Easy Cabbage Rolls

These classic stuffed cabbage rolls are a comforting meal filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, and aromatic spices, all wrapped in tender cabbage leaves. Baked in a rich tomato sauce, these rolls come out perfectly moist and full of flavor, making them ideal for a family dinner or any gathering where you want to serve up a hearty and satisfying dish.

This dish is a great example of comfort food at its finest, with a balance of textures and flavors that will please any crowd. It’s also easy to prepare and can be made in advance, making it a practical choice for those busy nights when you want something homemade without too much fuss. Whether you’re serving it with mashed potatoes or a simple salad, these stuffed cabbage rolls are sure to be a hit.

Full Time:

Ingredients:

• 1 large head cabbage
• 1 cup cooked white rice
• 1 egg
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 (10.75 oz) cans condensed tomato soup
• 1 1/4 cups water
• 1 tbsp white vinegar
• 2 tbsp brown sugar

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully peel away cabbage leaves and boil for 2-3 minutes until softened. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, egg, onion, ground beef, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix well.
4. Place about 1/4 cup of the beef mixture onto each cabbage leaf. Fold in the sides and roll up, tucking in the ends to secure.
5. In a separate bowl, mix together the tomato soup, water, vinegar, and brown sugar.
6. Layer cabbage rolls in a baking dish, pouring a bit of the tomato sauce mixture over each layer.
7. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 2 hours, basting occasionally with the sauce to keep the rolls moist.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
Kcal: 265 kcal per serving
Servings: 6 servings

The Origins of Cabbage Rolls

Cabbage rolls have a long history, with different variations appearing in several culinary traditions. In Eastern European countries like Poland, Ukraine, and Russia, cabbage rolls—often called golabki in Polish—are traditionally filled with pork and rice and cooked in a tomato sauce. In Middle Eastern countries, you’ll find similar dishes like malfouf mahshi, where the rolls are stuffed with lamb and rice and often cooked in a lemony broth. Across different cultures, the core elements of stuffed cabbage remain consistent: a delicious filling, the cabbage leaf as a wrapper, and a sauce to tie everything together.

Our version of Easy Cabbage Rolls sticks closely to the Eastern European roots, using ground beef or pork as the protein, rice for texture and substance, and a savory tomato sauce to enrich the flavor. This dish balances simplicity with rich, comforting flavors that are sure to satisfy everyone at the table.

Why You Should Try This Easy Cabbage Rolls Recipe

Cabbage rolls may seem like an elaborate dish, but this recipe simplifies the process, making it approachable even for beginners. There are several reasons why this dish should be part of your regular meal rotation:

1. Nutritious and Hearty: Packed with protein from the beef and fiber from the rice and cabbage, this dish is a wholesome meal that satisfies without being too heavy.
2. Customizable: You can easily modify this recipe to fit your dietary preferences or ingredient availability. Swap the ground beef for pork, turkey, or a plant-based alternative to make it vegetarian. The rice can also be switched out for quinoa or cauliflower rice if you’re looking for a gluten-free or low-carb version.
3. Meal Prep Friendly: Cabbage rolls freeze well, so you can make a big batch and store them for future meals. They also reheat beautifully, making them a convenient choice for busy weeknights.
4. Impressive Presentation: Despite the simplicity of the ingredients, cabbage rolls look impressive when served. The neatly rolled cabbage leaves, filled with savory goodness and smothered in tomato sauce, make for an eye-catching dish that your family or guests will love.

Tips for Making Perfect Cabbage Rolls

To ensure that your cabbage rolls turn out perfectly every time, here are some tips and tricks that will help you along the way:

1. Choosing the Right Cabbage: When making cabbage rolls, you want a cabbage with soft, large leaves that are easy to roll. Savoy cabbage is a great option because it has a more delicate texture, but a traditional green cabbage works just as well.
2. Blanching the Cabbage Leaves: Blanching the cabbage helps soften the leaves, making them pliable and easy to roll. Be sure not to overcook the leaves; 2-3 minutes in boiling water is usually enough. Once they’re soft enough to roll, transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and keep them from becoming too soft.
3. Preparing the Filling: The filling for cabbage rolls should be well-seasoned. Ground beef or pork combined with cooked rice and flavored with garlic, onion, and paprika is a traditional choice, but feel free to add extra spices or herbs like thyme, dill, or parsley to suit your taste.
4. Rolling Technique: To roll the cabbage leaves, place the filling at the base of each leaf, fold in the sides, and roll it up tightly like you would a burrito. The tighter you roll, the better the filling will stay in place during cooking.
5. Cooking in Sauce: The tomato sauce is what gives the cabbage rolls their rich, savory flavor. Simmering the rolls in a tomato-based sauce also ensures that the cabbage stays tender and juicy. Be sure to cover the rolls completely with the sauce before baking to prevent them from drying out.

Serving Suggestions for Easy Cabbage Rolls

These cabbage rolls are a complete meal on their own, but you can pair them with a few simple side dishes to round out your dinner. Here are some ideas:

• Mashed Potatoes: The creamy texture of mashed potatoes complements the tender cabbage rolls and soaks up the tomato sauce beautifully.
• Crusty Bread: Serve with a slice of warm, crusty bread to mop up any extra sauce from your plate.
• Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps balance out the richness of the dish.
• Sour Cream: Many people enjoy serving cabbage rolls with a dollop of sour cream on the side for an extra layer of flavor and creaminess.

Variations and Customizations

One of the best things about cabbage rolls is their versatility. Here are a few variations you can try to make this recipe your own:

• Vegetarian Cabbage Rolls: Skip the meat and fill the cabbage leaves with a mixture of rice, lentils, and sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, and zucchini.
• Low-Carb Cabbage Rolls: Replace the rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
• Spicy Cabbage Rolls: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced chili peppers to the filling and sauce for a spicy kick.
• Middle Eastern-Style Cabbage Rolls: Try using lamb instead of beef and seasoning the filling with cinnamon, cumin, and mint for a Middle Eastern twist.

Storing and Freezing

Cabbage rolls are an excellent meal for leftovers, and they store well in both the refrigerator and freezer. To store in the fridge, simply transfer the rolls to an airtight container and keep them for up to 3 days. To freeze, place the rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag and store for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven.

Conclusion:

If you’re looking for a delicious, comforting meal that’s also easy to prepare, these Easy Cabbage Rolls are a perfect choice. With their savory filling and rich tomato sauce, they’re sure to become a family favorite. Plus, the fact that they can be made in advance and stored for later makes them a convenient option for busy households. Whether you’re new to cooking or an experienced home chef, you’ll love the simplicity and versatility of this recipe.