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!

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

(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

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

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

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

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.

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