Cabbage Rolls with Extra Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy family dinners! This heartwarming dish features tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a flavorful filling of seasoned meat and rice, all topped with gooey melted cheese for that extra indulgence. It’s a hearty meal that is both satisfying and easy to prepare, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights!
Table of Contents
- 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
- Try these cabbage rolls with extra cheese related recipes next!
- Cheesy Stuffed Bell Peppers
- Stuffed Zucchini Boats
- Creamy Chicken Enchiladas
- Cheesy Spinach Lasagna
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting and Heartwarming: This recipe brings back memories of family gatherings and cozy dinners, making it perfect for any occasion.
- Extra Cheese Delight: The addition of melted cheese on top takes the classic cabbage rolls to a whole new level of deliciousness!
- Meal Prep Friendly: Ideal for meal prep, these rolls can be assembled ahead of time and baked when you’re ready to eat.
Ingredients for Cabbage Rolls with Extra Cheese
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Large Green Cabbage: Provides the leaves for wrapping the filling; ensures a tender and flavorful bite.
- Ground Beef: The primary protein source; can also substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
- Cooked Rice: Acts as a filler; use any type of rice you prefer.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor to the filling.
- Tasty Tomato Sauce: Forms the base of the casserole, enhancing the flavor and moisture.
- Shredded Cheese: Use mozzarella, cheddar, or a cheese blend for the topping, ensuring an ooey-gooey finish.
- Spices: Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to season the filling perfectly.
How to Make Cabbage Rolls with Extra Cheese
- Start by boiling a large pot of water. Carefully remove the cabbage core and place the whole cabbage in boiling water for about 2-3 minutes until the leaves soften.
- Once the leaves are softened, gently peel them off and lay them aside to cool. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, diced onions, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Take one cabbage leaf, place about 2 tablespoons of the filling at the base, and roll tightly, tucking in the sides as you go to secure the filling inside. Repeat until all leaves are filled.
- Spread a layer of tomato sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Place the cabbage rolls seam side down in the dish. Top with remaining tomato sauce and shredded cheese.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving warm. Enjoy your delicious cabbage rolls with extra cheese!
Tips for Making Cabbage Rolls with Extra Cheese
- Don’t Overcook the Cabbage: Boil the cabbage just long enough to soften the leaves, as overcooking can make them mushy.
- Customize Your Fillings: Feel free to add in some cooked vegetables or herbs to the filling for added flavor.
- Use a Good Quality Cheese: Choose a melt-friendly cheese for the best layer of gooeyness on top!
Make-Ahead Instructions
- Assemble the cabbage rolls completely and place them in the baking dish without baking. Cover with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Prepare the sauce in advance and store it separately until you’re ready to bake.
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover cabbage rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Freezing Cabbage Rolls with Extra Cheese
- To freeze, allow the cooked cabbage rolls to cool completely. Place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and store them for up to 3 months.
- When ready to eat, thaw the rolls overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as instructed.
Reheating Cabbage Rolls with Extra Cheese
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Alternatively, microwave individual rolls for about 1-2 minutes, covered, for a quick reheat.
Serving Suggestions
FAQs
Can I make these cabbage rolls vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the ground meat with a mix of beans, lentils, or veggie crumbles and add in your favorite vegetables.
How do I know when the cabbage rolls are done?
The cheese should be melted and bubbling, and the internal temperature of the meat should reach 165°F (74°C).
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, feel free to mix and match your cheeses according to your preference.
What is the best way to store leftover cabbage rolls?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 4 days.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes! Ground turkey, pork, or chicken can also work well in this recipe.
Cabbage Rolls with Extra Cheese: A Comforting Classic
4 servings
Cabbage Rolls with Extra Cheese is the ultimate comforting meal for busy weeknights! Filled with savory ground meat and rice, topped with gooey melted cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
| 1 head Green Cabbage | |
| 450 g Ground Beef | |
| 2 cups Cooked Rice | |
| 1 Onion, finely chopped | |
| 2 cloves Garlic, minced | |
| 400 ml Tomato Sauce | |
| 200 g Shredded Cheese |
Preparation
1 Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) and lightly grease a baking dish.
2 Boil the whole head of cabbage for 5 minutes until leaves are pliable; cool and peel off leaves.
3 Combine ground beef, cooked rice, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
4 Place 2-3 tbsp of filling on each leaf, roll tightly, and tuck in the sides.
5 Place rolls seam-side down in the dish, top with tomato sauce and shredded cheese.
6 Bake for 30-35 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Let rest 5 mins.
Notes
- Fresh green cabbage works best as it has sturdy leaves.
- You can prepare these up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate before baking.
- Parboil just enough to make leaves pliable, but don’t overcook.
Recipe Details
Preparation
15 minutes
Cooking
50 minutes
Category
Dinner
Method
Baking
Kitchen
Vegetarian
Nutrition
Serving Size
2 rolls
Calories
320
Sugar
2g
Sodium
800mg
Fat
20g
Saturated Fat
10g
Trans Fat
0g
Carbohydrates
28g
Fiber
4g
Protein
16g
Cholesterol
65mg
