These Delicious Cabbage Rolls Recipe are a time-honored comfort food, packed with a savory blend of ground meat, rice, and spices, all wrapped in tender cabbage leaves. This recipe delivers the perfect balance of hearty flavors and home-cooked goodness. Whether you’re looking to recreate a family tradition or discover a new favorite, these cabbage rolls are sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.

A Family Favorite: The Story Behind Our Delicious Cabbage Rolls Recipe

Every time I make these Cabbage Rolls, it brings back fond memories of family gatherings around the dinner table. My husband, who was initially skeptical about cabbage, has since become the biggest fan of this dish. The first time I made it, the aroma filled the house, and he couldn’t resist trying it. Now, it’s one of our go-to comfort foods, especially on chilly evenings. This recipe has quickly become a family favorite, and we love sharing it with friends during potlucks and special occasions.

Why You’ll Love Delicious Cabbage Rolls Recipe

Hearty and Satisfying: These rolls are filled with a delicious mix of ground meat, rice, and spices, making them a complete meal in one dish.
Traditional Comfort Food: This recipe offers a taste of classic home-cooked goodness, perfect for cozy family dinners.
Versatile and Adaptable: You can easily customize the filling to suit your taste or dietary preferences.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the rolls in advance, and simply bake when you’re ready to serve.

Ingredients Notes For Delicious Cabbage Rolls Recipe

Cabbage: Use a large head of green cabbage for easy rolling. Blanch the leaves to make them more pliable.
Ground Meat: Traditional recipes often use ground beef or pork, but you can also try ground turkey or a vegetarian substitute.
Rice: Long-grain white rice works well, but feel free to use brown rice or quinoa for a healthier twist.
Tomato Sauce: A rich, tangy tomato sauce ties all the flavors together. You can use store-bought or make your own.
Seasonings: Garlic, onion, paprika, and fresh herbs like dill or parsley add depth and flavor to the filling.

Step-by-Step Recipe for Delicious Cabbage Rolls Recipe

Prepare the Cabbage: Core the cabbage and blanch the leaves in boiling water until soft. Drain and set aside.

Make the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika.

Assemble the Rolls: Place a spoonful of filling on each cabbage leaf, roll tightly, and tuck in the sides to create a neat package.

Prepare the Sauce: In a saucepan, mix tomato sauce with a little water, sugar, and vinegar. Bring to a simmer.

Bake the Rolls: Arrange the cabbage rolls in a baking dish, pour the tomato sauce over them, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1.5 to 2 hours.

Serve: Let the rolls rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with a side of crusty bread or mashed potatoes.

Storage Options

Refrigeration: Store leftover cabbage rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: These rolls freeze beautifully. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.

Variations & Substitutions

Vegetarian Version: Replace the meat with a mix of lentils, mushrooms, and finely chopped vegetables.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free grain like quinoa or buckwheat in place of the rice.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the filling for a bit of heat.
Different Sauces: Try using a mushroom or cream-based sauce instead of tomato for a different flavor profile.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1: Can I make cabbage rolls ahead of time?
A1: Yes! You can prepare the rolls and sauce, then refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Just add a little extra baking time if baking directly from the fridge.

Q2: What should I serve with cabbage rolls?
A2: Cabbage rolls pair well with mashed potatoes, a light green salad, or even a dollop of sour cream.

Q3: How do I keep my cabbage rolls from falling apart?
A3: Make sure to roll the cabbage leaves tightly and tuck in the sides. Using toothpicks can also help secure them during cooking.

Q4: Can I use red cabbage for this recipe?
A4: While green cabbage is traditional, red cabbage can be used for a colorful twist. Just note that it has a slightly different flavor and texture.

Q5: Are cabbage rolls healthy?
A5: Yes, especially when made with lean meat and whole grains. Cabbage is low in calories and packed with vitamins, making this a nutritious meal option.

Delicious Cabbage Rolls Recipe

Ingredients

Cabbage Rolls

1 large head of cabbage
1 pound ground beef
1/2 pound ground pork
1 small onion finely chopped
2 cloves garlic minced
1 cup cooked rice
1 large egg
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice optional

Tomato Sauce

1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
1 15 oz can tomato sauce
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 small onion finely chopped
2 cloves garlic minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 bay leaf
1/2 cup water or beef broth

Instructions

Prepare the Cabbage: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage, then place the cabbage in the boiling water. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the outer leaves begin to soften and separate. Remove the cabbage from the pot and let it cool. Gently peel off the large outer leaves, being careful not to tear them. You will need about 12-14 large leaves. Set them aside.
Make the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, cooked rice, egg, salt, black pepper, paprika, dried thyme, and ground allspice (if using). Mix until all the ingredients are well combined.
Assemble the Cabbage Rolls: Place a cabbage leaf on a flat surface. Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the meat mixture onto the center of the leaf. Fold in the sides of the leaf, then roll it up from the bottom to encase the filling. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
Prepare the Tomato Sauce: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, salt, black pepper, dried basil, dried oregano, bay leaf, and water or beef broth. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
Cook the Cabbage Rolls: Gently place the cabbage rolls seam-side down into the simmering tomato sauce. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the cabbage is tender and the meat is fully cooked.
Serve: Remove the bay leaf and discard. Serve the cabbage rolls hot, spooned with extra tomato sauce from the pot.