Indulge in the delightful flavors of homemade comfort food with our recipe for Stuffed Cabbage Rolls. These savory delights are perfect for cozy family dinners or special gatherings. Packed with tender cabbage leaves embracing a tantalizing blend of extra lean ground beef, cooked rice, and aromatic spices, each bite is a symphony of taste. Baked in a luscious tomato sauce, these classic cabbage rolls are bound to become a cherished favorite in your household.
Ingredients :
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- ½ medium onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes (undrained)
- 15-ounce can of tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup of brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs
Cabbage Rolls:
- 1 pound of extra lean ground beef
- 1 cup of cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 tablespoon of onion powder
- 4 cloves of garlic, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- ½ teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs blend
- ¼ cup of fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 egg
- 1 head of cabbage
Directions:
- Prepare the sauce by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté diced onion until translucent, then add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, salt, pepper, brown sugar, red wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and dried Italian herbs. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, adjusting seasoning to taste.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick spray. Spread half of the tomato sauce on the bottom of the dish and set aside.
- To make the cabbage rolls, boil a large pot of water. Blanch the cabbage in boiling water for 4-5 minutes until leaves are pliable. Remove cabbage and peel off 12 large leaves, cutting out the thick rib.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, cooked rice, onion powder, minced garlic, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, dried Italian herbs, 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley, and egg. Add ½ cup of tomato sauce and mix well.
- Place meat mixture onto each cabbage leaf and roll, tucking in the sides, then place seam side down in the baking dish. Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.
- Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the cabbage rolls, cover with foil, and bake for 70-90 minutes until cabbage is tender and meat is cooked through.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot alongside mashed potatoes or your preferred side dishes.
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving Tips:
- Serve the stuffed cabbage rolls hot, straight from the oven, for the best flavor and texture.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley just before serving to add a pop of color and freshness.
- Pair the cabbage rolls with creamy mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a crisp green salad for a well-rounded meal.
- Consider offering condiments such as sour cream or yogurt on the side for dipping or drizzling over the rolls.
Storage Tips:
- If you have leftovers, allow the stuffed cabbage rolls to cool completely before storing them.
- Place the leftover rolls in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil.
- Store the rolls in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- When ready to enjoy again, reheat the cabbage rolls in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave them on a microwave-safe plate for a quick meal.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the stuffed cabbage rolls. Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
- To thaw and reheat frozen cabbage rolls, let them defrost in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat as instructed above.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or a mixture of sautéed mushrooms and lentils for a hearty vegetarian version of the stuffed cabbage rolls. Season the filling with your favorite herbs and spices for added flavor.
- Mediterranean Twist: Add a Mediterranean flair to the filling by incorporating ingredients like cooked quinoa, feta cheese crumbles, chopped olives, and sun-dried tomatoes. Season with oregano, basil, and lemon zest for bright, Mediterranean-inspired flavors.
- Asian-Inspired: Create an Asian-inspired filling by using ground pork or chicken mixed with cooked jasmine rice, finely chopped water chestnuts, and green onions. Flavor the filling with soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a splash of sesame oil for a delicious fusion twist.
- Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add diced jalapeños or green chilies to the filling mixture. You can also incorporate spicy sausage or chorizo for an extra kick of flavor. Serve with a dollop of hot sauce or sriracha on the side for even more spice.
- Cheese Lover’s Delight: Amp up the cheesy goodness by mixing shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese into the filling mixture. Sprinkle extra cheese on top of the cabbage rolls before baking for a gooey, melty finish.
- Nutty and Sweet: Add a touch of sweetness and crunch by mixing chopped nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, into the filling mixture. Drizzle a bit of honey or maple syrup over the stuffed cabbage rolls before baking for a deliciously sweet and savory flavor profile.
- Seasonal Variation: Experiment with seasonal ingredients like diced butternut squash, kale, or apples to create a unique twist on the classic stuffed cabbage rolls. Adjust the seasonings accordingly to complement the flavors of the seasonal ingredients.
FAQs :
- Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef for the filling?
- Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative to ground beef and will work well in this recipe. Just make sure it’s extra lean to keep the filling light.
- Can I prepare the stuffed cabbage rolls in advance?
- Yes, you can assemble the cabbage rolls ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Simply cover the baking dish tightly with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Can I freeze the stuffed cabbage rolls?
- Yes, you can freeze the stuffed cabbage rolls for longer storage. Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
- How do I reheat frozen stuffed cabbage rolls?
- To reheat frozen cabbage rolls, let them defrost in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave them on a microwave-safe plate for a quick meal.
- Can I substitute the rice with another grain?
- Yes, you can use other grains such as quinoa, barley, or couscous instead of rice in the filling. Just make sure the grains are fully cooked before mixing them with the other ingredients.
- What can I use instead of cabbage leaves?
- If you prefer, you can use blanched Swiss chard leaves or large collard green leaves as a substitute for cabbage. They work well for wrapping the filling and add a unique flavor to the dish.
With just a little effort, you can create a memorable meal with our Stuffed Cabbage Rolls recipe. Each bite offers a burst of flavor, making it a satisfying choice for any occasion. Share the warmth and deliciousness of this classic dish with your loved ones today!