Stuffed Cabbage Rolls: Easy Recipe

Stuffed cabbage rolls are a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for a family meal. They combine delicious filling wrapped in tender cabbage leaves, all topped with a savory sauce. This recipe is not only easy to make but also allows for many variations, making it a great choice for everyone. You may also find Apple And Brie Stuffed Chicken Easy useful.

Why Make This Recipe

• They are full of flavor and nutrition, making them a satisfying meal.
• This dish allows you to use common ingredients, which makes it budget-friendly.
• Stuffed cabbage rolls are great for meal prep, as they store well and taste even better the next day.

How to Make Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Making stuffed cabbage rolls involves preparing the filling, cooking the cabbage, and then rolling the filling inside the leaves. Finally, they are cooked in a rich tomato sauce until everything is tender and flavorful. This recipe is straightforward and can be made in under an hour. You may also find Beef Stuffed Shells Easy Comfort useful.

Ingredients

For the Cabbage Rolls, you will need:

• 1 large head of green cabbage (about 12–15 leaves)
• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or a mix of beef & pork)
• 1 cup cooked white rice (about ½ cup uncooked)
• 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 large egg (lightly beaten)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped (or 1 tsp dried))
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Sauce, you will need:

• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 can (28 oz / 800 g) crushed tomatoes (or tomato puree)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp sugar (to balance acidity)
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano (or Italian seasoning)
• ½ tsp salt (to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 cup beef or chicken broth

Directions

For the Cabbage Rolls:

1. Bring a pot of water to boil. Carefully remove the leaves from the cabbage head and blanch them in the boiling water for a few minutes until they are tender.
2. In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, beaten egg, parsley, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. Take a cabbage leaf and place a portion of the filling at the base of the leaf. Roll it up tightly and tuck in the sides to seal.

For the Sauce:

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking until soft.
2. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and broth. Allow to simmer for a few minutes.
3. Place the rolled cabbage in the sauce, cover, and let cook for about 30-40 minutes, until the cabbage is tender and the filling is cooked through.

How to Serve Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Serve your stuffed cabbage rolls warm, drizzled with extra sauce. They pair nicely with a simple side salad or crusty bread. For a comforting twist, add a dollop of sour cream on top.

How to Store Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, simply place them in a pot with a splash of water and warm over low heat or microwave them until heated through.

Tips to Make Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

• Use leftover rice for a quicker meal prep.
• If you’re short on time, you can make the rolls with blanched green leaf lettuce instead of cabbage.
• Try adding some grated carrot or mushrooms to the filling for added flavor and nutrition.

Variations

• Make them vegetarian by substituting the meat with lentils or quinoa.
• Add spices like cumin or curry powder to change the flavor profile.
• Use different sauces like a spicy arrabbiata for a kick.

FAQs

• Can I freeze stuffed cabbage rolls? Yes, they freeze well. Just make sure they are properly cooled and stored in airtight containers.
• How do I know when cabbage rolls are cooked? They are done when the cabbage is tender and the filling reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).
• Can I use sauerkraut instead of fresh cabbage? Yes, you can use sauerkraut for a tangy twist, but it will change the texture.

Conclusion

Stuffed cabbage rolls are a delightful dish to make and share. With endless variations and great flavor, they are sure to please anyone at your table. For more traditional recipes, check out the Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe on Allrecipes or explore this unique take on them from the Jewish Food Society.

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Stuffed cabbage rolls are a hearty and comforting dish combining delicious filling wrapped in tender cabbage leaves, topped with savory sauce. They're easy to make and perfect for family meals.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Comfort Food, Eastern European

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Cabbage Rolls

• 1 large head green cabbage (about 12–15 leaves)
• 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef & pork)
• 1 cup cooked white rice (about ½ cup uncooked)
• 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 large egg (lightly beaten)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped or 1 tsp dried)
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Sauce

• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 can (28 oz / 800 g) crushed tomatoes (or tomato puree)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp sugar (to balance acidity)
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano (or Italian seasoning)
• ½ tsp salt (to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 cup beef or chicken broth

Method

 

Preparation of Cabbage Rolls

1. Bring a pot of water to boil. Carefully remove the leaves from the cabbage head and blanch them in the boiling water for a few minutes until they are tender.
2. In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, beaten egg, parsley, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. Take a cabbage leaf and place a portion of the filling at the base of the leaf. Roll it up tightly and tuck in the sides to seal.

Preparation of Sauce

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking until soft.
2. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and broth. Allow to simmer for a few minutes.
3. Place the rolled cabbage in the sauce, cover, and let cook for about 30-40 minutes until the cabbage is tender and the filling is cooked through.

Notes

Serve warm drizzled with extra sauce. Pairs nicely with a salad or crusty bread. For a comforting twist, add a dollop of sour cream on top. Leftover cabbage rolls can be stored for up to four days in the refrigerator.