Hearty Cabbage Rolls: A Taste of Home
Growing up, my grandmother would often make her famous cabbage rolls on chilly Sunday afternoons. The aroma of simmering tomato sauce and savory filling would waft through the house, wrapping us in a warm embrace. Each bite was a reminder of family gatherings, laughter, and the love that went into every dish. These hearty cabbage rolls are not just a meal; they are a cherished memory that I now pass down to my own family.
What Makes It Special
These cabbage rolls stand out for several reasons:
- Comforting Flavors: The combination of seasoned meat, rice, and tangy tomato sauce creates a symphony of flavors that warms the soul.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize the filling with your favorite meats or even make a vegetarian version with lentils.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: These rolls can be prepared in advance and frozen, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
Gather Your Ingredients
Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cook Time: 1 hour | Servings: 6
- 1 large head of cabbage
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage and blanch the leaves for about 2-3 minutes until they are pliable. Drain and set aside.
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In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, cooked rice, chopped onion, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
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Take a cabbage leaf, place a generous spoonful of the meat mixture at the base, and roll it up tightly, tucking in the sides as you go. Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.
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Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish and cover with the remaining tomato sauce.
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Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes to let the sauce thicken.
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Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
My Pro Tips
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For extra flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture.
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If you have leftover filling, use it to make a delicious stuffed pepper dish!
What to Serve With It
- Crusty bread or dinner rolls
- Mashed potatoes or creamy polenta
- A fresh garden salad with vinaigrette
FAQs
Q: Can I make these cabbage rolls ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare them a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator or freeze them for later use.
The Heart of the Dish
These hearty cabbage rolls are more than just a recipe; they are a connection to my roots and a way to share love with my family. Each time I make them, I am reminded of the warmth of my grandmother’s kitchen and the joy of gathering around the table. I hope you find the same comfort and joy in making these rolls for your loved ones.
Your Turn
I invite you to try this recipe and make it your own! Feel free to experiment with different fillings or sauces. I would love to hear your thoughts and any variations you come up with. Happy cooking!
These Hearty Cabbage Rolls Are Old-School Comfort Food at Its Best
Ingredients
- Crusty bread or dinner rolls
- Mashed potatoes or creamy polenta
- A fresh garden salad with vinaigrette
- 1 large head of cabbage
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage and blanch the leaves for about 2-3 minutes until they are pliable. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, cooked rice, chopped onion, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Take a cabbage leaf, place a generous spoonful of the meat mixture at the base, and roll it up tightly, tucking in the sides as you go. Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.
- Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish and cover with the remaining tomato sauce.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes to let the sauce thicken.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Nutrition Information
