Print

Cabbage Rolls Recipe

Cabbage Rolls Recipe
Print Recipe

This classic Cabbage Rolls recipe features tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory mixture of ground meat, rice, and aromatics, baked in a rich tomato sauce. It’s a comforting, hearty dish perfect for family dinners or special occasions, offering a balanced meal full of flavor and nutrition, with simple ingredients and easy preparation.

Ingredients

Scale

Cabbage Leaves

  • 1 large head fresh cabbage, firm with pliable leaves

Filling

  • 1 lb ground meat (beef, pork, or turkey)
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley or dill, chopped
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

Sauce

  • 2 cups tomato sauce

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cabbage Leaves: Carefully remove outer leaves from the cabbage head. Blanch leaves in boiling water for 2 minutes until flexible, then immediately transfer to ice water to stop cooking. Pat dry and trim thick veins for easier rolling.
  2. Make the Filling: In a large bowl, combine ground meat, cooked rice, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, fresh herbs, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix gently until evenly incorporated, taking care not to overwork to keep the mixture tender.
  3. Roll the Cabbage Leaves: Lay each cabbage leaf flat and place a spoonful of filling near the stem end. Fold the sides over the filling and roll tightly, tucking edges underneath to seal and keep the filling inside.
  4. Arrange Rolls in a Baking Dish: Place the rolls seam-side down in a single layer in a baking dish. Pour tomato sauce generously over the rolls, covering them to keep moist during baking.
  5. Bake Until Tender: Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour. Remove foil during the last 15 minutes to allow the tops to brown slightly if desired. Let the rolls rest before serving to meld flavors.

Notes

  • Leaf Prep Tip: Blanch cabbage leaves just until pliable to avoid tearing during rolling.
  • Filling Balance: Use a mixture of meat and rice for optimal texture and moisture retention.
  • Don’t Overfill: Too much filling makes rolling difficult and can cause splits.
  • Layer Sauce: Make sure tomato sauce covers rolls evenly to keep them tender and juicy.
  • Rest Before Serving: Letting the rolls rest enhances flavor melding and makes slicing easier.

Nutrition

Keywords: cabbage rolls, stuffed cabbage, comfort food, baked cabbage rolls, gluten free, hearty meal

Find it online: https://recipesemilly.com/cabbage-rolls-recipe/