Easy Homemade Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe: A Cozy Family Favorite

Stuffed cabbage rolls represent a classic comfort food that transcends cultural boundaries.

European kitchens have long cherished these delicate parcels filled with savory ingredients.

Carefully wrapped leaves conceal a symphony of flavors waiting to unfold.

Generations of home cooks have perfected the art of crafting these delectable bundles.

Soft, tender cabbage embraces a robust mixture of proteins and grains, creating a harmonious blend.

Each bite promises a delightful journey through traditional culinary techniques.

Your taste buds will crave the warmth and richness of this timeless dish.

What You’ll Need for These Stuffed Savory Bundles

• Cabbage: A hearty vegetable that forms the wrapper for the rolls, providing a tender and nutritious exterior. Choose a fresh, green cabbage with firm leaves.
• Minced Meat: The primary protein component that creates a rich and flavorful filling. Select ground beef or a mix of beef and pork for best results.
• Rice: A binding ingredient that adds texture and helps hold the filling together. Use medium-grain white rice for optimal consistency.
• Onions: Adds sweetness and depth to the meat filling. Fresh, sharp-flavored onions work best when grated finely.
• Salt, Pepper, Coriander: Essential spices that enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish. Use freshly ground black pepper and ground coriander for maximum taste.
• Quince: A unique fruit that adds a subtle sweetness and fragrance to the dish. Choose ripe, slightly soft quince for best flavor.
• Tomato Sauce: Provides moisture and a rich, tangy base for simmering the cabbage rolls. Use a good-quality, smooth tomato sauce.

What Makes These Rolls Pure Old-School Comfort

• Savor Comfort in Every Bite: These cabbage rolls deliver a warm, hearty meal that wraps traditional flavors into a single, cozy package perfect for family dinners.
• Master Effortless Culinary Technique: The recipe offers a simple rolling method that transforms basic ingredients into an impressive dish, making even novice cooks feel like kitchen professionals.
• Nutritionally Balanced Delight: Packed with lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and vegetables, these rolls provide a well-rounded meal that satisfies hunger while supporting healthy eating goals.
• Transform Humble Ingredients: By using affordable cabbage and ground meat, this recipe proves you can create an elegant, restaurant-worthy dish without breaking the bank or requiring sophisticated cooking skills.

How to Roll, Simmer, and Savor Every Bite

Step 1: Prepare Cabbage Leaves

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Carefully submerge the whole cabbage head and cook for 10-15 minutes, gently turning occasionally. The leaves should become soft and easily separable. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 2: Create Flavorful Filling

• Ground meat
• Grated onions
• Uncooked rice
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Coriander

Mix ingredients thoroughly until well blended.

Step 3: Separate and Trim Cabbage Leaves

Gently peel off each cabbage leaf after cooling. Trim thick stems at the base to make rolling easier.

Step 4: Form Cabbage Rolls

Place a portion of meat mixture in the center of each leaf. Fold sides inward, then roll tightly from top to bottom. Repeat until all leaves are filled.

Step 5: Arrange Rolls in Cooking Pot

Place a heavy plate or lid at the bottom of a large pot. Arrange stuffed cabbage rolls snugly next to each other.

Step 6: Add Flavor Enhancers

Layer quince slices evenly across the rolls. Pour tomato sauce to completely cover the rolls.

Step 7: Slow Cook the Rolls

Cover the pot with a lid. Bring to a medium heat until simmering, then reduce temperature. Gently cook for 1-2 hours, ensuring both cabbage and filling are thoroughly cooked.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Check doneness by piercing cabbage leaves – they should feel tender. Serve warm with extra tomato sauce drizzled on top.

Tips for Rolls That Don’t Fall Apart

• Choose Fresh Cabbage: Select large, unblemished cabbage heads with flexible leaves that will wrap easily without tearing during preparation.
• Soften Leaves Perfectly: Avoid overcooking cabbage by monitoring water temperature and leaf texture to prevent leaves from becoming mushy or falling apart.
• Balance Meat Mixture: Mix ground meat thoroughly with rice and seasonings, ensuring even distribution of flavors throughout each roll.
• Roll Tightly: Create compact rolls by tucking in sides and rolling firmly to prevent filling from escaping during cooking.
• Layer Strategically: Arrange rolls snugly in the pot with a plate underneath to prevent movement and ensure even cooking, allowing sauce to penetrate each roll completely.

