Try This Hearty Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe Tonight

Hearty cabbage rolls blend Polish culinary traditions with comfort-food magic that warms every kitchen.

Families have cherished these delectable parcels for generations across Eastern Europe.

Tender leaves wrap savory meat and rice in a delightful embrace of flavor.

Soft cabbage cushions a robust filling that promises satisfaction in each carefully crafted bite.

Fragrant herbs and spices dance through the recipe, creating an irresistible aroma.

Simple ingredients combine to produce a meal that feels both rustic and elegant.

You’ll find these rolls speak directly to your hunger and heart.

Let’s uncover the delicious secrets of this classic dish together.

What Makes Cabbage Rolls So Good

• Craft Hearty Comfort: Dive into a classic recipe that wraps savory beef and rice in tender cabbage leaves, delivering a warm, satisfying meal that hugs your taste buds.
• Master Simple Technique: Learn an easy rolling method that transforms basic ingredients into an impressive dish, perfect for cooks of all skill levels who want to impress family and friends.
• Customize Your Feast: Adapt the recipe by switching ground meats, adding herbs, or experimenting with different sauces to make this traditional dish uniquely yours while keeping the core deliciousness intact.
• One-Dish Wonder: Enjoy a complete meal packed with protein, vegetables, and grains in a single baking dish, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor for busy households and weeknight dinners.

What You Need for Cabbage Rolls

• Ground Beef: A flavorful and hearty base that provides richness and substance to the cabbage rolls.

• Cooked Rice, Beaten Egg: Help bind the filling together and create a smooth, cohesive texture.

• Onion, Garlic, Thyme, Salt, Pepper: Add depth, complexity, and classic seasoning to the meat mixture.

• Cabbage Leaves: Serve as a tender, nutritious wrapper that holds the savory filling and absorbs the sauce.

• Tomato Sauce, Brown Sugar, Lemon Juice, Worcestershire Sauce: Create a tangy, sweet, and rich sauce that complements the meat and cabbage.

• Aluminum Foil: Helps retain moisture and ensure even cooking of the cabbage rolls.

Steps for Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Step 1: Prepare Cabbage Leaves

Grab a large pot and fill it with water. Bring the water to a rolling boil.

Gently lower the cabbage leaves into the bubbling water and let them soften for about 2 minutes. Once they become flexible and bright green, carefully drain them and set aside to cool down.

Step 2: Create Flavorful Filling

• Ground beef
• Cooked rice
• Finely chopped onion
• Minced garlic
• Beaten egg
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Dried thyme

Mix everything thoroughly until the ingredients are perfectly blended.

Step 3: Roll and Wrap

Place each cabbage leaf on a flat surface.

Scoop a generous portion of the beef mixture into the center of the leaf. Carefully fold the sides inward, then roll the leaf into a neat, compact package.

Repeat this process until all leaves are transformed into delicious rolls.

Step 4: Arrange in Baking Dish

Lightly grease a baking dish.

Position the cabbage rolls seam-side down, ensuring they’re snug but not overcrowded.

Step 5: Whip Up Savory Sauce

• Tomato sauce
• Brown sugar
• Fresh lemon juice
• Worcestershire sauce

Pour the sauce evenly over the prepared cabbage rolls, making sure each roll gets a delicious coating.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Slide the dish into a preheated oven at 350F (175C).

Let the rolls bake for about 1 hour, or until the meat is completely cooked and the cabbage becomes wonderfully tender.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Bring the rolls to the table piping hot.

Spoon extra sauce over each roll for an extra burst of flavor. This comforting dish is ready to delight your taste buds and warm your heart!

Smart Tips for Rolling Success

• Soften cabbage leaves gently by blanching for exactly 2 minutes to prevent tearing and ensure perfect texture.
• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a lighter, healthier filling for the rolls.
• Add fresh herbs like parsley or dill to the meat mixture for an extra burst of flavor and aromatic complexity.
• Cover the baking dish tightly with foil to lock in moisture and prevent the rolls from drying out during cooking.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based protein for a lighter or vegetarian version of this classic dish.

