Name: Cabbage Rolls with Extra Cheese – A Comforting Classic!
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Ingredients: Green Cabbage; Ground Beef; Cooked Rice; Onion; Garlic; Tomato Sauce; Shredded Cheese

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Cabbage Rolls with Extra Cheese is the ultimate comforting meal for busy weeknights! This dish combines tender cabbage, savory ground meat, hearty rice, and gooey melted cheese for a flavor-packed meal that the whole family will love. It’s simple to prepare, making it a go-to recipe when you need something quick, filling, and delicious!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients for Cabbage Rolls with Extra Cheese
How to Make Cabbage Rolls with Extra Cheese
Tips for Making Cabbage Rolls with Extra Cheese
Make-Ahead Instructions
Storing Leftovers
Freezing
Reheating
Serving Suggestions
FAQs
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect for Family Comfort Food. These cabbage rolls are filled with a delicious combination of seasoned meat and rice, wrapped in tender cabbage, and topped with melted cheese, making them irresistible and satisfying!
Easy to Prepare. Prepping cabbage rolls is easier than you think! Once you blanch the cabbage leaves, it’s just a simple matter of rolling them up with the filling, making it a stress-free dish ideal for family meals.
Make it Your Own. You can easily customize the filling with your favorite ingredients, herbs, or spices, ensuring each batch is unique and flavorful!

Ingredients for Cabbage Rolls with Extra Cheese

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Green Cabbage: Provides a tender wrapping for the filling. Look for a head that feels heavy for its size for the best flavor.
Ground Beef: Creates a flavorful base for the filling. You can also use ground turkey, chicken, or pork as alternatives.
Cooked Rice: Adds bulk to the filling, helping to stretch the recipe while giving it a hearty texture. White or brown rice works great.
Onion: Adds a savory depth to the filling. Always chop finely for even distribution of flavor.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic elevates the flavor profile of the dish.
Tomato Sauce: Used for the baking sauce, adds moisture and flavor. You can substitute with diced tomatoes or marinara as desired.
Shredded Cheese: The star topping! Cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend will work nicely for melty goodness.

How to Make Cabbage Rolls with Extra Cheese

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking dish by greasing it lightly.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully add the whole head of cabbage and boil for about 5 minutes, or until the outer leaves are tender and pliable. Remove the cabbage and let it cool slightly, then peel off the leaves.
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Take a cabbage leaf and place about 2-3 tablespoons of the filling at the base of the leaf. Roll it up tightly, tucking in the sides as you go to secure it. Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.
Arrange the rolls seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Top with tomato sauce and sprinkle with shredded cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Let the rolls sit for 5 minutes before serving to solidify slightly. Enjoy your cheesy cabbage rolls!

Tips for Making Cabbage Rolls with Extra Cheese

Choose the Right Cabbage: Fresh green cabbage works best as it has sturdy leaves that hold up well during cooking. Avoid using red cabbage as it may break apart more easily.
Parboil Cabbage Leaves: Ensure you boil the leaves just enough to make them pliable but not too long as they can become too soft to roll.
Use Leftovers: If you have leftover roasted vegetables or proteins, feel free to chop them finely and add them to your stuffing mixture for a unique twist!

Make-Ahead Instructions

Prepare the cabbage rolls up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
You can also freeze the unbaked rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Freezing Cabbage Rolls with Extra Cheese

For freezing, allow the cabbage rolls to cool completely after baking. Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating Cabbage Rolls with Extra Cheese

To reheat, place the cabbage rolls on a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes.
Alternatively, you can microwave individual rolls for 1-2 minutes until heated through.

Serving Suggestions

FAQs

Can I use frozen cabbage?

Yes, you can use frozen cabbage, but fresh cabbage will give the best texture and flavor. If using frozen, make sure to thaw it completely.

Can I customize the filling?

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, spices, or use different types of meat for the filling!

How long do leftovers last?

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when sealed in an airtight container.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cabbage rolls up to 24 hours ahead by covering them and refrigerating until you’re ready to bake.

How do I know when they’re fully cooked?

The cabbage rolls should be piping hot throughout, and the cheese on top should be melted and bubbly when done baking.