Save and Reheat Without Losing That Homey Taste

• Refrigeration: Pack cooled stuffed cabbage rolls in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain texture.
• Freezing: Wrap individual rolls in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen stuffed cabbage rolls will keep well for 2-3 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Reheating: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results. Warm rolls gently in a covered skillet with a splash of tomato sauce over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.

What to Serve with These Hearty Cabbage Wraps

• Savor with Red Wine Harmony: Pair these hearty cabbage rolls with a robust red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, which perfectly complements the rich meat filling and cuts through the tomato sauce's acidity.
• Create a Fresh Salad Companion: Serve alongside a crisp cucumber and dill salad dressed with light vinaigrette to balance the rolls' dense and savory profile, adding a refreshing contrast to the warm dish.
• Enhance with Tangy Yogurt Sauce: Prepare a quick side of Greek yogurt mixed with chopped garlic and fresh herbs like parsley or mint, which provides a cool, creamy counterpoint to the spiced meat and tomato sauce.
• Match with Hearty Bread Sidekick: Include a slice of crusty sourdough or rye bread to soak up the delicious tomato sauce and complete the meal with a satisfying texture and additional comfort.

Filling Variations for a Fresh Spin on Tradition

• Vegetarian Cabbage Rolls: Swap minced meat with crumbled tofu, lentils, or quinoa mixed with mushrooms for a protein-packed plant-based alternative that delivers rich, satisfying flavors.
• Spicy Mediterranean Rolls: Incorporate feta cheese, chopped olives, and red pepper flakes into the filling, then top with a zesty Greek-style tomato sauce for a Mediterranean-inspired variation.
• Asian-Inspired Cabbage Rolls: Replace traditional seasonings with ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil, then garnish with green onions and serve alongside a sweet chili dipping sauce for an exciting east Asian flavor profile.
• Stuffed Cabbage Casserole: Deconstruct the traditional roll by chopping cabbage leaves and layering them with the meat mixture in a baking dish, creating a simplified one-pan meal that's easier to prepare and just as delicious.

Stuffed Cabbages Rolls Recipe

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• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Polish cabbage rolls reveal hearty comfort from Eastern European kitchens, nestling savory ground meat and rice within tender cabbage leaves. Rich tomato sauce bathes these delectable parcels, inviting you to savor generations of culinary tradition on your plate.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds ground meat (beef, pork, or a mix)
• 1 head of cabbage
• 1 cup uncooked rice

Vegetables and Fruits:

• 2 grated onions
• 1 quince (peeled and sliced)

Seasonings and Sauce:

• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)
• Coriander (to taste)
• Tomato sauce (enough to cover the rolls)

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Instructions

1. In a large pot, bring water to a vigorous boil. Submerge the whole cabbage head and cook for 10-15 minutes, rotating periodically until leaves become pliable and easily detachable. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
2. Combine ground meat, finely chopped onions, uncooked rice, salt, ground black pepper, and crushed coriander in a mixing bowl. Thoroughly blend ingredients until uniformly mixed.
3. Gently separate each cabbage leaf, carefully trimming the thick central stem to facilitate easier rolling.
4. Allocate approximately 2-of meat mixture onto the center of each leaf. Fold the sides inward, then roll tightly from bottom to top, creating compact cylindrical parcels.
5. Prepare a spacious cooking pot by placing a heat-resistant plate or heavy ceramic dish at the bottom to prevent rolls from sticking or breaking during cooking.
6. Arrange rolled cabbage parcels snugly in the pot, positioning quince slices strategically between layers. Pour tomato sauce generously, ensuring complete coverage of the rolls.
7. Secure the pot lid and bring contents to a medium simmer. Reduce heat and allow gentle cooking for 1.5-2 hours, periodically checking liquid levels and tenderness.
8. Verify doneness by piercing cabbage rolls – leaves should feel tender and filling completely cooked. Serve immediately, garnishing with additional warm tomato sauce and optional fresh herbs.

Notes

• Cabbage leaves are the secret weapon for creating tender, flavorful rolls that melt in your mouth.
• Trimming thick stems ensures easier rolling and prevents tough, chewy bites.
• Mixing meat with rice and spices creates a harmonious filling that bursts with traditional flavors.
• Layering rolls with quince adds a subtle sweetness that elevates the entire dish.
• Gentle simmering transforms simple ingredients into a comforting, hearty meal that tells a story of home cooking.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Boiling, Simmering
• Cuisine: Eastern European

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 345 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg