Name: Stuffed Cabbages Rolls: 7 Comforting Family Favorites
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: Eastern European
Ingredients: 1 large head of cabbage; 1 lb ground beef; 1 cup cooked rice; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce; 2 cups water; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp pepper; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp dried thyme

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Oh, let me tell you about the magic of stuffed cabbage rolls! There’s something so comforting about biting into those tender cabbage leaves, wrapped around a savory blend of seasoned meat and rice. It reminds me of family gatherings where my grandmother would whip up a big batch, filling the house with the most delightful aroma. Honestly, her recipe for stuffed cabbage rolls has become a cherished tradition in our family. Whenever I make them, I can’t help but feel nostalgic and grateful for those special moments around the dinner table. Trust me, you’re going to love making these!

Ingredients for Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious stuffed cabbage rolls:

1 large head of cabbage (the star of the show!)
1 lb ground beef (I love using a mix of beef and pork for extra flavor!)
1 cup cooked rice (make it fluffy and perfect before mixing)
1 onion, chopped (adds that lovely sweetness)
2 cloves garlic, minced (because garlic makes everything better!)
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce (for that tangy kick)
2 cups water (just enough to keep things moist)
1 tsp salt (to enhance all those flavors)
1/2 tsp pepper (for a little zing)
1 tsp paprika (adds a beautiful color and flavor)
1 tsp dried thyme (a hint of earthiness)

Make sure you prep everything before starting, and you’ll be on your way to a warm, comforting meal in no time!

How to Prepare Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Now, let’s dive into making these delicious stuffed cabbage rolls! You’ll see, with a little bit of time and care, you’ll have a comforting meal that’s sure to impress.

Preheat the Oven

First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it helps your cabbage rolls cook evenly and thoroughly. Trust me, you don’t want any half-baked rolls!

Blanch the Cabbage Leaves

Next, carefully remove the leaves from your cabbage head. Blanch them in boiling water for about 2-3 minutes until they’re soft and pliable. This step is key for rolling them without tearing. Just be careful when handling the hot leaves; they can be tricky!

Prepare the Filling

In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. This is where the magic happens! Make sure to season well—taste as you go if you can. You want those flavors to pop!

Assemble the Rolls

Now, it’s time to roll! Take a blanched cabbage leaf and place a generous spoonful of the meat mixture at the base. Fold the sides over the filling and roll it up tightly, like a burrito. Make sure it’s sealed well to keep all that deliciousness inside!

Baking Instructions

In a deep baking dish, spread a layer of tomato sauce on the bottom. Arrange your cabbage rolls seam side down in the dish, then pour the remaining sauce and water over them. Cover the dish with foil and pop it in the oven for 1 hour. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes to get a nice, bubbly top!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to comfort food like stuffed cabbage rolls, you might be curious about the nutritional content. Here’s an estimated breakdown per roll: around 250 calories, 10g of fat, 15g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind, these values can vary based on your specific ingredients and portions!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Deliciously comforting and perfect for family dinners
Packed with a flavorful blend of seasoned meat and rice
Easy to make, even for kitchen beginners
Great for meal prep and leftovers
Customizable with your favorite spices or fillings
A true crowd-pleaser that brings everyone to the table

Tips for Success with Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

To really nail those stuffed cabbage rolls, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t rush the blanching process—soft leaves are key to easy rolling. If you’re not a fan of beef, try using ground turkey or even a veggie mix for a lighter option. And for extra flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture. Lastly, let them sit for a few minutes after baking—they’ll be easier to serve and taste even better!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

If you have any leftover stuffed cabbage rolls (which is rare but can happen!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for a quick warm-up or place them in a baking dish covered with foil and heat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20 minutes. This keeps them moist and flavorful—just like fresh out of the oven!

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving your stuffed cabbage rolls, I love pairing them with a dollop of sour cream on top—it’s a game changer! You can also serve them alongside a fresh green salad or some crusty bread to soak up that delicious tomato sauce. A side of pickled beets adds a nice tang, too!

stuffed cabbages rolls - detail 1

Stuffed Cabbages Rolls: 7 Comforting Family Favorites

Author: Julia marin
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Stuffed cabbage rolls filled with seasoned meat and rice, baked in a tangy tomato sauce.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Carefully remove cabbage leaves and blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until soft.
In a bowl, mix ground beef, cooked rice, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
Place a spoonful of the meat mixture on each cabbage leaf and roll tightly.
In a baking dish, spread some tomato sauce at the bottom.
Arrange the cabbage rolls seam side down in the dish.
Pour remaining tomato sauce and water over the rolls.
Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour.
Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes.