Okay, picture this: I’m a cozy kitchen filled with the aroma of simmering tomatoes, sweet cabbage, and savory ground beef. What’s the memory that floods back every time I make these incredible cabbages? They’re not just food, they’ve become a warm hug. If you’ve ever tried a stuffed pepper and thought, “That’s pretty good,” get ready to have your mind. Cabbage rolls are like the sophisticated, more flavorful cousin that everyone secretly prefers. My grandma Elsie’s recipe has been passed down through generations, and trust me, it’s a keeper. When the weather gets colder, cabbage rolls are my go-to comfort food. What is a satisfying meal for the whole family?
What is Cabbage Roll?
What exactly are cabbage rolls? What are these essentially seasoned ground meat and rice, snugly wrapped in tender cabbage leaves and served with a side of boiled egg. What are some of the best ways to cook a tomato sauce? What is comfort food at its best? The name might sound simple, but the flavor is anything but. The beauty of cabbage rolls lies in the way the sweetness of the cabbage compliments the savory. What is the best combination of tangy sauce and filling? Every culture has its own version – some call them “golabki,” others “holubtsi,” but whatever you do with them, they are the same. What are some of the most delicious things to eat?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
There are a million reasons why this recipe for cabbage rolls is a winner, but let me highlight a few of my personal favorites. First and foremost, the flavor is out of this world. The combination of the sweet cabbage, savory meat filling, and tangy tomato sauce creates a symphony of flavors that’ll have your taste buds singing. But it’s not just the taste; it’s also incredibly easy to make. Seriously! Don’t let the idea of rolling cabbage leaves intimidate you; I promise it’s simpler than it looks. And speaking of easy, this is a fantastic make-ahead meal. I often prep the rolls on a Sunday and bake them off during the week. What I love most about this recipe is that it’s budget-friendly too! Cabbage is cheap as chips, and you can easily adapt the meat filling to suit your budget. Ground turkey works just as well as beef.
Plus, cabbage rolls are incredibly versatile. You can serve them as a main course, a side dish, or even as an appetizer. They’re great for potlucks, family gatherings, or just a cozy night in. If you like stuffed peppers, you’re absolutely going to love these. They’re a similar concept but, in my opinion, even better!
How do you make Cabbage Rolls?
Quick Overview
What is the best way to make cabbage rolls? What are some good ways to cook cabbage, boil it to soften the leaves, and mix together a flavorful sauce? If you want to make a burrito, roll everything up and simmer them in tomato sauce. How do you soften cabbage leaves? This recipe offers a shortcut that simplifies the process without sacrificing any of the ingredients. I used to dread making these, but this method has made it so much more manageable!
Ingredients
For the Cabbage:
1 large head of green cabbage – Look for a firm head with tightly packed leaves. Green cabbage is the classic choice, but savoy cabbage can also be used for a slightly milder choice.
Water – For boiling cabbage.
For the Filling:
1 pound ground beef – I prefer using a blend of ground and ground pork for extra flavor. Can you use all beef if you prefer?
1/2 cup cooked rice – Long grain rice works best. Make sure it’s cooled before mixing it into the filling.
1 small onion, finely chopped – Yellow or white onion will do nicely.
2 cloves garlic, minced – Freshly chopped garlic is always best!
1 teaspoon dried oregano – Adds a lovely earthy note.
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme – Complements oregano beautifully.
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika – For a hint of smokiness.
Salt and pepper to taste – Don’t be shy with the seasoning!
1 large egg, lightly beaten – Helps bind the filling together.
For the Sauce:
1 can crushed tomatoes – The base of our delicious sauce.
1 can tomato sauce – Adds richness and depth of flavor.
1/2 cup beef broth – You can substitute vegetable broth for beef if you prefer.
2 tablespoons brown sugar – Balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar – Adds a touch of tanginess.
Salt and pepper to taste – Adjust according to your preferences.
What are the steps for
Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage
Bring a large pot of water to boil. Do not overheat. While the water is heating, core the cabbage by cutting out the hard center with a sharp knife. When the water is boiling, place the whole head of cabbage in the pot. What is the best way to cook a cabbage for 10 minutes? To soften and become pliable. Use tongs to carefully remove the outer leaves one by one as they soften. Set them aside on a plate to cool slightly.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt and pepper. Serve immediately. smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and beaten eggs. Mix everything together with your hands until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the filling tough.
Step 3: Assemble the Cabbage Rolls
If a cabbage leaf is very large, you can cut it in half. Place a spoonful (about 1/4 cup) of meat filling in the center of the leaf. Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling, and then roll it up tightly from the bottom to the top. What is a burrito Repeat this process with the remaining cabbage leaves and filling.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
In a large bowl, whisk together the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and salt. Set aside. What is cider vinegar, salt and pepper? Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Step 5: Arrange the Cabbage Rolls
How do I make tomato sauce in a Dutch oven? Arrange the cabbage rolls in a single layer on top of the sauce, seam-side down. If you have more cabbage rolls than will fit in one layer, you can stack them on top of each other. How do you pour the remaining tomato sauce over cabbage rolls? If needed, add a little extra beef broth to cover them.
