d gather around her table, laughter blending with the smell of tomato sauce simmering on the stove.

FAQ

What type of meat is best for cabbage rolls?

Ground beef or turkey works well, but feel free to use plant-based alternatives.

Can I freeze cooked cabbage rolls?

Yes, freeze them after cooking for up to three months for easy meals later.

How do I know when my cabbage rolls are done?

They should be heated through and tender, usually taking about 30-40 minutes in sauce.

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Cabbage Rolls

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Cabbage rolls are a comforting classic that envelops savory ground beef and rice filling in tender cabbage leaves, all smothered in rich tomato sauce. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, these rolls are customizable to suit your taste. They offer a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

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• 1 large head green cabbage
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1/2 cup uncooked white rice
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Blanch cabbage: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Remove the core from the cabbage and submerge it for about 5 minutes until leaves soften.
2. Prepare filling: In a bowl, mix ground beef, rice, onion, garlic, parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Form rolls: Take one softened cabbage leaf, place about two tablespoons of filling at the base, roll tightly while tucking in sides.
4. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread a layer of tomato sauce in a baking dish and arrange rolls seam-side down. Pour remaining sauce over them and cover with foil. Bake for about 1 hour until rice is tender.

• Author: DANIEL LAWSON
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Eastern European

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cabbage roll (150g)
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 540mg
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 14g
• Cholesterol: 50mg