Hearty Homemade Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe for Family Meals

Tender cabbage leaves cradle a hearty filling of savory stuffed cabbage rolls that dance with Eastern European comfort.

Polish immigrants brought this delectable tradition across oceans, sharing warmth through each carefully wrapped parcel.

Generations have treasured these delightful bundles packed with rich ground meat and fragrant rice.

The aroma wafting from the kitchen promises a deeply satisfying meal that connects us to cherished culinary heritage.

Soft cabbage leaves embrace a flavorful mixture that tells stories of home and tradition.

Each roll represents a perfect balance of textures and flavors, promising a memorable dining experience.

Dive into this classic recipe and let your taste buds travel through generations of loving home cooking.

How To Cook Stuffed Cabbages Rolls

• Cabbage Leaf Preparation

Remove the cabbage core and prepare for softening by boiling water in a large pot. Gently submerge the entire cabbage head into the rolling boil for about 12 minutes.

• Leaf Separation

Carefully peel away the softened outer leaves, working methodically around the cabbage. Continue removing leaves until you have a collection of flexible, pliable wrappers ready for filling.

• Leaf Refinement

Delicately trim the thick stem portion at the base of each leaf, creating smooth, easy-to-roll surfaces that will hold your delicious filling securely.

• Filling Creation

Combine ground meat with aromatic herbs, finely chopped onions, and your favorite seasonings. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors throughout the filling.

• Rolling Technique

Place a small portion of the prepared filling near the stem end of each cabbage leaf. Fold the sides inward and roll tightly, creating neat and compact parcels that will hold together during cooking.

• Cooking Process

Arrange the rolled cabbage bundles in a large baking dish or pot. Pour a flavorful tomato-based sauce over the rolls, ensuring they are mostly covered. Bake or simmer until the meat is completely cooked and the cabbage is tender.

• Serving

Allow the stuffed cabbage rolls to rest for a few minutes after cooking. Plate with a generous spoonful of the accompanying sauce and garnish with fresh herbs for an extra touch of brightness.

Tips For Juicy Stuffed Cabbages Rolls

• Cabbage Leaf Separation Pro: Gently separate leaves by pulling them away from the boiled cabbage head, ensuring they remain intact and don't tear during the process.
• Roll-Friendly Technique: Use a sharp knife to carefully trim the thick stem at the base of each leaf, creating a more flexible surface that rolls smoothly without breaking.
• Freezer-Friendly Prep: These stuffed cabbage rolls can be prepared ahead and frozen for up to 3 months, making them a convenient make-ahead meal for busy weeknights or meal prep.
• Dietary Adaptations: Swap ground meat with plant-based alternatives like lentils, quinoa, or meat substitutes for vegetarian versions, and use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Flavor Boosting Hack: Experiment with different herbs and spices in the filling, such as smoked paprika, fresh dill, or ground cumin, to customize the rolls and add exciting regional variations to the classic recipe.

Serving Suggestions For Stuffed Cabbages Rolls

• Elegant Plating Paradise: Arrange rolls in a circular pattern on a white ceramic plate, garnishing with fresh parsley sprigs for a restaurant-quality presentation.
• Hearty Side Companion: Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes or buttery rice pilaf to complement the rich, savory cabbage rolls and create a satisfying complete meal.
• Flavor Boosting Finale: Top each roll with a dollop of tangy sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh dill to enhance the dish's taste profile and add a delightful creamy or herbal touch.
• Texture Contrast Delight: Pair with a crisp green salad featuring cucumber and vinaigrette to provide a refreshing counterpoint to the warm, hearty cabbage rolls.

Storage Advice For Stuffed Cabbages Rolls

• Leaf Separation Strategy: Gently peel cabbage leaves after boiling to prevent tearing, ensuring each leaf remains intact for perfect rolling and stuffing.
• Refrigeration Magic: Store prepared rolls in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days, keeping them fresh and maintaining their delicious flavor profile.
• Freezing Technique: Wrap individual rolls in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags for long-term storage up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Meal Prep Hack: Prepare rolls in advance and keep them chilled, allowing flavors to meld and intensify. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave for a quick, delectable meal that tastes even better the next day.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 3

What Goes In Stuffed Cabbages Rolls

• Cabbage: Sturdy and flexible leaves that create delicate rolls, choose fresh heads with crisp, vibrant green outer layers and minimal blemishes.

• Ground Beef, Ground Pork: Rich, flavor-packed meats that provide hearty protein and create a satisfying texture in the rolls.
• Rice: Fluffy grain that binds the filling together and adds comforting bulk to the rolls.

• Onion: Aromatic vegetable that introduces sweet depth and helps keep the filling moist.
• Garlic: Pungent herb that infuses the filling with robust, warm flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the meat's natural taste.
• Tomato Sauce: Tangy liquid that adds moisture and creates a luscious coating for the rolls.
• Eggs: Binding agent that helps hold the filling ingredients together and provides subtle richness.

Tools For Making Stuffed Cabbages Rolls

• Large pot: Perfect for boiling water and softening cabbage leaves.
• Sharp knife: Essential for trimming cabbage leaf stems and core removal.
• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for preparing cabbage and trimming leaves.
• Tongs: Helpful for safely handling hot cabbage leaves and removing them from boiling water.
• Colander: Useful for draining softened cabbage leaves after boiling.

Hearty Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe

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• Total Time: 2 hours
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Delightful Polish Gołąbki stuffed cabbage rolls bring hearty comfort to dinner tables across Poland. Tender cabbage leaves wrap savory meat and rice, delivering classic Eastern European flavors that connect generations of home cooks.

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Ingredients

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• 1 large head of green cabbage
• 500 grams (1 lb) ground beef or mixed beef and pork
• 1 cup cooked white rice
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
• 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp sugar (optional)
• ½ tsp dried thyme or oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Cabbage Preparation: Boil a large stockpot of water and remove the cabbage’s core with a sharp knife. Immerse the entire cabbage head in the bubbling water, gently separating and extracting softened leaves until 12-15 translucent wrappings are obtained.
2. Leaf Refinement: Carefully trim the sturdy stem base of each leaf to create a smooth, pliable surface perfect for rolling. Lay the leaves on a clean kitchen towel, allowing them to cool and flatten naturally.
3. Filling Composition: Combine ground meat, rice, finely chopped onions, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and herbs in a mixing bowl. Blend ingredients thoroughly, ensuring an even distribution of flavors throughout the mixture.
4. Rolling Technique: Place a modest portion of the meat mixture near the stem end of each cabbage leaf. Fold the sides inward, then roll from the bottom up, creating a neat, compact parcel that securely encases the filling.
5. Cooking Arrangement: Arrange the stuffed cabbage rolls serenely in a large baking dish or Dutch oven. Pour a rich tomato sauce over the rolls, ensuring they are generously coated and nestled closely together.
6. Culinary Transformation: Cover the dish with a tight-fitting lid and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 1 hour. The rolls should emerge tender, with the sauce bubbling and the filling cooked to perfection.
7. Serving Presentation: Allow the cabbage rolls to rest for 10 minutes after removing from the oven. Carefully transfer to serving plates, drizzling additional sauce over the top and garnishing with fresh herbs for a vibrant finish.

Notes

• Prevent Leaf Tearing: Handle cabbage leaves gently during separation to avoid ripping, ensuring each leaf remains intact for perfect rolling.
• Master Leaf Preparation: Blanch cabbage leaves just until pliable – overcooking makes them fragile and prone to breaking during stuffing.
• Trim Strategically: Remove thick stem bases carefully without puncturing the leaf, creating a smooth surface that allows easier wrapping and uniform rolling.
• Control Moisture Levels: Pat leaves thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess water, preventing soggy rolls and maintaining ideal texture during cooking.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Eastern European

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg