The Magic of Homemade Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe

Crafting delectable stuffed cabbage rolls brings warmth to any kitchen table.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this comforting dish across Eastern European traditions.

Tender cabbage leaves cradle a savory mixture of ground meat and rice.

Hearty flavors blend seamlessly in each carefully wrapped parcel.

Spices dance through the filling, creating a symphony of taste.

Modest ingredients combine into something truly magical on your plate.

You’ll find this recipe perfect for cozy dinner gatherings that celebrate simple, delicious cooking.

Cabbage Rolls That Are Savory, Hearty, and Full of Homey Flavor

• Embrace Easy Preparation: Whip up these cabbage rolls with minimal kitchen skills, perfect for beginners wanting to impress family and friends.
• Wholesome One-Dish Wonder: Pack protein, grains, and vegetables into a single comforting meal that satisfies hunger and nutritional needs without complicated steps.
• Budget-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Create a delicious dinner using affordable ingredients like ground beef, cabbage, and pantry staples that won't break the bank.
• Versatile Meal Option: Customize the rolls with different meats, add spices, or swap ingredients to match dietary preferences and keep the recipe exciting.

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Pantry Must-Haves

• Cabbage Leaves: Fresh, tender leaves perfect for wrapping the meat mixture.
• Ground Beef: Flavorful and hearty protein base for the stuffing.
• Cooked Rice: Adds texture and helps bind the meat mixture.

• Onion, Garlic: Provide depth of flavor to the meat mixture.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing the overall taste.

• Tomato Sauce, Beef Broth: Creates a rich, moist cooking environment for the cabbage rolls.
• Olive Oil: Used for browning the cabbage rolls before baking.

• Egg: Helps hold the meat mixture together.

Cooking Savory Stuffed Cabbage Rolls for Family Dinner

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Warm up your oven to a cozy 350°F, getting it ready for our delicious cabbage adventure.

Step 2: Soften Cabbage Leaves

Bring a big pot of water to a rolling boil. Gently dip cabbage leaves into the water for 2-3 minutes until they become wonderfully pliable. Carefully drain and set aside.

Step 3: Create Flavorful Filling

• Ground beef
• Cooked rice
• Finely chopped onion
• Minced garlic
• Beaten egg
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix everything together until the ingredients dance harmoniously.

Step 4: Wrap the Cabbage Rolls

Place a generous scoop of the meat mixture in the center of each cabbage leaf. Fold the sides inward and roll tightly, creating little flavor packages.

Step 5: Brown the Rolls

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Lay the cabbage rolls seam-side down and brown them lightly, giving a gorgeous golden exterior.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the rolls to a baking dish. Pour a mixture of tomato sauce and beef broth over the rolls, ensuring they’re nestled in flavor.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45-50 minutes. The rolls should be fully cooked and bursting with deliciousness. Serve piping hot with extra sauce drizzled on top.

Cabbage Roll Tips That Lock In Savory Stuffing

• Choose Fresh Cabbage: Select crisp, unblemished cabbage leaves without tears for easier wrapping and better presentation.
• Prevent Tough Rolls: Blanch cabbage leaves briefly to soften them and make rolling easier without overcooking.
• Balance Meat Mixture: Use lean ground beef and add some breadcrumbs to keep the filling moist and prevent dryness.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Mix tomato sauce with beef broth to create a rich, flavorful liquid that keeps rolls juicy during baking.
• Check Internal Temperature: Ensure ground beef reaches 160°F internally to guarantee safe and thoroughly cooked rolls.

The Right Way to Store and Reheat Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

• Store leftover cabbage rolls in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Separate rolls with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their shape.
• Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Place rolls on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place rolls in a baking dish, add a splash of broth to prevent drying. Cover with foil and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated thoroughly.

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Side Suggestions

• Pair with Hearty Red Wine: Robust cabernet sauvignon or merlot complements the rich, meaty flavors of stuffed cabbage rolls perfectly.
• Serve with Tangy Sauerkraut Side: Traditional German-style sauerkraut adds zesty acidity that cuts through the dense meat and balances the dish's richness.
• Match with Crusty Rye Bread: Warm, dense rye bread helps soak up extra tomato sauce and provides a satisfying textural contrast to soft cabbage rolls.
• Create Creamy Contrast with Sour Cream: Cool, smooth sour cream dolloped on top adds a refreshing tang that brightens the entire plate's flavor profile.

Stuffed Cabbage Roll Savory Takes

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace ground beef with a plant-based protein like lentils, quinoa, or crumbled tofu mixed with mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, perfect for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap rice with cauliflower rice or chopped zucchini, and use lean ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, low-carbohydrate meal.
• Mediterranean Inspiration: Incorporate feta cheese, oregano, and swap tomato sauce with a lighter Greek-style tomato and herb sauce for a Mediterranean-inspired twist.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients for cabbage rolls?

The key ingredients include ground beef, cabbage leaves, cooked rice, onion, garlic, egg, tomato sauce, and beef broth. These components create a hearty and flavorful dish.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, cabbage rolls are excellent for meal prep. You can prepare them in advance, refrigerate, and reheat later. They often taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.

• Can I substitute the ground beef?

Absolutely! You can replace ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based meat alternative. The recipe is flexible and can accommodate different protein preferences.

• How do I prevent my cabbage rolls from falling apart?

To prevent cabbage rolls from unraveling, make sure to blanch the cabbage leaves first, fold the sides in tightly, and place them seam-side down when cooking. This helps maintain their shape during baking.

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe

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4.5 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Polish comfort meets culinary artistry in these hearty Gołąbki cabbage rolls. Tender cabbage leaves embrace a savory blend of ground meat, rice, and aromatic spices, offering you a satisfying journey through traditional Eastern European cuisine.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Cabbage and Wrapper:

• 12 large cabbage leaves

Flavor and Binding Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) cooked rice
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Liquid and Sauce:

• 2 cups (473 milliliters) tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) beef broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

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Instructions

1. Carefully separate whole cabbage leaves, ensuring they remain intact and free from tears.
2. Immerse leaves in rapidly boiling water for 2-3 minutes until they become pliable and slightly translucent.
3. Quickly transfer leaves to cold water to halt cooking process and prevent overcooking.
4. Create a hearty filling by thoroughly blending ground beef, fluffy cooked rice, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, beaten egg, and seasoning.
5. Spread each softened cabbage leaf flat and place a generous portion of meat mixture near the leaf’s base.
6. Gently fold leaf’s sides inward, then roll tightly from bottom to top, creating a neat, compact parcel.
7. Warm olive oil in a skillet and delicately brown stuffed rolls on all sides, developing a rich golden exterior.
8. Transfer browned rolls into a deep baking dish, positioning them seam-side down to prevent unraveling.
9. Generously drench rolls with tangy tomato sauce and savory beef broth, ensuring complete coverage.
10. Shield dish with aluminum foil and roast in preheated oven for approximately 45-50 minutes.
11. Verify internal temperature and doneness by checking that meat is fully cooked through.
12. Remove from oven and let rest briefly before serving with additional warm sauce drizzled on top.

Notes

• Master the leaf technique by carefully separating cabbage leaves without tearing to ensure perfect, intact rolls.
• Switch protein options by replacing ground beef with ground turkey, lamb, or plant-based alternatives for diverse dietary needs.
• Control moisture levels by draining excess liquid from ingredients like rice and beef to prevent soggy cabbage rolls.
• Enhance flavor complexity by adding fresh herbs like dill or parsley to the meat mixture for an extra aromatic dimension.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Eastern European

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg