Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Name: Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h 10 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: Eastern European
Ingredients: 1 large head of green cabbage; 1 lb ground beef; 1 lb ground Italian sausage; 1 ½ cups cooked long-grain rice (1/2 cup uncooked rice yields 1 ½ cups cooked); 1 small yellow onion, diced (1 cup); 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp pepper (plus more for sauce, optional); 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tsp Italian seasoning (plus more for sauce, optional); 1 large egg; 15 oz tomato sauce (1 can, divided); 10.75 oz condensed tomato soup (1 can); Chopped parsley for garnish

Recipe By:

Martha

Posted:

February 2, 2025

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Stuffed cabbage rolls are the epitome of comfort food. They are not only hearty and satisfying but also versatile, allowing for a variety of flavors and ingredients. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, these rolls are a rewarding dish that brings warmth and joy to any meal.

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Why You’ll Love Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Ingredients
Preparing the Cabbage
Softening the Cabbage Leaves
Preparing the Filling
Combining the Ingredients
Assembling the Rolls
Making the Sauce Mixture
Rolling the Cabbage
Baking the Cabbage Rolls
Baking Instructions
Serving Suggestions
Tips for Success
Variations
Storage Tips
FAQs
Conclusion
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Why You’ll Love Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Stuffed cabbage rolls are not just food; they are an experience! Imagine digging into a warm roll, with savory meat and rice, wrapped in tender cabbage. It’s pure happiness on a plate. These rolls are perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or even cozy nights at home. You can easily customize them to suit your taste, which makes them fun to make and enjoy. Plus, they are great for leftovers. You will have a dish that just gets better with time!

Ingredients

To make stuffed cabbage rolls, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1 large head of green cabbage
1 lb ground beef
1 lb ground Italian sausage
1 ½ cups cooked long-grain rice (1/2 cup uncooked rice yields 1 ½ cups cooked)
1 small yellow onion, diced (1 cup)
1 tsp salt
½ tsp pepper (plus more for sauce, optional)
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp Italian seasoning (plus more for sauce, optional)
1 large egg
15 oz tomato sauce (1 can, divided)
10.75 oz condensed tomato soup (1 can)
Chopped parsley for garnish

Preparing the Cabbage

Softening the Cabbage Leaves

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. This is the perfect temperature for baking the rolls later. Next, you need to prepare the cabbage leaves. Gently remove them from the large head of cabbage. Place the leaves in a large bowl with about an inch of water. It’s important to soften them so they are easy to roll. Microwave the leaves for about 2-3 minutes at a time until they become wilted. Be careful not to overcook them! Once they are soft, drain the water from the bowl.

Preparing the Filling

Combining the Ingredients

Now it’s time to make the filling! In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground Italian sausage, cooked rice, diced onion, salt, pepper, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and the large egg. Also, add ½ cup of the tomato sauce to this mixture. Using gloved hands, mix everything together thoroughly. Make sure all the ingredients are combined well. It should feel hearty and fragrant!

Assembling the Rolls

Making the Sauce Mixture

While you’re assembling the rolls, it’s a great time to prepare the sauce mixture. In another bowl, whisk together the remaining tomato sauce, the condensed tomato soup, and an additional pinch of Italian seasoning and pepper if desired. This sauce will add moisture and flavor to the rolls as they bake.

Rolling the Cabbage

Now comes the fun part—rolling! Pour about ½ cup of the sauce mixture into the bottom of a 9×13 casserole dish. Take one cabbage leaf and place a large scoop (about ⅓ cup) of the meat/rice mixture in the center. Fold the stem side and top side of the cabbage leaf toward each other, then roll the sides like a burrito to form a neat packet. Place each cabbage packet in the prepared casserole dish. Repeat this until you use up all the filling. It’s okay if the rolls aren’t perfect; they will taste amazing anyway!

Baking the Cabbage Rolls

Baking Instructions

After you’ve assembled all the rolls, pour the remaining sauce over the cabbage rolls. This will keep them nice and moist during baking. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to trap in the steam. Bake the rolls for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. After that, remove the foil, baste the rolls with the sauce, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes. This will help thicken the sauce and give the rolls a lovely finish. Once done, garnish with chopped parsley before serving to add a pop of color.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving these delicious stuffed cabbage rolls, there are plenty of options! They pair wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh side salad. You could also serve them alongside mashed potatoes for that extra comfort. If you’re looking for something lighter, tangy coleslaw adds a refreshing contrast. Whichever way you choose to enjoy them, your taste buds will thank you!

Tips for Success

To make your stuffed cabbage rolls a success, keep these tips in mind:

Make sure your cabbage leaves are soft enough to roll without tearing. If they are still too firm, microwave them a bit longer.
Adjust the seasoning in the filling to suit your taste. If you love spice, feel free to add more pepper or red pepper flakes.
Experiment with a variety of meats. Mixing ground beef with ground pork or turkey can create a unique flavor profile.

Variations

The beauty of stuffed cabbage rolls is their versatility. Here are some fun variations to try:

Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. This makes the dish healthier but still satisfying.
Add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the filling. This can boost the nutrition and flavor.
Try using different herbs and spices, such as cumin or paprika, for a twist on the classic flavor. You might discover a new favorite!

Storage Tips

If you have leftover stuffed cabbage rolls (which is likely!), you can store them easily. Place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to save them for later, they freeze well! Just make sure to separate them with parchment paper before freezing to avoid sticking. You can reheat them in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy them again.

FAQs

Q1: Can I make stuffed cabbage rolls ahead of time?
A1: Yes! You can prepare the rolls and refrigerate them overnight before baking. This is a great time-saver for busy days!

Q2: Can I use different types of cabbage?
A2: Absolutely! You can use Savoy or Napa cabbage, but be aware that the cooking times may vary slightly.

Q3: What can I substitute for tomato sauce?
A3: If you prefer, you can use salsa or a homemade marinara sauce instead of tomato sauce. This can add a unique flavor.

Q4: How do I reheat stuffed cabbage rolls?
A4: To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or use the microwave for quicker results. They taste just as good the second time around!

Conclusion

Stuffed cabbage rolls are a delicious and comforting dish that anyone can learn to make. With a few simple steps and variations, you can create a meal that delights the senses and warms the heart. Gather your ingredients and start cooking! You’ll love how they fill your home with wonderful aromas and smiles around the dinner table. Enjoy every bite!

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Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Why You’ll Love Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Ingredients