Old-fashioned cabbage rolls, also known as stuffed cabbage rolls, are a classic comfort food dish enjoyed by many. This recipe features tender cabbage leaves stuffed with a flavorful mixture of ground beef, cooked rice, herbs, and spices, all simmered in a rich tomato sauce. Baked until tender and delicious, these cabbage rolls are sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or planning a special meal, these hearty cabbage rolls are the perfect choice.

Why You’ll Love Old-Fashioned Cabbage Rolls:

Here are some reasons why you’ll love these old-fashioned cabbage rolls:

Classic Comfort Food: This recipe offers a nostalgic taste of home-cooked comfort food that’s perfect for any occasion.
Hearty and Filling: Packed with a savory mixture of ground beef and rice, these cabbage rolls are satisfying and filling.
Versatile: You can customize the filling with your favorite herbs and spices or adjust the ingredients to suit your dietary preferences.
Make-Ahead Option: These cabbage rolls can be assembled ahead of time and baked when ready to serve, making them ideal for meal prep or entertaining.
Freezer-Friendly: These cabbage rolls freeze well, allowing you to make a batch ahead of time and enjoy them later for a quick and convenient meal.

Ingredients Overview:

Cabbage: A medium head of green cabbage is used to create the tender cabbage leaves for rolling. The remaining cabbage is layered in the baking dish for added flavor and texture.
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is combined with cooked rice, onions, garlic, herbs, and spices to create a flavorful filling for the cabbage rolls.
Cooked Rice: Long-grain rice, such as white or brown rice, adds texture and bulk to the filling mixture. Be sure to cook the rice according to the package instructions before adding it to the filling.
Tomato Sauce: Canned tomato sauce is used as the base for the rich and tangy sauce that coats the cabbage rolls. Additional tomato sauce is combined with cabbage water to create the sauce for baking.
Herbs and Spices: A combination of Worcestershire sauce, parsley, salt, black pepper, dried dill, onion powder, and red chili flakes (optional) adds depth of flavor to the filling mixture.
Egg: A large egg helps bind the filling ingredients together, adding moisture and structure to the cabbage rolls.

Instructions:

Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, minced onion, chopped parsley, minced garlic, salt, pepper, dried dill, onion powder, red chili flakes (if using), and ½ cup of tomato sauce. Mix until well combined and set aside.
Prepare the Cabbage: Boil a large pot of water and blanch the cabbage leaves until they are soft and pliable. Remove the leaves and carefully cut out the core from each leaf.
Assemble the Cabbage Rolls: Place a cabbage leaf on a flat surface and add a portion of the filling mixture to the center of the leaf. Roll up the leaf, folding in the sides as you go, to create a neat roll. Repeat with the remaining cabbage leaves and filling mixture.
Layer the Baking Dish: Line the bottom of a deep baking dish with some cabbage leaves. Arrange the cabbage rolls in the dish, seam side down, and top with additional cabbage leaves.
Prepare the Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix the remaining tomato sauce with ½ cup of the cabbage water. Pour the sauce over the cabbage rolls, ensuring they are fully covered.
Bake the Cabbage Rolls: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven for 2 hours and 15 minutes to 2 hours and 30 minutes, or until the cabbage rolls are cooked through and tender.
Serve: Once done, carefully remove the foil covering, discard the top cabbage leaves, and allow the cabbage rolls to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh dill, if desired, and enjoy!

Recipe Notes and Tips:

To save time, you can prepare the filling mixture and blanch the cabbage leaves in advance. Store the filling mixture in the refrigerator and the blanched cabbage leaves in an airtight container until ready to assemble the cabbage rolls.
Leftover cabbage rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 to 4 days. Reheat before serving.
Feel free to customize the filling mixture with your favorite ingredients, such as cooked quinoa, lentils, or ground turkey, for variety.

Conclusion:

Old-fashioned cabbage rolls are a timeless and comforting dish that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends. With tender cabbage leaves enveloping a savory filling and simmered in a rich tomato sauce, these cabbage rolls are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Whether served as a cozy weeknight dinner or as part of a holiday feast, these hearty and satisfying cabbage rolls are bound to become a new family favorite. Enjoy!

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