Okay, picture this: A picture of Sunday afternoon, the smell of simmering tomatoes and something savory wafting through the air. That was Grandma’s kitchen, and the star of the show was always her amazing **Cabbage Rolls**. What are some good examples of cabbage rolls? What are some good ways to make them, and they’re packed with flavor. ), and they just scream “comfort food. If you love lasagna but sometimes want something lighter, this is it. Is it easier than lasagna?
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What is a Cabbage Roll recipe?
Think of cabbage rolls as deconstructed stuffed peppers, but with a delightful, slightly sweet pepper. What’s better: cabbage leaf hugging a flavorful mix of ground meat, rice, and spices. What is essentially a comforting, hearty meal all rolled into one neat little package and simmered in an oven for about 30 minutes? What is the best tomato sauce? What is the name of the bag? Is it the perfect balance of savory and sweetness?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I even begin? First off, the flavor is incredible. The combination of savory ground meat, tender rice, and that slightly sweet cabbage is just divine. And the tomato sauce? Forget about it! It’s simmered to perfection, infusing every roll with a rich, tangy goodness. What I love most about this **cabbage Rolls Recipe** is how easy it actually is to make. Seriously, don’t be intimidated! Grandma’s method is foolproof. Plus, it’s super cost-effective. You probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry already. Ground meat is always on sale, and cabbage is so cheap! The best part? They’re very versatile. You can serve them as a main course, a hearty side dish, or even pack them for lunch. They also taste amazing the next day! Cabbage rolls are truly the best option.
How do I make Cabbage Rolls?
Quick Overview
How do you make cabbage rolls? How do you parboil cabbage leaves? Then, you mix up the filling, tuck it into the leaves, and simmer everything in a glorious tomato sauce. The simmering part is key – it lets all the flavors meld together and creates that perfect balance of flavors. What is melt-in This method is special because it’s simple, straightforward, and produces consistently delicious. How do I get the best results every single time?
Ingredients
For the Cabbage: What is
• 1 large head of cabbage, about 2-3 pounds. Don’t skip this ingredient! Green cabbage is more affordable, but Savoy is less tender.
• Water, for boiling.
For the Filling:
• 1 pound Ground Beef (or a mix of beef and pork – Grandma always used both!). Is it better to use leaner ground beef?
• 1 cup cooked rice (long grain or short grain, your preference). Make sure the rice is cooked before you begin!
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped. I always use yellow, but white works too!
• 2 cloves garlic, minced. I always add an extra clove or two, because garlic.
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten. • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley. Is fresh parsley best?• 1 teaspoon salt. • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
For the Sauce:
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes. San Marzano tomatoes are the best, but any will work!
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce.
• 1/2 cup water. • 2 tablespoons of brown sugar (or honey) for a healthier option. I prefer brown sugar, it’s more molassesy!
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (or Apple Cider vinegar) What is the best Worcestershire sauce?
How do I follow step
Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage
What is the best way to bring a large pot of water to boil? While the water is heating up, core the cabbage. How do you remove the outer leaves? You’ll want about 12-15 good-sized leaves. Once the water is boiling, blanch the leaves in batches for about 2-3 minutes each, or until they’re tender. What makes them easy to roll?
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a large bowl, combine Ground Beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, parsley, salt, pepper, and pepper. Serve immediately. Salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix everything together gently with your hands until it’s well combined. Can overmixing make meat tough?
Step 3: Assemble the Cabbage Rolls
Lay a cabbage leaf flat on your work surface. If the thick stem is still attached, carefully slice it off with a knife (you want the leaf to be small). Place a spoonful of meat filling (about 1/4 cup) near the stem end of the leaf. If you fold the sides of a leaf inward, then roll it up tightly from the stem end to the tip, like you’re doing if you were going to suck it. How do I make a burr Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In a large bowl, whisk together the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, brown sugar (or honey). Lemon juice (or apple cider vinegar), Worcestershire sauce. Give it a taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
Step 5: Simmer the Cabbage Rolls
How do I pour tomato sauce into a Dutch oven? Arrange the cabbage rolls snugly in the pot, seam-side down. How do you serve cabbage rolls? Pour the remaining tomato sauce over them, making sure they’re mostly covered. If necessary, add a little extra water. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for at least 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until cabbage is very tender and the filling is cooked. The longer they simmer, the more flavorful they become!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
What is the best way to serve cabbage rolls hot with tomato sauce? Is Greek yogurt better than sour cream? What are some good side dishes to serve with the sauce?
What should I serve it with?
What are some good carbs to add to a plate? What are some of theWhat is a hearty dinner? Serve with mashed potatoes or creamy polenta. The creamy texture complements the tanginess of the cabbage rolls perfectly.
For a lighter meal:What is a good side salad with steamed vegetables?Grandma’s Classic PairingGrandma always served cabbage rolls with rye bread and butter. Simple, but perfect. What are some good ways to spread butter on rye bread?Drinks:A dry red wine, like a Cabernet Sauvignon, pairs beautifully with the savory flavors of the cabbage. I often go for a simple water with lemon.
How do I make Cabbage Rolls?
How do I take cabbage rolls to the next level?What is the best way to choose the right bag?What are the best ways to prepare Savoy cabbage? It makes them easier to roll and chew after!Don’t skip the Blanching: What areHow do you make cabbage leaves pliable? Don’t overcook them, though, or they’ll become too soft and tear easily.Seasoning is the key to success: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices and herbs in the filling. A little smoked paprika or Italian seasoning can add a ton of flavor.
Make Ahead: Cabbage rolls are a great make-ahead dish. You can assemble them a day or two in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook them. They actually taste even better the next day! They might be even better on the second day!
Freeze for Later: Cabbage rolls freeze beautifully. Simply wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Here’s how to keep your **cabbage rolls** fresh and delicious:
Refrigerator: Store leftover cabbage rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer: To freeze, wrap each cabbage roll individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: You can reheat cabbage rolls in the microwave, oven, or on the stovetop. For the microwave, simply heat them on high for 2-3 minutes. In the oven, bake them at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. On the stovetop, simmer them in a saucepan over low heat until heated through.
Tip: When reheating, add a little extra tomato sauce to prevent the cabbage rolls from drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This **cabbage rolls recipe** is more than just a meal; it’s a taste of home, a warm hug on a cold day, and a reminder of family traditions. The layers of flavors, the comforting aroma, and the simple act of rolling each cabbage leaf is almost therapeutic. If you’re looking for a dish that’s both delicious and satisfying, this is it. And if you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my other family favorites, like Grandma’s Shepherd’s Pie and her Famous Chicken Noodle Soup. I can’t wait to hear how your cabbage rolls turn out! Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what you think! And if you try any variations, I’d love to hear about them too! Happy cooking!
Cabbage Rolls Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 large head of cabbage
- 1 pound ground beef
- 0.5 cup uncooked rice
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup tomato sauce
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Remove the core from the cabbage and separate the leaves.
- In a bowl, combine ground beef, rice, onion, salt, and pepper.
- Place a spoonful of the meat mixture onto each cabbage leaf and roll up.
- Place the cabbage rolls in a large pot, add diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, and simmer for about 1.5 hours.
