Grandma’s Magic: Traditional Cabbage Rolls Recipe Reimagined

Savory and comforting, these delightful traditional cabbage rolls dance with rich flavors that transport you straight to Eastern European kitchens.

Generations have perfected this hearty dish passed down through tender family memories.

Soft cabbage leaves carefully wrap seasoned ground meat and rice in a delectable embrace of culinary tradition.

Each roll brims with a perfect balance of herbs and spices that warm the soul.

The slow-simmered tomato sauce adds depth and complexity to every delectable bite.

Tender, juicy, and packed with generations of love, these cabbage rolls promise a meal that connects you to cherished cultural roots.

Prepare to savor every mouthwatering moment of this classic comfort food.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 55 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 6

Traditional Cabbage Roll Ingredient Guide

• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Adds rich, smooth base flavor and helps sauté aromatics beautifully.
• Onion: Provides sweet, deep undertones that create robust sauce complexity.
• Garlic: Delivers powerful, zesty punch and aromatic depth to sauce layers.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrates tangy tomato essence and thickens sauce texture.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Creates silky, vibrant sauce foundation with bright Mediterranean character.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Introduces subtle sweet-tart brightness and complex depth.
• Brown Sugar: Balances acidity, rounds out sauce with gentle caramel sweetness.
• Dried Oregano: Infuses classic herbal Mediterranean warmth and traditional aroma.
• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Elevates and harmonizes overall sauce flavor profile.

• Ground Beef: Delivers hearty protein core with rich, satisfying meaty essence.
• White Rice: Provides tender binding element and gentle textural contrast.
• Italian Bread Crumbs: Creates light, crispy internal structure and absorbs moisture.
• Onion: Adds sweet, aromatic undertones throughout meat mixture.
• Fresh Parsley: Introduces bright, fresh green herbal notes and visual appeal.
• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Enhances and sharpens filling's natural flavors.

• Cabbage Leaves: Serves as delicate, nutritious natural packaging for savory filling.

Tools for Making Classic Cabbage Rolls

• Large skillet: Perfect for sautéing onions and creating a rich tomato sauce.
• Baking dish: Ideal for assembling and baking cabbage rolls evenly.
• Large pot: Essential for blanching cabbage leaves and boiling water.
• Mixing bowl: Great for combining meat, rice, and other filling ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Needed for cutting cabbage ribs and chopping herbs.
• Wooden spoon: Helps in stirring sauce and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring cups: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.

Rolling Up Traditional Cabbage Rolls Step-by-Step

• Sauce Preparation Ground Work

Create a rich, hearty tomato sauce by sautéing aromatic onions until golden and translucent. Blend in robust tomato paste, minced garlic, and crushed tomatoes, allowing the mixture to simmer and develop deep, complex flavors.

• Cabbage Leaf Transformation

Gently separate whole cabbage leaves, carefully removing tough center ribs. Blanch the delicate leaves in boiling water until they become pliable and flexible, perfect for wrapping.

• Savory Filling Creation

Mix ground beef with cooked rice, finely chopped onions, fresh parsley, and breadcrumbs. Season the mixture with subtle spices to create a mouthwatering blend that will make taste buds dance.

• Rolling and Assembly

Lovingly spoon the seasoned meat mixture onto each cabbage leaf. Fold and roll each leaf into neat, compact parcels, tucking in the edges to seal the delicious filling inside.

• Baking Magic

Arrange the cabbage rolls in a cozy baking dish, nestling them close together. Pour the vibrant tomato sauce over the top, ensuring each roll is generously covered. Cover with foil and let the oven work its transformative magic.

• Final Touch

Remove from the oven after the rolls have baked to tender perfection. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and added freshness. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors of this classic dish.

Flavor-Boosting Ideas for Cabbage Rolls

• Learn to separate cabbage leaves gently by briefly dipping in hot water, making them pliable without tearing.
• Add a splash of red wine or worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture for deeper, richer taste that elevates traditional flavors.
• These cabbage rolls freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Wrap individually in freezer-safe containers to enjoy homemade comfort food anytime.
• Replace ground beef with ground turkey, lamb, or a plant-based alternative for different nutritional profiles and exciting flavor variations.
• Sprinkle red pepper flakes into the tomato sauce or mix paprika into the meat filling to give the classic recipe a delightful warm kick that'll make taste buds dance.

Presentation Tips for Traditional Cabbage Rolls

• Hearty Dinner Centerpiece: Serve these cabbage rolls as the star of your meal, accompanied by crusty bread to soak up the rich tomato sauce.
• Wholesome Side Companions: Pair with creamy mashed potatoes or a light green salad to balance the robust flavors of the meat-filled rolls.
• Crowd-Pleasing Presentation: Arrange rolls on a large platter, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley, and drizzle extra sauce for a stunning family-style serving that'll make everyone's mouth water.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare rolls in advance and refrigerate before baking, perfect for busy weeknights or when entertaining guests who love comforting, traditional dishes.

Keeping Cabbage Rolls Fresh for Reheating

• Smart Fridge Storage: Keep leftover cabbage rolls in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Refrigerate immediately after cooling to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Wrap individual rolls tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, then store in freezer-safe bags. These delicious rolls can stay frozen for 2-3 months without losing taste or texture.
• Reheating Magic: Thaw refrigerated rolls in the microwave or warm them gently in a covered oven dish at 325°F for 15-20 minutes. Add a splash of extra tomato sauce to keep the meat moist and prevent drying.
• Batch Cooking Strategy: Double the recipe and prepare multiple meals in advance. Separate into family-sized portions before storing, which saves time and ensures quick, delicious dinners during busy weekdays.

Hearty Cabbage Rolls Recipe

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4.9 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Polish Gołąbki delivers comforting layers of seasoned ground meat and rice wrapped in tender cabbage leaves. Savory sauce and carefully rolled parcels showcase Eastern European culinary heritage for home cooks who appreciate classic comfort cuisine.

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Ingredients

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• 15 cabbage leaves
• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
• 0.25 cup uncooked white rice
• 0.25 cup Italian bread crumbs
• 0.5 large onion, chopped
• 0.5 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsps fresh chopped parsley, plus more for garnish
• 2 tsps dried oregano
• Kosher salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tbsps extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsps tomato paste
• 1 (28-oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsps balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp brown sugar

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Instructions

1. Sauce Preparation: Sizzle onions in oil until translucent, then incorporate tomato paste, garlic, and crushed tomatoes. Simmer the mixture for 20 minutes to develop a rich, complex flavor profile.
2. Cabbage Leaf Preparation: Blanch whole cabbage leaves in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until pliable. Trim thick central ribs to facilitate smooth rolling.
3. Filling Creation: Blend ground beef, prepared sauce, cooked rice, breadcrumbs, sautéed onions, and fresh parsley in a mixing bowl, creating a harmonious and well-seasoned filling.
4. Rolling Technique: Position each cabbage leaf flat, deposit filling near the stem end, and roll tightly, tucking sides to secure the mixture completely.
5. Baking Setup: Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Nestle rolled cabbage bundles seam-side down in a baking dish, ensuring minimal movement during cooking.
6. Sauce Coating and Baking: Generously drench cabbage rolls with remaining tomato sauce, cover with aluminum foil, and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes until cabbage becomes tender and flavors meld.
7. Finishing Touch: Remove from oven, allow 10-minute resting period, then garnish with fresh parsley and serve piping hot.

Notes

• Optimize Cabbage Leaf Preparation: Blanch leaves carefully to prevent tearing and ensure maximum flexibility for tight, neat rolls.
• Control Meat Mixture Moisture: Use lean ground beef and drain excess fat to prevent soggy, greasy filling that can compromise roll texture.
• Strategic Rolling Technique: Fold sides inward while rolling to create compact bundles that hold together during baking and prevent filling from escaping.
• Sauce Coverage Matters: Ensure complete sauce coverage for even cooking and enhanced flavor absorption throughout the cabbage rolls.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Eastern European

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg