If you’re longing for a timeless, heartwarming meal that feels like a big hug from the inside out, this Old-Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender cabbage leaves cradle a savory blend of ground beef, pork, and seasoned rice, all baked in a rich, tangy tomato sauce that’s bursting with flavor. This beloved classic is not only a comforting feast but also a wonderful way to gather family around the dinner table and share a dish that’s stood the test of time with pure deliciousness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, each playing a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in your stuffed cabbage rolls. Fresh cabbage provides tenderness and slight sweetness, while the mix of beef and pork gives richness. Aromatics and spices bring warmth, and the sauce ties everything together beautifully.
- 1 large head green cabbage: Offers pliable leaves that wrap your filling like a cozy blanket.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides hearty depth and juiciness in the filling.
- 1/2 pound ground pork: Adds a subtle sweetness and extra tenderness.
- 1 cup cooked white rice: Absorbs flavor and gives body to the filling.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Lends a mild sharpness that balances richness.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses aromatic warmth that wakes up the taste buds.
- 1 egg, lightly beaten: Binds the filling ingredients for easy rolling.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors naturally.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds gentle heat and complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Brings subtle smokiness and vibrant color.
- 2 cups tomato sauce: The rich base of the baking sauce that keeps rolls moist.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor for a robust sauce.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Balances acidity with a touch of sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brings bright tang to lift the sauce.
- 1/2 cup water: Lightens the sauce to just the right consistency.
How to Make Old-Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage Leaves
Start by boiling a large pot of water and carefully removing the core of your cabbage. Submerge the entire head into the boiling water for about 5 to 8 minutes, softening the leaves. Using tongs, gently peel away the softened outer leaves. Keep going until you have 12 to 14 whole leaves ready to roll. This step ensures leaves are tender but still sturdy enough to hold the filling.
Step 2: Make the Filling
Combine the ground beef, ground pork, cooked rice, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, lightly beaten egg, salt, pepper, and paprika in a large bowl. Mix everything thoroughly by hand or with a spoon to blend the flavors and bind the filling components together perfectly. This filling is the heart of your cabbage rolls, so make sure it’s evenly combined for the best taste.
Step 3: Roll the Cabbage Leaves
Lay each cabbage leaf flat on a clean surface and place approximately 1/4 cup of the filling in the center. Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling and roll it up tightly, much like making a burrito. Repeat this process with the remaining leaves and filling until you have beautiful, uniform rolls ready to bake.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce and Assemble
In a small bowl, whisk together the tomato sauce, tomato paste, brown sugar, lemon juice, and water. Pour a bit of this flavorful mixture into the bottom of a large baking dish to prevent sticking. Arrange the stuffed cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish, then pour the remaining sauce evenly over the top, ensuring each roll gets coated with that lovely tomato glaze.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and pop it into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Let it bake for about 1 hour and 15 minutes or until the cabbage is tender and the filling is cooked through. When the timer goes off, you’ll have tender, juicy cabbage rolls that are loaded with comforting flavors.
How to Serve Old-Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or dill on top of your Old-Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe adds a fresh, bright note and lovely color contrast. Some like a dollop of sour cream alongside or a squeeze of extra lemon for a zesty finish. These simple touches elevate the dish effortlessly.
Side Dishes
For a classic pairing, serve these cabbage rolls with buttery mashed potatoes or rustic rye bread to soak up every bit of that luscious tomato sauce. A crisp green salad or steamed green beans also make fantastic sides that bring balance and freshness to this hearty meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeding a crowd, arrange the rolls in a rustic casserole dish and invite your guests to serve themselves family-style. For a fancier presentation, place two rolls on each plate, spoon some sauce artistically around, and garnish with herbs for a restaurant-worthy look that still tastes like home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Old-Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe is wonderful for leftovers because flavors deepen overnight. Place cooled rolls and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently so you preserve that tender texture and rich taste.
Freezing
If you want to make these ahead for busy days, freeze uncooked rolls covered tightly in a baking dish. Wrap well with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual for a ready-to-enjoy homemade meal anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the cabbage rolls with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions covered to keep moisture in, but baking keeps that freshly made texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use only one type of meat in this Old-Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe?
Absolutely! While the classic combines ground beef and pork for flavor and texture, you can use just ground beef or ground turkey if you prefer. Just keep in mind that pork adds juiciness and a little sweetness that complements the cabbage beautifully.
Is it necessary to cook the cabbage leaves before rolling?
Yes, boiling the cabbage leaves makes them pliable and easier to roll without tearing. It also softens the cabbage to the perfect tenderness once baked, which is vital for that melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Definitely! This Old-Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your tomato sauce and tomato paste don’t contain any gluten-containing additives. Always check labels if you’re cooking for those with sensitivities.
What can I add to make the filling spicier?
If you love a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling mixture or swap ground pork for spicy sausage. Both options bring a subtle kick that complements the savory and tangy flavors nicely.
Can I prepare the rolls a day in advance?
Yes, preparing the rolls ahead is totally doable. You can roll them and store covered in the fridge overnight. Bake fresh the next day for a convenient and still incredibly tasty meal.
Final Thoughts
This Old-Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe is truly a kitchen classic that brings warmth, flavor, and a sense of home to your table. It’s simple enough for any home cook yet impressive in its comforting depth. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience the joy of sharing this timeless dish with your loved ones!
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Old-Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Eastern European
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Old-Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a comforting Eastern European classic featuring tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory mixture of ground beef, pork, rice, and aromatic spices, then baked in a rich tomato sauce until tender and flavorful. Perfect for a hearty family meal, these gluten-free rolls combine traditional flavors with easy preparation.
Ingredients
For the Cabbage Rolls
- 1 large head green cabbage
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
For the Sauce
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Prepare the Cabbage Leaves: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage and place the whole head into the boiling water. Cook for about 5–8 minutes, then use tongs to peel away the softened outer leaves. Repeat until you have 12–14 whole cabbage leaves ready to use.
- Make the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, lightly beaten egg, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Assemble the Cabbage Rolls: Lay a cabbage leaf flat on your work surface and place about 1/4 cup of the meat and rice filling in the center. Fold in the sides and roll tightly, similar to rolling a burrito. Repeat this process with the remaining cabbage leaves and filling.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the tomato sauce, tomato paste, brown sugar, lemon juice, and water until smooth.
- Arrange and Bake: Pour a small amount of the sauce into the bottom of a large baking dish. Place the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish, arranging them snugly. Pour the remaining sauce evenly over the rolls. Cover the dish tightly with foil.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the covered cabbage rolls for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the rolls are fully cooked through and tender.
Notes
- Cabbage rolls can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated overnight or frozen before baking for convenience.
- To add a spicy kick, include red pepper flakes in the filling or substitute spicy sausage for the ground pork.
