Looking for a cozy, hearty dish that will fill you up with flavor? These Savory Cabbage Rolls are the answer! Imagine tender cabbage leaves stuffed with a savory filling of ground meat, rice, and aromatic herbs, all smothered in a rich tomato sauce. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel all warm inside, like a comforting hug from your grandma. Whether you’re cooking for your family or prepping for a gathering, these rolls are sure to be a hit. Ready to get rolling? Let’s dive in!
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Why You’ll Love Savory Cabbage Rolls
This recipe is all about hearty comfort with a twist of classic flavors. Here’s why you’re going to fall in love with it:
Versatile: Perfect for a cozy family dinner, meal prep for the week, or as a dish to impress guests at a gathering. These cabbage rolls are great for any occasion where you want a filling, flavorful meal.
Budget-Friendly: The ingredients are simple, and many of them are pantry staples, which makes this dish both economical and easy to pull together. You don’t need fancy ingredients to create something delicious!
Quick and Easy: While cabbage rolls might seem like a complicated dish, the steps are straightforward. Once you have everything prepped, they come together quickly, making them perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Comforting: The combo of tender cabbage, seasoned meat, and rich tomato sauce brings a satisfying depth of flavor that just feels like home. There’s something so comforting about these cabbage rolls that makes you crave them over and over again.
Customizable: Want to switch up the filling? Go ahead! Use ground turkey or sausage, or even try a vegetarian filling with rice and beans. The possibilities are endless.
Crowd-Pleasing: These rolls are perfect for sharing. Whether you’re feeding a family or serving a crowd, this dish is always a hit.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these Savory Cabbage Rolls:
- Cabbage: The key to these rolls. Large cabbage leaves become soft and pliable, perfect for wrapping up your savory filling.
- Ground Beef: Tender, juicy beef is the heart of the filling. You can also substitute it with ground turkey or pork for a twist.
- Rice: Fluffy rice adds texture and helps bind the filling together.
- Onions: Sweet onions bring a bit of crunch and flavor to the filling.
- Garlic: A must for any savory dish, it brings a punch of flavor that complements the beef and rice.
- Tomato Sauce: A rich, tangy sauce that ties everything together and adds moisture while cooking.
- Herbs & Spices: A blend of dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper to season the filling perfectly.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s get cooking! Follow these steps to create your Savory Cabbage Rolls:
1. Prepare the Cabbage: Start by carefully removing the cabbage leaves, making sure to keep them whole. Blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes until soft, then drain and set aside to cool.
2. Make the Filling: In a large skillet, sauté chopped onions and garlic in a little olive oil until soft. Add ground beef (or your choice of meat) and cook until browned. Stir in cooked rice, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined and set aside to cool slightly.
3. Assemble the Rolls: Take each cabbage leaf and trim off the thick vein in the center to make it easier to roll. Place a generous spoonful of the filling in the center of each leaf and roll it up tightly, tucking in the sides as you go.
4. Prepare the Sauce: In a large pot or Dutch oven, pour in the tomato sauce and add a bit of water (just enough to create a bit of liquid for the rolls to cook in). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cook the Rolls: Carefully place the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the pot with the sauce. Cover and simmer for 45 minutes to an hour, occasionally spooning sauce over the rolls to keep them moist.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Once the cabbage is tender and the filling is cooked through, serve your rolls hot. They’re perfect on their own, or you can pair them with a side of mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or a light salad.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 400
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
How to Serve Savory Cabbage Rolls
Here are a few ideas to serve these cabbage rolls with:
- Mashed Potatoes: A creamy mashed potato side is a perfect accompaniment to the tender cabbage rolls.
- Crispy Bread: Warm, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce.
- Green Salad: A fresh, tangy salad can balance out the rich flavors of the cabbage rolls.
- Pickles: A side of pickles offers a nice crunchy contrast to the softness of the cabbage.
Additional Tips
- Prep Ahead: You can make the filling and roll the cabbage ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge, and when you’re ready to cook, add the sauce and let them simmer.
- Freeze the Rolls: You can freeze uncooked cabbage rolls for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to cook them, just thaw and simmer as directed.
- Vary the Filling: Feel free to experiment with the filling! You can add mushrooms, bell peppers, or even some crumbled feta for extra flavor.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different kind of meat for the filling?
A1: Yes, absolutely! Ground turkey, pork, or even lamb would all work well. Adjust the cooking time as necessary depending on the meat.
Q2: Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can assemble the rolls in advance and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook them. Just add the sauce and simmer when you’re ready.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftover cabbage rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove.
Q4: Can I freeze cabbage rolls?
A4: Yes, these cabbage rolls freeze beautifully. Place them in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, thaw in the fridge overnight and simmer as usual.
Q5: How do I reheat cabbage rolls?
A5: Reheat the rolls in a pot with the sauce over low heat until warmed through, or pop them in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.
Q6: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A6: Yes! You can swap the meat for cooked lentils, mushrooms, or even a mix of rice and beans for a delicious vegetarian version.
Q7: Can I add cheese to the filling?
A7: Definitely! Cheese, like cheddar or mozzarella, would be a great addition to the filling for an extra creamy texture.
Q8: What other spices can I use in the filling?
A8: You can experiment with spices like cumin, paprika, or even a pinch of cinnamon for a unique twist on the traditional flavor.
Q9: Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
A9: Yes! After assembling the cabbage rolls and adding the sauce, cook them on low in the slow cooker for 4-5 hours until tender.
Q10: Can I skip the rice in the filling?
A10: You can! If you want to make the filling more meat-centric, you can leave out the rice and add more meat or vegetables.
Conclusion
Savory Cabbage Rolls are the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction with every bite. The combination of tender cabbage, savory meat, and rich tomato sauce makes this dish one you’ll want to make over and over again. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to create a meal that’ll warm you from the inside out!
Savory Cabbage Rolls
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: European
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Savory Cabbage Rolls are packed with flavorful ground beef, rice, and a rich tomato sauce, all wrapped in tender cabbage leaves. Perfect for a comforting dinner, these rolls are not only delicious but also a great option for a family meal. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, these cabbage rolls deliver both taste and heartiness.
Ingredients
- 1 large head of cabbage
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove the leaves from the cabbage head, cutting around the core to release large leaves. Blanch the cabbage leaves in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until softened. Drain and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Mix well to combine.
- Lay a cabbage leaf flat on a work surface and place 2-3 tablespoons of the meat mixture in the center. Roll the leaf tightly, folding in the sides as you go, to form a compact roll.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and sugar (if using).
- In a baking dish, spread a small amount of tomato sauce at the bottom. Arrange the cabbage rolls in the dish, seam-side down, and pour the remaining tomato sauce over the top.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45-50 minutes, until the cabbage is tender and the filling is fully cooked.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a healthier option, use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice.
- You can also add grated carrots or diced bell peppers to the filling for extra vegetables.
- If you prefer, these rolls can be made in advance and stored in the fridge until ready to bake.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg