Cozy Homestyle Cabbage Rolls Recipe: A Taste of Tradition

Crafting delectable homestyle cabbage rolls takes me back to cherished childhood memories.

Soft cabbage leaves embrace a savory mixture of ground meat and rice.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this comforting dish across Eastern European kitchens.

Fragrant herbs and carefully rolled parcels create a meal that speaks directly to the soul.

My grandmother’s secret technique involved letting the rolls simmer slowly in a rich tomato sauce.

Warm, hearty flavors meld together, promising a satisfying dining experience that connects you to traditional cooking.

Unwrap these delicious bundles and let the culinary magic begin.

FAQs

• Why are my cabbage rolls falling apart?

Make sure to carefully trim the thick veins of the cabbage leaves, which can prevent proper rolling. Use cold leaves and don’t overfill them. Roll tightly and tuck in the sides to keep the filling secure during baking.

• Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground pork, turkey, or a mix of meats. Just ensure the meat is lean and well-seasoned to maintain flavor and texture.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free rice and ensure all other ingredients like tomato paste and broth are certified gluten-free. Always check labels carefully.

• How do I prevent the rolls from becoming soggy?

Use well-drained cooked rice and don’t overmix the filling. Ensure cabbage leaves are not waterlogged before rolling. The tight rolling and baking technique helps maintain a firm texture.

What Makes Cabbage Rolls a Comfort Favorite

• Savor the heartwarming flavors of this classic dish that brings memories of home-cooked meals and family gatherings.
• Perfect for novice cooks with simple steps and straightforward ingredients that anyone can master with ease.
• Packed with protein, vegetables, and whole grains, this recipe offers a balanced meal that satisfies both taste buds and nutritional needs.
• Make ahead and freeze for convenient weeknight dinners or quick lunches, saving time and reducing daily cooking stress.

What’s Inside Homestyle Cabbage Rolls

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base for the filling that provides rich protein content.

• Cabbage: Fresh green vegetable that serves as the wrapper for the delicious rolls.
• Rice, Cooked: A soft and binding ingredient that helps hold the filling together.
• Onion: Adds a sharp and aromatic flavor to the meat mixture.
• Egg: Acts as a natural binder to keep the filling compact and cohesive.

• Crushed Tomatoes, Tomato Paste: Creates a rich, tangy base for the sauce with deep tomato flavor.
• Vegetable Broth: Provides additional moisture and depth to the sauce.
• Sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes and enhances overall flavor.
• Basil, Thyme, Oregano: Aromatic herbs that contribute complex and traditional Mediterranean notes.
• Garlic Powder, Smoked Paprika: Adds warmth and subtle smoky undertones to the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste.

• Fresh Parsley, Sour Cream: Light and creamy toppings that add freshness and richness to the final presentation.

How to Make Homestyle Cabbage Rolls

Step 1: Preparing Cabbage Leaves

Grab a fresh cabbage and slice out its core.

Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil.

Gently submerge the cabbage leaves for 3-4 minutes until they become soft and pliable.

Carefully remove the leaves and let them cool on a clean surface.

Trim down the thick center veins to make rolling easier.

Step 2: Creating the Savory Filling

• Ground beef
• Cooked rice
• Finely chopped onion
• Egg
• Tomato paste
• Dried oregano
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix these ingredients thoroughly until well blended.

Step 3: Rolling the Cabbage Packets

Lay each cabbage leaf flat on your work surface.

Scoop a generous portion of the meat mixture into the center of each leaf.

Fold the sides inward, then roll tightly from bottom to top, creating neat little packages.

Repeat until all leaves are filled.

Step 4: Brewing the Flavorful Sauce

• Crushed tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Vegetable broth
• Sugar
• Fresh basil
• Dried thyme
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes to develop rich flavors.

Step 5: Baking to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F.

Arrange the cabbage rolls in a baking dish, then generously pour the tomato sauce over them.

Cover the dish with aluminum foil to lock in moisture.

Bake for approximately 1.5 hours, checking occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Step 6: Serving and Enjoying

Remove the cabbage rolls from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes.

For an extra touch of elegance, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top and add a dollop of creamy sour cream.

Serve hot and savor the comforting flavors of this classic dish.

Helpful Tips for Homestyle Cabbage Rolls

• Select fresh, pliable cabbage leaves that don't tear easily when rolling to ensure perfect, intact cabbage rolls.
• Gently shave down the thick stem parts of cabbage leaves to make rolling smoother and prevent tough, chewy sections.
• Use a 50/50 blend of ground beef and rice to create a moist, flavorful filling that holds together well during cooking.
• Simmer the tomato sauce before pouring over rolls to thicken it slightly, preventing watery results and enhancing overall flavor intensity.
• Cover the baking dish with foil and check periodically to ensure rolls stay moist and don't dry out or burn during the long baking process.

Best Storage for Homestyle Cabbage Rolls

• Store leftover cabbage rolls in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Ensure they are completely cooled before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality and taste.
• Place cabbage rolls on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Stir sauce midway to distribute heat evenly.
• Preheat oven to 350F, place rolls in a baking dish with a splash of extra tomato sauce, cover with foil, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely.

What Goes with Homestyle Cabbage Rolls

• Pair with Red Wine Elegance: Choose a robust red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot that complements the hearty beef and tomato sauce, enhancing the rich flavors of the cabbage rolls.
• Match with Rustic Bread Sidekick: Serve warm, crusty sourdough or rye bread to soak up the delicious tomato sauce and provide a textural contrast to the soft cabbage rolls.
• Create Creamy Contrast: Top with a generous dollop of tangy sour cream or Greek yogurt to balance the savory meat filling and add a cool, smooth element to the dish.
• Complement with Fresh Salad: Prepare a light green salad with crisp lettuce, cucumber, and a simple vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the cabbage rolls and provide a refreshing side.

Fresh Takes on Homestyle Cabbage Rolls

• Vegetarian Cabbage Rolls: Replace ground beef with a mixture of lentils, quinoa, and finely chopped mushrooms for a protein-packed vegetarian version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap rice with cauliflower rice and use a lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef to reduce carbohydrate content.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Variation: Add crumbled feta cheese to the filling, use oregano and mint, and incorporate pine nuts for a Greek-style flavor profile.

Homestyle Cabbage Rolls Recipe

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4.9 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Polish comfort emerges with classic Cabbage Rolls, blending tender cabbage leaves wrapped around seasoned ground meat and rice. Rich family traditions simmer in this hearty dish, inviting you to savor generations of culinary warmth and authentic Eastern European flavor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 large head of cabbage
• 1 lb (454 grams) ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 cup cooked rice

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 can (14 ounces / 400 grams) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (6 ounces / 170 grams) tomato paste
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon sugar

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Instructions

1. Carefully extract the cabbage core and submerge leaves in boiling water for 3-4 minutes until pliable. Drain and allow to cool, then delicately trim the thick stem portions to facilitate easier rolling.
2. Craft the filling by blending ground beef, precooked rice, diced onions, whisked egg, tomato paste, aromatic herbs, and seasonings until thoroughly incorporated, ensuring uniform distribution of ingredients.
3. Position each cabbage leaf flat, strategically center a precise portion of meat mixture, elegantly fold edges inward, and meticulously roll into compact parcels, maintaining snug compression.
4. Develop a robust sauce by whisking crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, vegetable broth, subtle sweetener, fragrant herbs, and select spices. Simmer mixture for 10 minutes to meld flavors and achieve desired consistency.
5. Heat oven to 350°F. Arrange rolled cabbage packages in a deep baking vessel, generously cascade prepared tomato sauce over rolls, then seal tightly with aluminum foil. Roast for approximately 90 minutes, periodically verifying even heat distribution.
6. Remove from oven, allow brief resting period to stabilize internal temperature. Garnish with fresh herbs and optional creamy accompaniment before presenting this comforting classic dish.

Notes

• Softening Cabbage Leaves: Boil leaves briefly to make them pliable and prevent tearing during rolling, ensuring easy and neat assembly.
• Handling Thick Veins: Carefully trim thick stem parts of cabbage leaves to create smoother, more uniform rolls that wrap easily.
• Preventing Dry Filling: Use fatty ground beef (80/20 ratio) to keep the filling moist and prevent crumbly, tough texture during baking.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace rice with cauliflower rice or chopped mushrooms for a keto-friendly version without losing rich flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Eastern European

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg