Cabbage rolls are a timeless dish that combines tender cabbage leaves with a flavorful meat filling. This classic comfort food is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, offering a delicious and satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy. The combination of ground beef, rice, and seasonings wrapped in cabbage and cooked to perfection creates a dish that’s both hearty and wholesome.
Ingredients
To make these delicious cabbage rolls, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Cabbage leaves: 16-18 large
- Lean ground beef: 1 1/2 pounds
- White rice, uncooked: 3/4 cup
- Onion, chopped: 3/4 large
- Garlic, minced: 1 clove
- Salt and pepper: 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste
- Tomato soup or tomato sauce: 1/4 can (for filling)
- Garlic powder: to taste
- Onion powder: to taste
- Parsley, crushed: 1 tablespoon
- Worcestershire sauce: 2 tablespoons
- Large egg, lightly beaten: 1
Directions
Follow these simple steps to make your own cabbage rolls:
- Prep the Cabbage: Start by filling a large stockpot with water and bringing it to a boil. Use a paring knife to remove the core from the cabbage. Place the cabbage in the pot with the core side down, and boil on medium-low for 8-10 minutes. Gently pull off the leaves as they become tender and set them aside to drain.
- Make the Filling: While the cabbage is boiling, prepare the filling. In a large bowl, mix together the lean ground beef, uncooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, tomato sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, and the lightly beaten egg. Combine everything until well mixed.
- Assemble the Rolls: Take a cabbage leaf, place a portion of the meat mixture in the center, and roll it up, tucking in the sides as you go. Place the rolls seam side down to keep them secure.
- Cook on the Stove: For the stove-top method, place a layer of tomato sauce in the bottom of a large stockpot. Arrange the cabbage rolls, seam side down, on top of the sauce. Pour V-8 or tomato juice over the rolls, cover the pot, and cook on medium-low heat for about 1 hour, or until the meat is fully cooked.
- Oven Method: If you prefer to bake the cabbage rolls, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 pan with cooking spray and place half of the tomato sauce in the bottom. Arrange the cabbage rolls, seam side down, in the pan and top with the remaining sauce. Cover the pan with foil and bake for 90 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the meat is fully cooked.
Essential Information
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 90 minutes (oven method)
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Calories: 200 kcal per serving
- Servings: 16-18 rolls
Tips for the Best Cabbage Rolls
- For Extra Flavor: Try using a mixture of ground beef and pork in the filling. This combination adds depth of flavor and richness to the dish.
- Serve with Sour Cream: Adding a dollop of sour cream on the side enhances the flavor and adds a creamy texture that complements the cabbage rolls perfectly.
- Keep the Rolls Moist: When cooking, whether on the stove or in the oven, make sure to cover the pot or pan tightly. This helps retain moisture, ensuring the rolls stay tender and juicy.
Conclusion
Cabbage rolls are a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory meat filling, these rolls are satisfying and full of flavor. Whether you cook them on the stove or in the oven, they’re sure to become a family favorite. Serve them with sour cream for an extra touch of richness, and enjoy this classic comfort food at its best.