Easy Cabbage Rolls Recipe

Introduction

Easy cabbage rolls are a comforting and hearty dish perfect for family dinners. Soft cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory meat and rice filling, baked in a rich tomato sauce, create a satisfying meal that’s both nutritious and delicious.

Ingredients

• 1 large head of green cabbage
• 1 pound of ground beef, turkey, or chicken
• 1 cup of cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes or 2 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• ½ teaspoon of black pepper
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage and place the whole head into the boiling water. Blanch it for 2-3 minutes until the leaves are pliable. Remove and set aside to cool.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, mix together the ground meat, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
3. Step 3: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread some tomato sauce on the bottom of a baking dish to prevent sticking.
4. Step 4: Separate the cabbage leaves. If a leaf’s central vein is too thick or stiff, cut it out carefully.
5. Step 5: Place about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture near the base of each cabbage leaf. Fold the sides over the filling and roll up tightly.
6. Step 6: Arrange the cabbage rolls seam side down in the baking dish. Pour the remaining tomato sauce evenly over the rolls.
7. Step 7: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 50 minutes. Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes to allow the rolls to brown slightly.
8. Step 8: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving, if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, or mix ground pork and beef for more flavor.
• Try adding finely chopped mushrooms or grated carrots to the filling for extra texture and nutrients.
• For a spicier twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika to the meat mixture.
• Use leftover cooked rice to save time and reduce food waste.

Storage

Store leftover cabbage rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 325°F (160°C) covered with foil, or microwave until warmed through. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make cabbage rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and assemble the rolls a day in advance, then store them covered in the refrigerator. Bake as directed when ready to serve.

What can I use instead of rice in the filling?

You can substitute cooked quinoa, bulgur, or even finely chopped cauliflower rice for a different texture or a lower-carb option.

Easy Cabbage Rolls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 71 reviews

• Author: Matteo
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

These Easy Cabbage Rolls are a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender cabbage leaves stuffed with a flavorful mixture of ground meat, rice, and seasonings, baked in a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for a family dinner, this recipe balances savory flavors and a tender texture with a relatively simple preparation and cooking process.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables and Herbs

• 1 large head of green cabbage
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Meat and Grains

• 1 pound of ground beef, turkey, or chicken
• 1 cup of cooked rice (white or brown)

Tomato Sauce

• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (or 2 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped)
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce

Seasonings and Oils

• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• ½ teaspoon of black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare the cabbage: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage and place the whole head into the boiling water. Blanch for 2-3 minutes until the leaves become pliable. Remove and set aside to cool.
2. Make the filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat of your choice, cooked rice, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
3. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking dish by spreading some tomato sauce on the bottom to prevent the cabbage rolls from sticking during baking.
4. Assemble the rolls: Gently separate the cabbage leaves. If the thick vein in the leaf is too stiff, cut it out to aid rolling. Place about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture at the base of each leaf, fold in the sides, and roll it up tightly to encase the filling.
5. Arrange in the baking dish: Place the cabbage rolls seam side down in the prepared baking dish. Pour the remaining tomato sauce evenly over the top of the rolls.
6. Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes. In the last 10 minutes, remove the foil to allow the rolls to brown slightly on top.

Notes

• You can use ground beef, turkey, or chicken based on your preference for flavor and fat content.
• Removing or thinning out the thick vein of the cabbage leaf makes rolling easier.
• Brown the ground meat in a skillet before mixing for a deeper flavor, if desired.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
• Serve with a side of sour cream or extra fresh parsley for garnish.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: cabbage rolls, stuffed cabbage, baked cabbage rolls, ground beef recipes, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal, cabbage recipe