Classic Cabbage Rolls are the ultimate comfort food! This delightful dish features tender cabbage leaves stuffed with a savory mixture of ground meat, rice, and spices, simmered in a rich tomato sauce. It’s an easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners!
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients for Cabbage Rolls
- How to Make Cabbage Rolls
- Tips for Making Cabbage Rolls
- Make-Ahead Instructions
- Storing Leftovers
- Freezing
- Reheating
- Serving Suggestions
- FAQs
- Try these cabbage rolls-related recipes next!
- Sauerkraut Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
- Vegetarian Cabbage Rolls
- Beef-Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
- Slow Cooked Cabbage Rolls
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and Satisfying. Cabbage rolls are a filling dish that combines comforting ingredients, making them perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
- Simple Ingredients. This recipe uses basic ingredients that are easy to find, allowing for a budget-friendly, delicious meal.
- Freezer-Friendly. Cabbage rolls are great for make-ahead meals and can be frozen for later, ensuring a delicious dish is always on hand!
Ingredients for Cabbage Rolls
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Cabbage Leaves: The outer leaves of the cabbage form the wrap for the filling; make sure they are large and pliable.
- Ground Meat: A mix of pork and beef is traditional, but turkey or chicken work well for a lighter version.
- Cooked Rice: Adds volume and texture to the filling, helping it to hold together while cooking.
- Onions: Sautéed onions enhance flavor, providing sweetness and depth to the mixture.
- Tomato Sauce: Used to simmer the rolls, creating a rich and tangy sauce to soak into each bite.
- Spices (Salt, Pepper, Paprika): To taste, these seasonings are crucial for enhancing the filling’s flavor.
How to Make Cabbage Rolls
- Begin by preparing the cabbage leaves: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Remove the core from the cabbage and carefully place the whole head into the boiling water for about 3-5 minutes until the leaves become tender. Remove from heat and cool.
- In a large bowl, combine ground meat, cooked rice, sautéed onions, and spices. Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined.
- Once the cabbage leaves are cool enough to handle, take one leaf and place about 2-3 tablespoons of the meat mixture at the base of the leaf. Fold in the sides, then roll from the base to the tip, securing the filling inside.
- Continue this process until all the filling is used up, placing each cabbage roll seam side down in a baking dish.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour tomato sauce over the cabbage rolls, adding water if necessary to keep them moist.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 50-60 minutes until the meat is cooked through and the cabbage is tender. Remove foil for the last 10 minutes to brown the tops slightly.
- Once done, allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your cabbage rolls with an extra dollop of tomato sauce on top!
Tips for Making Cabbage Rolls
- Use Fresh Cabbage: Opt for a fresh head of cabbage for the best rolls, as it will have more pliable leaves to work with.
- Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite spices, herbs, or even add some cheese for extra flavor!
- Don’t Skip the Sauce: Allow enough sauce in the baking dish to keep the rolls moist; this will help keep them flavorful throughout baking.
Make-Ahead Instructions
- Prepare the cabbage rolls according to the instructions, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- You can also freeze uncooked cabbage rolls for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw them in the fridge overnight before baking.
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Freezing Cabbage Rolls
- Once cooked and cooled, cabbage rolls can be frozen in their sauce for up to 3 months.
- For best results, store in a freezer-safe airtight container and label them with the date for easy tracking.
Reheating Cabbage Rolls
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
- Alternatively, you can microwave them for 2-3 minutes, depending on your microwave’s strength.
Serving Suggestions
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat for the filling?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with different meats like ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
What can I serve with cabbage rolls?
Cabbage rolls pair wonderfully with garlic bread, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad!
Can I make cabbage rolls ahead of time?
Definitely! They can be prepared and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours or frozen for up to 3 months.
How do I know when the cabbage rolls are done?
The rolls are done when they’re heated through and the meat filling is cooked, usually about 50-60 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored covered in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
