Old Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Introduction

When it comes to comforting and hearty meals, few dishes can match the nostalgic satisfaction of Old Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls. This beloved recipe is packed with flavorful ground meat, tender cabbage leaves, and a rich tomato sauce that tastes like something straight from Grandma’s kitchen.

These rolls are more than just delicious—they’re also nutritious. Cabbage is high in fiber, vitamins C and K, and low in calories. Curious about cabbage’s many health benefits? Check out this resource from WebMD for a deeper dive into its nutritional profile.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Classic flavor with hearty ingredients
Perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeknights
Freezer-friendly for easy storage and reheating
Customizable with different meats and grains

The tomato sauce, often made with crushed tomatoes or tomato soup, offers a sweet and savory component that ties everything together. If you’re new to homemade tomato sauces, this guide from Serious Eats offers helpful tips.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cabbage Rolls:

1 large head of green cabbage
1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
1/2 cup uncooked rice
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 egg, beaten
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Sauce:

1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (optional for chunkier sauce)
2 tbsp brown sugar
2 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Old Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

1. Prepare the Cabbage

Remove the core from the cabbage head.
Boil the cabbage in a large pot for 10–15 minutes until the outer leaves are tender.
Carefully remove leaves and let them cool.

2. Make the Filling

In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, rice, onion, garlic, egg, salt, and pepper.
Mix until well blended.

3. Assemble the Rolls

Place a scoop of filling in the center of each cabbage leaf.
Fold in the sides and roll tightly, like a burrito.
Repeat with all leaves and filling.

4. Prepare the Sauce

In a bowl, mix the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, brown sugar, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Bake the Cabbage Rolls

Place rolls seam-side down in a baking dish.
Pour the sauce over the top.
Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1.5 hours.
Remove foil for the last 15 minutes to thicken the sauce slightly.

Tips for Success

Don’t overfill the cabbage leaves. A smaller roll is easier to manage and cooks more evenly.
Use parboiled rice to ensure it cooks fully inside the roll.
Freeze extra rolls individually before or after baking for future meals.
Use a toothpick to secure rolls that don’t stay closed well.

Delicious Variations

Mediterranean-Style: Add chopped olives, oregano, and feta cheese to the filling.
Vegetarian Version: Substitute lentils or mushrooms for ground meat.
Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the tomato mixture.
Sweet & Sour: Add raisins and a little extra sugar and vinegar to the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Old Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with:

Mashed potatoes or buttered noodles
Crusty bread for soaking up sauce
Steamed green beans or glazed carrots
A crisp green salad with vinaigrette

Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Wrap individually in foil and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Bake covered at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individually.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use red cabbage instead?

You can, but green cabbage is more pliable and traditional.

2. Do I have to cook the rice first?

Using parboiled or partially cooked rice ensures a tender filling.

3. Can I cook them on the stovetop instead of the oven?

Yes! Simmer in a large pot covered over low heat for about 1.5 hours.

4. What’s the best way to prevent the rolls from falling apart?

Use the larger outer cabbage leaves, and secure with toothpicks if needed.

Final Thoughts

Old Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a classic comfort food that never goes out of style. Whether you’re preparing a cozy family dinner or freezing a batch for easy weeknight meals, these savory rolls are always a hit. The combination of flavorful meat, tangy tomato sauce, and tender cabbage brings a taste of tradition to every bite.

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