Tasty Styles of Cabbage Roll Fillings

• Vegetarian Cabbage Rolls: Replace ground beef with a mix of lentils, quinoa, and mushrooms for a protein-packed plant-based version.
• Mediterranean Style: Swap beef for ground lamb, add feta cheese, and use oregano instead of thyme for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice and use ground turkey for a lighter, keto-friendly alternative.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all ingredients are gluten-free certified, use tamari instead of Worcestershire sauce, and verify no gluten-containing additives are present.

What to Eat with Cabbage Rolls

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot that complements the rich, savory beef and cuts through the tangy tomato sauce with its bold flavor profile.
• Elevate with Crusty Bread: Serve warm, rustic sourdough or hearty rye bread to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a satisfying textural contrast to the soft cabbage rolls.
• Match with Crisp Side Salad: Create a light green salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a zesty vinaigrette to balance the hearty main dish and add refreshing brightness to the meal.
• Complement with Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Prepare smooth, buttery mashed potatoes as a classic side that absorbs the flavorful sauce and provides a comforting accompaniment to the cabbage rolls.

Storing Leftover Cabbage Rolls Properly

Store leftover cabbage rolls in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.

Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.

Place rolls on a microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway to ensure even warming.

Preheat oven to 350F. Place rolls in baking dish, add splash of extra tomato sauce. Cover with foil and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

• What type of ground meat works best for this recipe?

Ground beef is traditional, but you can use ground pork, turkey, or a mix of meats for different flavor profiles and to suit dietary preferences.

• Can I make cabbage rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the rolls a day in advance and refrigerate them before baking. This actually helps the flavors meld together and makes cooking easier.

• How do I prevent cabbage leaves from tearing?

Carefully blanch the leaves for just 2 minutes and remove them gently. The brief boiling softens the leaves without making them too fragile, making rolling easier.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The basic recipe can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Always check labels carefully.

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe

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4.6 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Polish comfort meets culinary artistry in these hearty Golabki cabbage rolls, packed with savory ground meat and rice. Warm, satisfying flavors dance across your palate, inviting you to savor a traditional Eastern European classic that connects generations through its delicious simplicity.

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Ingredients

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Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 1 egg, beaten

Grain and Vegetables:

• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 12 cabbage leaves

Seasonings and Sauce:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 can (14 ounces/414 milliliters) tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

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Instructions

1. Gently separate whole cabbage leaves, removing any tough stems, ensuring leaves remain intact without tearing.
2. Submerge leaves in rapidly boiling water for approximately 2 minutes until they become flexible and bright green, then immediately transfer to cold water to halt cooking process.
3. Craft filling by thoroughly blending ground beef with cooked rice, finely chopped onions, minced garlic, whisked egg, and aromatic herbs until ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. Position each softened cabbage leaf flat, placing a compact portion of meat mixture near the leaf’s base.
5. Skillfully fold leaf’s bottom edge over filling, then carefully tuck side edges inward while rolling to create a compact, sealed parcel.
6. Lightly grease ceramic baking dish and nestle rolled cabbage bundles seam-side downward, arranging them snugly without overcrowding.
7. Whisk tomato sauce with brown sugar, tangy lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce to create a robust, balanced coating.
8. Generously drizzle prepared sauce over cabbage rolls, ensuring complete and even coverage.
9. Shield baking dish with aluminum foil and roast in preheated 350°F oven for approximately 60 minutes until meat reaches safe internal temperature and cabbage becomes tender.
10. Allow rolls to rest briefly before serving, spooning additional warm sauce over each parcel for enhanced flavor.

Notes

• Carefully peel cabbage leaves to avoid tearing by gently removing them from the head after brief boiling.
• Replace ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter, healthier version.
• Prepare extra rolls and freeze uncooked for convenient future meals, maintaining optimal texture and flavor.
• Use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice to create a low-carb, gluten-free filling that’s equally delicious.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Eastern European

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 190 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 13 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg