Ah, stuffed cabbage rolls! Just the thought of them brings back such warm memories for me. I remember my grandmother in the kitchen, her apron dusted with flour, as she effortlessly rolled those tender cabbage leaves around a savory mixture of meat and rice. The aroma wafting through the house was pure comfort, wrapping us in a cozy embrace that made everything feel right in the world. The unique combination of seasoned ground beef and fluffy rice nestled inside those soft cabbage leaves is simply irresistible! And don’t even get me started on how they soak up that tangy tomato sauce while baking—wow! Stuffed cabbage rolls are not just a dish; they’re a hug on a plate, perfect for gatherings or a quiet dinner at home. Trust me, once you try making these, you’ll find yourself craving them time and again, just like I do!
Ingredients List
- 1 large head of cabbage
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
How to Prepare Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Now, let’s dive into the magic of making stuffed cabbage rolls! This process is straightforward and incredibly rewarding. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready to enjoy.
Prepping the Cabbage
First things first, you’ll need to prep the cabbage leaves. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Carefully peel off the leaves from the head of cabbage—be gentle! You want them intact for rolling. Once the water is boiling, add the leaves and blanch them for about 2-3 minutes. This step is super important because it softens the leaves, making them pliable and easier to roll without tearing. After blanching, transfer the leaves to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Trust me, this makes all the difference!
Making the Filling
While the cabbage is cooling, let’s whip up that savory filling. In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they’re translucent and fragrant—oh, the smell is incredible! In a large bowl, combine the sautéed onion and garlic with 1 pound of ground beef, 1 cup of cooked rice, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of pepper, and 1 teaspoon of paprika. Mix everything together until well combined; I like to use my hands for this, as it helps blend all those flavors beautifully!
Assembling the Cabbage Rolls
Now, the fun part—assembling those rolls! Take a cabbage leaf and place a generous spoonful of filling at the base of the leaf. Roll it up tightly, tucking in the sides as you go. It’s like wrapping a little gift! Once you have all your rolls, grab your baking dish and layer the bottom with some tomato sauce to prevent sticking. Arrange the cabbage rolls seam side down in the dish, and don’t be shy with the tomato sauce on top—cover them well!
Baking the Rolls
It’s time to bake! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) if you haven’t already. Cover the baking dish with foil to keep the moisture in—this helps them cook evenly. Bake for 45 minutes, and then remove the foil and let them bake for an additional 15 minutes. That’s when the magic happens! The rolls will soak up the sauce and get that delicious baked flavor. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and soon enough, you’ll be ready to dig in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a comforting and hearty meal that warms the soul.
- Easy to make with simple ingredients you probably have on hand.
- Great for meal prep; you can make a big batch and enjoy leftovers all week!
- Perfect for freezing, so you can save some for a rainy day.
- Customizable with your favorite herbs and spices for added flavor.
- A fun dish to prepare with family or friends, making it a great bonding experience.
- It’s gluten-free, catering to various dietary needs without sacrificing taste.
Tips for Success
Now that you’re all set to make these delicious stuffed cabbage rolls, here are a few tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time! First, if you’re short on time, feel free to use leftover rice—it’s a real lifesaver and adds great flavor. You can also swap the ground beef for ground turkey or even a mixture of meats for a twist. If you want more flavor in the filling, adding fresh herbs like dill or parsley can elevate the taste. Also, don’t skip the blanching step; it’s crucial for softening the cabbage leaves, making them easier to roll. When baking, make sure to keep the rolls covered with foil for the first part of cooking to lock in moisture. Lastly, if you like a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the tomato sauce for a delightful kick! Trust me, these small tweaks can make a big difference!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to comfort food, it’s always nice to know what you’re putting on your plate! Each stuffed cabbage roll is estimated to be around 250 calories, making it a satisfying yet manageable meal option. You’ll find about 10 grams of fat, with 3 grams of that being saturated fat. The protein content is around 15 grams, perfect for keeping you full and energized. Plus, with about 30 grams of carbohydrates and 3 grams of fiber, these rolls strike a nice balance. Just remember, these values are estimates, and the actual nutrition can vary based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes. So, whip up a batch, and enjoy every savory bite without the worry!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making these delicious stuffed cabbage rolls? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear:
How do I store leftovers?
Leftover stuffed cabbage rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before sealing them up. They also reheat beautifully in the oven or microwave, so you can enjoy that comforting meal again!
Can I use different meats?
Absolutely! While I love using ground beef, you can swap it out for ground turkey, chicken, or even a mix of meats if you’re feeling adventurous. Each option brings its own unique flavor to the rolls!
Can this be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can definitely prep these stuffed cabbage rolls in advance! Just assemble them, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to a day before baking. When you’re ready to eat, just pop them in the oven. They’re perfect for meal prep!
Can I freeze these rolls?
Yes, you can freeze stuffed cabbage rolls! Just make sure to let them cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. They can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, just thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed!
What can I serve with stuffed cabbage rolls?
I love serving these with a dollop of sour cream on top for added creaminess. A side of crusty bread or a light salad pairs beautifully, too. Enjoy the whole comforting experience!
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your meal experience with stuffed cabbage rolls, consider serving them alongside a crisp, refreshing salad. A simple mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the heartiness of the rolls beautifully. You might also want to add a side of warm, crusty bread to soak up that delicious tomato sauce—trust me, you won’t want to leave any behind! For a comforting finish, a dollop of sour cream on top adds a creamy richness. And if you’re feeling a bit adventurous, serve with pickled vegetables for a delightful contrast of flavors. Enjoy every bite!
For more delicious recipes, check out our blog for inspiration!
For a deeper dive into the nutritional benefits of cabbage, you can read more here.
Print
Stuffed Cabbage Rolls: 5 Comforting Family Favorites
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Stuffed cabbage rolls filled with a savory mixture of meat and rice, baked in a tangy tomato sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 large head of cabbage
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and blanch the cabbage leaves for 2-3 minutes until soft.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
- In a bowl, combine ground beef, cooked rice, sautéed onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Place a small amount of filling in each cabbage leaf and roll tightly.
- In a baking dish, layer the bottom with some tomato sauce.
- Arrange cabbage rolls seam side down in the dish and top with remaining tomato sauce.
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
Notes
- Use leftover rice for quicker preparation.
- Add herbs like dill or parsley for extra flavor.
- Serve with sour cream for garnish.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Eastern European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: stuffed cabbage rolls, cabbage rolls, comfort food