Cabbage rolls are a comforting and hearty dish that brings back memories of family gatherings and home-cooked meals. This Old-Fashioned Cabbage Rolls recipe combines savory meat, tender cabbage leaves, and a delicious tomato sauce, making it a perfect dish for any occasion.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 1 large head of cabbage
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ lb ground pork
- ½ cup uncooked rice
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 cup water
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cabbage: Boil the cabbage head in salted water until the leaves are tender, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and let cool.
- Make the Filling: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, uncooked rice, chopped onion, egg, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Roll the Cabbage: Take a cabbage leaf, place about ¼ cup of the meat mixture on it, and roll tightly, tucking in the sides as you go.
- Arrange in Baking Dish: Place the rolls seam-side down in a baking dish.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix together the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, lemon juice, sugar, and water. Pour this mixture over the cabbage rolls.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 1.5 hours. Serve warm and enjoy!
Popular Questions
1. Can I use other meats?
Yes! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. You can also use just one type of meat if preferred.
2. Can I prepare cabbage rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the rolls and place them in the baking dish. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a little extra baking time if cooking from the fridge.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover cabbage rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in the oven or microwave.
4. What can I serve with cabbage rolls?
Cabbage rolls pair well with crusty bread, a fresh green salad, or mashed potatoes.
5. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the meats with lentils or a mixture of beans and rice for a delicious vegetarian option. You may also want to add some chopped vegetables to the filling for added flavor and nutrition.
Tips for Perfect Cabbage Rolls
- Choose the Right Cabbage: Look for a large, firm head of cabbage. Savoy cabbage can also be used for a sweeter flavor.
- Cook the Cabbage Leaves: Make sure the cabbage leaves are tender enough to roll without tearing. If they are too stiff, continue boiling until softened.
- Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overfill the leaves; this will make them harder to roll and could cause them to burst while baking.