Ah, *old fashioned stuffed cabbage rolls*! Just saying it brings back a flood of memories from my childhood. I remember my grandmother in the kitchen, her apron dusted with flour, carefully rolling those tender cabbage leaves around a savory filling. There’s something so comforting about these rolls—they’re like a warm hug on a chilly day. The aroma that fills your home while they bake is simply irresistible! Whenever I make them, I’m transported back to family gatherings, laughter, and love. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll understand why this dish is a timeless classic in my heart.
Ingredients List
- 1 large head of cabbage
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 cup water
How to Prepare *Old Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls*
Get ready to dive into the comforting world of *old fashioned stuffed cabbage rolls*! The process may seem a bit involved, but trust me, it’s so worth it! Let’s break it down step by step, so you can follow along easily. You’ll be savoring these delicious rolls in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). I always find this step sets the mood for the whole cooking experience!
- Next, grab that large head of cabbage and carefully place it in a big pot of boiling water. Let it boil for about 5 minutes. This helps the leaves soften up, making them easier to roll. Keep an eye on it—nobody wants mushy cabbage!
- While the cabbage is boiling, let’s whip up the filling. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix it all together with your hands or a spoon until it’s well combined. The aroma will start to wake up your senses—yum!
- Now, it’s time to make those rolls! Take a cabbage leaf and lay it flat on your work surface. Spoon a generous amount of the filling at the base of the leaf (about 2-3 tablespoons should do it). Roll the leaf tightly, tucking in the sides as you go. This will keep all that savory goodness inside.
- Place the rolled cabbage seam-side down in a baking dish. Repeat this until you’ve used up all your filling and cabbage leaves. It’s like a little assembly line of comfort food!
- Once your rolls are lined up in the dish, pour the tomato sauce and water evenly over the top. This will keep everything moist and flavorful as they bake. I like to give it a gentle shake to make sure the sauce gets into all the nooks and crannies.
- Cover the dish tightly with foil and pop it in the oven to bake for 1 hour. After that, remove the foil and let them bake for an additional 15 minutes. This step gives them a lovely, slightly caramelized finish that you won’t be able to resist!
And there you have it! Once they’re out of the oven, let them rest for a few minutes. The anticipation will make that first bite even more delightful!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to comfort food like *old fashioned stuffed cabbage rolls*, knowing the nutritional information can help you enjoy them guilt-free! Here’s a breakdown of the typical values per serving, which is one roll. Keep in mind these are estimates based on common ingredients, so your results may vary slightly depending on what you use.
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 15g
These rolls are not just delicious, but they also provide a good balance of protein and carbs, making them a fulfilling meal option. Enjoy knowing you’re treating yourself to something both tasty and satisfying!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a comforting classic that brings back warm memories with every bite.
- Quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
- Simple ingredients come together to create a flavor-packed dish that everyone will love.
- Healthy and satisfying, these rolls are a great source of protein and fiber.
- They freeze well, so you can always have a tasty meal on hand for those last-minute cravings.
- Customizable to your taste—feel free to swap in your favorite meats or add veggies!
Tips for Success
To ensure your *old fashioned stuffed cabbage rolls* turn out perfectly, here are some of my favorite tips! First, use fresh cabbage—look for one that’s heavy and firm for the best leaves. If you’re short on time, you can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or even a mix of meats for a unique flavor. Don’t skimp on the seasoning—this is where the magic happens! Also, when rolling the leaves, make sure to tuck in the sides tightly to avoid any filling peeking out during baking. Lastly, if you have leftover filling, just toss it in the baking dish alongside the rolls—it’ll soak up all that delicious sauce!
Variations on *Old Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls*
There are so many fun ways to switch up your *old fashioned stuffed cabbage rolls*! If you’re feeling adventurous, try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option. For a flavor twist, add some Italian sausage to your ground meat mix. You can also sneak in some finely chopped vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms into the filling for added nutrition and texture. Want a little kick? Toss in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce! And don’t forget, you can use different sauces too—think a zesty marinara or even a creamy sauce for a fresh take. The possibilities are endless!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your *old fashioned stuffed cabbage rolls* is super easy! Just let them cool completely, then transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days. If you want to save them for later, you can freeze the rolls before or after cooking. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then pop them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw in the fridge overnight. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. This way, they’ll stay nice and moist! Yum!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat in these *old fashioned stuffed cabbage rolls*?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even pork work wonderfully. Just remember that each type of meat brings its own flavor, so feel free to experiment!
What if I can’t find fresh cabbage?
No worries! You can use frozen cabbage leaves instead. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before using. They might not be as firm, but they’ll still taste great!
How do I store leftovers of *old fashioned stuffed cabbage rolls*?
Let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just wrap tightly and pop them in the freezer!
Can I prepare these rolls ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble the rolls a day in advance and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just add a little extra cooking time if they’re cold from the fridge. It’ll save you time on busy days!
What’s the best way to reheat *old fashioned stuffed cabbage rolls*?
The best way is to place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes. This keeps them moist and delicious, just like when they were fresh out of the oven!
Learn more about stuffed cabbage rolls
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Old Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls That Bring Comfort Home
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A classic dish featuring cabbage leaves stuffed with a savory filling.
Ingredients
- 1 large head of cabbage
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Boil the cabbage head for about 5 minutes to soften the leaves.
- In a bowl, mix ground beef, cooked rice, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Take a cabbage leaf and place a spoonful of the filling at the base.
- Roll the leaf tightly, tucking in the sides.
- Place the rolls seam-side down in a baking dish.
- Pour tomato sauce and water over the rolls.
- Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
Notes
- Use fresh cabbage for best results.
- Feel free to substitute ground beef with turkey or pork.
- These rolls freeze well for later use.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Eastern European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: stuffed cabbage rolls, old fashioned cabbage rolls, comfort food