Step 6: Simmer the Cabbage Rolls
Bring the sauce to a boil over medium heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the cabbage rolls simmer for at least 5 minutes. 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until cabbage is very tender and the filling is cooked through. The longer they simmer, the more flavorful they become!
Step 7: Serve
How do you remove cabbage rolls from the pot? Serve them hot, spooning some tomato sauce over the top. What are some good side dishes to serve with mashed potatoes or crusty bread? How do you soak up extra sauce?
What should I serve it with?
Cabbage rolls are a meal in themselves, but they’re even better when paired with the right side. For a classic comfort food combination, serve them with creamy mashed potatoes. The richness of the potatoes complements the tangy tomato sauce perfectly. If you’re looking for something lighter, a simple green salad with vinaigrette dressing would be great. The acidity of the dressing will cut through the richness of cabbage rolls. For a heartier meal, serve them with crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce. I love serving these with a dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt on top for extra creaminess. My family always insists on having buttered egg noodles. What are some good carbs to eat? If you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds oomph and freshness. What do you use to make a cabbage roll? Overpowering them. I’ve also served this with roasted root vegetables which adds a nice sweetness and I like to serve it with bread.
How do I make a good Cabbage Roll?
What are some of the best ways to make cabbage rolls? First, don’t skip the step of coring cabbage and boiling it. This is essential for softening the leaves and making them pliable enough to roll. If the leaves are too tough, they’ll crack and tear. If you’re short on time, you can microwave cabbage instead of boiling it. What are some ways to wrap a lettuce leaf in plastic wrap and microwave it for about 5 minutes until it is softened. How do you make sure your filling is well seasoned? Is it safe to add salt, pepper, or other spices to your recipe? The filling is the heart of the cabbage roll, so you want it to be flavorful. When rolling the cabbage leaves, make sure to tuck in the sides tightly to prevent the filling from sticking. How do you secure rolls with toothpicks? If your tomato sauce is too acidic, add a pinch of sugar to balance it out. Don’t rush the simmering process. The longer cabbage rolls simmer, the more tender and flavorful they’ll be. I always simmer them for at least 1 1/2 hours, but sometimes even longer. I made a mistake in making pre-cooked rice. It ended up making the filling mushy. Now I always make sure the rice is cooked but still has a bit of bite.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Cabbage rolls are great for meal prepping because they store really well. If you have any leftovers, simply transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. Is it safe to store your food in the refrigerator for 3-4 days? What are the best ways to enjoy a good meal the next day? To reheat, you can either microwave them for a few minutes until heated through, or you could re-heat them at room temperature. In a pot on the stove over low heat, put them in the pot. If reheating on the stove, add a little extra broth or water to prevent them from drying out. Can you freeze cabbage rolls for longer storage? To freeze, wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Can you freeze them for up to 3 months? When ready to eat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat as directed above. If you’re planning on freezing them, I recommend adding the glaze *after* reheating to keep it nice and thick. How do you keep cabbage rolls in sauce? I’ve even been known to make a double batch just to freeze half for weeknights!
What are the most frequently asked questions on
Final Thoughts
These cabbage rolls are more than just a recipe; they’re a tradition, a memory, and a whole lot of love rolled into one delicious bite. They are truly worth the effort and I know it looks intimidating but trust me, anyone can make this recipe. If you’re looking for a comforting and satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy, this is it. And if you’re a fan of stuffed peppers or other similar dishes, I guarantee you’ll fall in love with these cabbage rolls. I really can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Don’t hesitate to leave a comment below with your own variations or tips. And if you loved this recipe, be sure to check out some of my other family favorites. Happy cooking!
cabbage rolls
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 head cabbage Large, green cabbage
- 1.5 lb ground beef 80/20 blend
- 0.5 cup long-grain rice Uncooked
- 1 medium onion Diced
- 2 cloves garlic Minced
- 1 can crushed tomatoes 28 oz can
- 1 can tomato sauce 15 oz can
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Core the cabbage and place it in a large pot of boiling water. Cook until the leaves are pliable enough to peel off easily, about 10-15 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, rice, diced onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Spoon a portion of the meat mixture onto each cabbage leaf. Roll up the leaf, tucking in the sides as you go.
- Place the cabbage rolls in a baking dish. Pour the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce over the rolls. Sprinkle with brown sugar and dried thyme.
- Cover the baking dish and bake for 1 hour. Remove the cover and bake for another 30 minutes, or until the cabbage rolls are tender and the sauce is bubbly.
