Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Stuffed cabbage rolls are a beloved dish found in various cuisines around the world. They are a perfect balance of savory meat, rice, and aromatic spices, all wrapped up in tender cabbage leaves and topped with a flavorful tomato sauce. These hearty rolls are a delicious way to warm up during chilly days, and they’re versatile enough to be enjoyed for dinner or even as a meal for gatherings. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner or serving them at a party, stuffed cabbage rolls are sure to impress with their comforting and robust flavors.

Why This Recipe Works

Stuffed cabbage rolls work beautifully because they blend a few simple ingredients—cabbage, meat, rice, and a tomato-based sauce—into a dish that’s packed with rich, savory flavors. The cabbage provides a tender, slightly sweet wrapper that holds the filling together perfectly. The meat and rice filling is juicy and flavorful, while the tomato sauce adds a layer of tangy depth to the dish. Baking the cabbage rolls in the sauce allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a meal that is comforting, hearty, and satisfying.

This recipe also offers flexibility. You can customize the filling with your choice of ground meat, whether beef, pork, or a combination of both. You can even make it vegetarian by using a rice-based filling with additional vegetables and spices. The use of tomato sauce and seasoning adds depth and balance, making every bite a burst of flavor.

What You’ll Need for This Recipe

Ingredients for Stuffed Cabbage Rolls:

• 1 large head of green cabbage: The cabbage provides the tender, wrap-around leaves that will encase the flavorful filling.
• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or pork (or a combination of both): Ground beef adds a rich flavor, while pork brings tenderness. The combination of both makes for a deliciously balanced filling.
• 1 cup cooked rice: The rice adds bulk and texture to the filling while absorbing all the wonderful juices from the meat and sauce.
• 1 small onion, finely chopped: Onions add a mild sweetness and depth to the filling.
• 1 egg: Helps bind the filling together, ensuring it stays intact while cooking.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic flavor to the filling.
• 1 tsp dried oregano: A common seasoning that adds a Mediterranean herbaceous flavor.
• 1 tsp paprika: Gives a slight smokiness and depth to the filling.
• 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors.
• 1/4 tsp pepper: For a touch of mild heat.

Ingredients for Tomato Sauce:

• 1 (14 oz) can of tomato sauce: Forms the base of the sauce that envelops the cabbage rolls.
• 1 (14 oz) can of diced tomatoes: Adds texture and a fresh, tangy flavor to the sauce.
• 1 tbsp brown sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes with a hint of sweetness.
• 1 tbsp vinegar (optional): Adds a touch of acidity to the sauce, helping to cut through the richness of the meat filling.
• 1 tsp dried thyme: Adds a lovely earthiness to the sauce.
• 1/2 tsp dried basil: Brings a touch of Italian flavor to the sauce.
• Salt and pepper: Season to taste.

How to Make Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage

1. Core the Cabbage: Carefully remove the core from the cabbage by cutting a deep “V” shape around it. This will make it easier to separate the leaves.
2. Boil the Cabbage: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the cabbage head and cook for 2-3 minutes to soften the leaves. Once softened, remove the cabbage and let it cool slightly. Peel off the outer layers one at a time, being careful not to tear them. You’ll need about 12-15 leaves for the rolls.
3. Trim the Ribs: Once the leaves are removed, cut out the thick ribs from the bottom of each leaf to make them more pliable for rolling.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. Cook the Rice: If you haven’t already cooked the rice, cook it according to the package directions. Let it cool.
2. Brown the Meat: In a large skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened (about 3 minutes). Add the ground beef or pork (or both) and cook until browned, breaking up the meat with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
3. Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the cooked meat mixture with the cooked rice, egg, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Cabbage Rolls

1. Fill the Cabbage Leaves: Lay a cabbage leaf flat on a clean surface. Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the meat mixture in the center of the leaf.
2. Roll the Cabbage: Fold in the sides of the cabbage leaf and roll it tightly from the bottom to the top, making sure the filling stays secure inside. Repeat this process for all the cabbage leaves and filling.

Step 4: Prepare the Tomato Sauce

1. Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, brown sugar, vinegar (if using), thyme, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
2. Layer the Cabbage Rolls: Pour a small amount of the tomato sauce into the bottom of a large baking dish. Place the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish. Once all the cabbage rolls are arranged, pour the remaining sauce over the top, ensuring all the rolls are covered with sauce.

Step 5: Bake the Cabbage Rolls

1. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour. The cabbage rolls will cook through and absorb all the delicious flavors from the sauce.
2. Uncover and Bake for an Additional 15 Minutes: After 1 hour, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes to allow the top to caramelize slightly.

Tips + Tricks for Recipe Success

• Avoid Overstuffing: While it can be tempting to stuff the cabbage rolls with as much filling as possible, overstuffing can cause them to tear or fall apart. Stick to about 2-3 tablespoons of filling per roll.
• Ensure Tender Leaves: Be sure to blanch the cabbage leaves properly, as undercooked leaves will be difficult to roll and can be tough to eat.
• Freezer-Friendly: Stuffed cabbage rolls can be made in advance and frozen before baking. Simply assemble the rolls, place them in an airtight container, and freeze for up to 3 months. To cook from frozen, bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 1.5 hours.
• Substitute Meat: If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can use ground turkey or chicken. Alternatively, for a vegetarian version, use a mixture of rice, beans, and vegetables for the filling.

How to Serve Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Stuffed cabbage rolls are a complete meal on their own but can be paired with a few side dishes to make the meal even more satisfying:

• Crispy Bread: Serve the cabbage rolls with a warm, crusty loaf of bread. The bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce from the plate.
• Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted carrots, potatoes, or Brussels sprouts makes for a delicious and healthy accompaniment.
• Fresh Salad: A light, tangy green salad with a lemon vinaigrette will help balance the richness of the cabbage rolls.
• Mashed Potatoes: For a more indulgent side, mashed potatoes work beautifully with cabbage rolls, especially when drenched in the flavorful tomato sauce.

Time

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Servings: 6 servings

Conclusion

Stuffed cabbage rolls are a comforting and filling dish that has stood the test of time. With layers of rich flavors and textures, they’re sure to be a hit with family and friends. The balance of savory meat, tender cabbage, and tangy tomato sauce makes for a meal that’s as satisfying as it is flavorful. Whether you enjoy them as a weeknight dinner or serve them during a holiday gathering, these stuffed cabbage rolls are bound to become a go-to recipe in your meal rotation. Enjoy!