Classic Old-Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe
Let’s talk comfort food. The kind that wraps you in a warm hug and reminds of Sunday dinners at Grandma’s. How do you make a Stuffed Cabbage Roll? What is the sweet and savory thing going on with cabbage? Oh, the filling is pure magic. If you love lasagna, but want something different, a little less heavy, then get ready to eat it. How do I meet my new best friend?
What is stuffed cabbage roll?
What is cabbage? Instead of chopping it up and tossing it in a slaw, you’re using the whole leaves to create little little strands. Pockets of deliciousness. We’re talking about a mixture of ground meat (usually beef and/or pork), rice, onions, and spices. All nestled inside tender cabbage leaves and simmered in a tomato-based sauce. I know it’s a labor of love, but every bite is worth it. What is the name of a person depending on where you are from? Some call them “Golabki,” others simply “Cabbage Rolls.” No matter the name, the concept is the same: savory, satisfying comfort in every single roll.
Why you will love this recipe?
Let me tell you, there are a *million* reasons to adore this recipe, but I’ll try to keep it to the highlights. First and foremost, the flavor is absolutely incredible. The sweetness from the tomatoes perfectly complements the savory meat and rice filling. The cabbage itself soaks up all those flavors, becoming incredibly tender and almost buttery. What I love most about this Classic Old-Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe is how surprisingly easy it is to make. It does require a bit of hands-on time, but nothing is complicated, and the results are so rewarding. It’s also pretty cost-effective. Cabbage is generally inexpensive, and you can easily use ground beef to keep the cost down. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! You can tweak the filling to your liking, adding different herbs, spices, or even vegetables. If you’re a fan of my Hungarian Goulash recipe, you’ll find a lot to love here too – similar comforting flavors, just in a different form. My family asks for this all the time!
How do you make a classic old-fashioned stuffed cabbage roll?
Quick Overview
How do you prepare cabbage leaves for a flavorful meat and rice dish? If you want to make a tasty tomato sauce, stuff the leaves, roll them up tight, and simmer them in the sauce. Don’t let that sound complicated, though! Is it easier than it sounds? This method, in particular, ensures that the cabbage leaves are perfectly tender and the filling is perfectly cooked. Is it cooked to perfection?
Ingredients Notes:
For the Cabbage Rolls:
Large Head of Cabbage: Green cabbage works best, but Savoy cabbage is a good alternative. Make sure it’s firm and not bruised.
I like to use 80/20 ground beef for flavor, but you can use leaner if you prefer.
What are some good ground pork fillings? If you don’t have pork, you can substitute with ground beef.
Cooked Rice: Long grain rice is my go-to, but you can use any kind you like. Just make sure it’s cooked!
Onion: Finely chopped, adds a savory flavor base.
Egg: Helps bind the filling together.
Tomato Sauce: Forms the base of simmering sauce.
Tomato Paste: Adds a concentrated tomato flavor.
Brown Sugar: Just a touch, balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
What is the flavor of paprika?
Garlic Powder: For that essential garlicky flavor.
Salt and pepper: To taste!
For the Sauce:
Canned Crushed Tomatoes: Add a rich tomato flavor. Look for good quality canned tomatoes.
Beef Broth: Adds depth of flavor to the sauce.
Lemon Juice: A splash of acidity brightens the sauce. I always add this, it makes a difference.
Bay Leaf: Adds a subtle, aromatic flavor. Don’t forget to remove it before serving!
What are the steps to
Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. What is the best way to cook cabbage? Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the outer leaves start to soften and easily peel away. Remove the softened leaves with tongs and set aside to cool slightly. Repeat until you have enough leaves for your rolls. Don’t throw away the remaining cabbage – you can chop it up and add it to the sauce later!
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, cooked rice, chopped onion, egg, paprika, salt and pepper. Serve immediately. Garlic powder, salt, pepper. Mix well with your hands until everything is evenly distributed. I always do this when making meatballs, it’s the best way to get everything combined!
Step 3: Assemble the Rolls
Lay a cabbage leaf flat on the work surface. Place a spoonful of meat mixture in the center of the leaf. Fold in the sides of the leaf, then roll it up tightly from the bottom to the top. How do I make a burr Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, brown sugar, beef broth, and salt. Set aside. Lemon juice, and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Stir occasionally.
Step 5: Simmer the Rolls
Carefully place the cabbage rolls in the simmering sauce, seam-side down. Is it necessary to layer them if they don’t fit in a single layer? Cover the pot and simmer for at least 1 hour, or until the cabbage is very tender and the filling is firm. What is a cooked I usually let them simmer for closer to 2 hours for maximum flavor.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Remove the bay leaf before serving. Serve the cabbage rolls hot, with plenty of sauce spooned over them. What are some good ways to serve plain yogurt with sour cream?
What should I serve it with?
What are some of the best old-fashioned stuffed cabbage roll recipes? Is this a good side dish? I would not serve these rolls for breakfast.
For Brunch:A light salad with a vinaigrette dressing is nice contrast to the richness of the rolls. A crusty bread for soaking up the sauce is also a must!
As Dessert:What would be a perfect end to your day? I’ve tried serving them with different side dishes over the years, but these are the ones that stand out the most. I always get rave reviews on my blog. What are some of the best fall nights?
How do I make good Cabbage Rolls?
How do I make a perfect cabbage roll?Cabbage Prep:Don’t overcook cabbage leaves! You want them to be pliable enough to roll, but not so soft that they fall apart. I always do this when making salad for the week, so I know the cabbage very well.
Mixing Advice:When mixing filling, be gentle. Overmixing can make it tough. I’ve made this mistake before, and it definitely affects the texture.
Ingredient Swaps:Feel free to experiment with different types of meat in the filling. Is it safe to use ground turkey or chicken? What is the best way to check the temperature of a room?
Baking Tips:If you don’t want to cook cabbage rolls on the stovetop, you can bake them in a preheated oven. At 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour. Then eat the rest I find that simmering them gives them the best flavor.
Glaze Variations: I really recommend adding the lemon, the acidity makes the dish better.
These tips have helped me perfect my cabbage rolls over the years, and I hope they help you too!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Got leftovers? Lucky you! These Classic Old-Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe actually taste even better the next day. Here’s how to store and reheat them:
Room Temperature: Don’t leave them out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Always refrigerate or freeze them promptly.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the cabbage rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They’ll stay fresh and delicious.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, freeze the cabbage rolls in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
To reheat, simply microwave the cabbage rolls until heated through, or warm them up in a pot on the stovetop with a little extra sauce. They’re just as good reheated as they are fresh!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This Classic Old-Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe is more than just a meal, it’s a warm hug in a bowl. It’s a reminder of simpler times, of family gatherings, and of the love that goes into home-cooked food. I truly believe this recipe is worth the effort, and I hope you’ll give it a try. The incredible flavor, the comforting texture, and the family-friendly nature of this dish make it a winner in my book. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other comfort food favorites, like my Shepherd’s Pie or Chicken Pot Pie. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Don’t forget to leave a comment and rating below, and share your own variations of this recipe. I always love to see what you come up with!
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Classic Old-Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 large head of cabbage cored
- 1.5 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the cabbage head and cook for a few minutes until the leaves are tender.
- Remove cabbage from pot and carefully peel away whole leaves.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, rice, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and beaten egg.
- Place a small amount of meat filling on each cabbage leaf and roll up, tucking in the ends.
- In a separate bowl, mix tomato sauce, brown sugar, and lemon juice. Pour some sauce into a baking dish.
- Place cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish. Cover with remaining sauce.
- Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 90 minutes, until cooked through.
Notes
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!
