Quick & Tasty Traditional Cabbage Rolls Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Traditional cabbage rolls represent a culinary treasure that connects generations through its rich, hearty essence.

Each carefully crafted roll embodies warmth and tradition, blending simple ingredients into a symphony of flavors.

Delicate cabbage leaves embrace a robust mixture that promises deep satisfaction with every bite.

Generations have passed down this recipe, upgradeing humble components into a masterpiece of comfort cuisine.

Cultural heritage shines through these carefully rolled bundles, reflecting the wisdom of home cooks who understood the power of nourishing food.

Packed with nutrients and memories, these rolls transcend mere sustenance to become a celebration of family and flavor.

Best Pairings for Traditional Cabbage Rolls

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Select a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to complement the rich, hearty flavors of the cabbage rolls. The wine's tannins will beautifully cut through the meat's richness and enhance the tomato sauce's depth.
• Serve with Tangy Sour Cream: Add a dollop of cool, creamy sour cream on top to balance the warm, spiced filling. Its tanginess will provide a refreshing contrast to the savory meat and tomato base.
• Match with Crusty Rye Bread: Slice a hearty rye bread to soak up the delicious sauce and add a rustic, earthy texture to the meal. The bread's slight sourness will harmonize perfectly with the cabbage rolls' robust flavors.
• Complement with Crisp Green Salad: Prepare a light, fresh salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a zesty vinaigrette to cut through the dish's richness and provide a clean, palate-cleansing side.

Fun Variations on Traditional Cabbage Rolls

• Low-Carb Cabbage Rolls: Replace rice with cauliflower rice, using ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter, healthier option that cuts down on carbohydrates while maintaining rich flavor.
• Vegetarian Stuffed Cabbage: Swap meat with a hearty mixture of lentils, quinoa, and mushrooms, creating a protein-packed plant-based version that delivers satisfying texture and deep umami notes.
• Mediterranean-Style Cabbage Rolls: Incorporate feta cheese, oregano, and lamb instead of beef, adding a zesty Greek-inspired profile with kalamata olives and fresh herbs sprinkled on top for extra authenticity.
• Spicy Korean-Fusion Cabbage Rolls: Blend ground pork with gochujang sauce, kimchi, and ginger, then top with a quick-pickled vegetable slaw for a fiery, tangy Korean-inspired interpretation of the classic dish.

Best Traditional Cabbage Rolls: A Hearty and Flavorful Classic

• Savor Hearty Comfort: These cabbage rolls deliver a warm, satisfying meal packed with rich flavors that hug your taste buds like a cozy blanket on a chilly evening.
• Master Traditional Cooking: The recipe offers an authentic approach to preparing a classic dish, teaching essential culinary techniques like blanching cabbage and creating a robust homemade sauce.
• Nutritional Powerhouse: Loaded with protein, balanced carbohydrates, and moderate fats, these cabbage rolls provide a well-rounded meal that supports healthy eating without sacrificing deliciousness.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: With straightforward preparation and a total cooking time around 1.5 hours, this recipe becomes an accessible option for busy home cooks wanting a substantial dinner that impresses the whole family.

What You’ll Need for Traditional Cabbage Rolls

• Tomato Paste: Rich, concentrated tomato flavor that adds depth to the sauce.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Provides a smooth, slightly chunky texture for the sauce.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and aromatic base to the sauce.
• Garlic: Brings robust, pungent flavor to enhance the overall taste.

• Ground Beef: Hearty protein that creates the main body of the filling.
• Rice: Helps bind the filling and adds a soft, grainy texture.
• Breadcrumbs: Helps absorb moisture and keeps the filling compact.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds brightness and herbal notes to the filling.

• Cabbage Leaves: Soft, pliable wrapper for holding the meat filling.
• Parsley (Garnish): Fresh herb to add color and a final touch of freshness.
• Cooking Oil: Used for sautéing onions and preventing sticking.

How to Prepare Traditional Cabbage Rolls

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Sauté Onions

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chopped onions until they become soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Create Flavorful Tomato Sauce

Add tomato paste, minced garlic, and crushed tomatoes to the skillet. Stir and let the sauce simmer for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 3: Prepare Cabbage Leaves

Carefully blanch cabbage leaves in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until they become pliable. Remove from water and trim the tough center ribs.

Step 4: Mix Filling Ingredients

• Ground beef
• Prepared tomato sauce
• Cooked rice
• Breadcrumbs
• Sautéed onions
• Chopped fresh parsley

Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.

Step 5: Roll and Arrange Cabbage Rolls

Take each cabbage leaf and place a portion of the filling near the stem end. Carefully roll the leaf, tucking in the sides to create a neat package. Place rolls seam side down in a baking dish.

Step 6: Cover and Bake

Pour remaining tomato sauce over the cabbage rolls. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious homemade cabbage rolls!

Tips for the Best Traditional Cabbage Rolls

• Choose Fresh Cabbage: Select large, flexible leaves without tears or blemishes for easier wrapping and better presentation.
• Blanch Carefully: Dip cabbage leaves in boiling water just until pliable to prevent tearing and maintain structural integrity.
• Mix Meat Gently: Combine ground beef with other ingredients using light hand movements to keep filling tender and prevent compacting.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Simmer tomato sauce until slightly thickened for rich, clingy coating that enhances flavor without making rolls soggy.
• Roll Tightly: Fold cabbage leaves snugly around filling, tucking in sides to create compact parcels that hold together during baking.

Storing and Enjoying Leftover Traditional Cabbage Rolls

• Refrigeration: Store leftover cabbage rolls in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Carefully place rolls in a single layer, drizzling extra sauce between each layer to prevent sticking. Properly stored, these delicious rolls will keep fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freezing: Wrap individual cabbage rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Frozen cabbage rolls maintain optimal taste and texture for up to 3 months. Label the container with the date to track freshness.
• Reheating: Warm refrigerated cabbage rolls in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil, for 15-20 minutes until heated through. For frozen rolls, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Traditional Cabbage Rolls Recipe

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• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Polish cabbage rolls deliver hearty comfort wrapped in tender cabbage leaves. Stuffed with seasoned ground meat and rice, these classic rolls offer a delicious journey through Eastern European culinary traditions that satisfy you completely.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef
• 15 cabbage leaves

Rice and Binding Ingredients:

• 0.25 cup uncooked white rice
• 0.25 cup Italian bread crumbs

Flavor Enhancers and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley, plus more for garnish
• 0.5 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• Kosher salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Sauce Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 0.5 large onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F (177°C), preparing a welcoming environment for the hearty cabbage rolls.
2. In a skillet, sauté finely chopped onions in oil until they become translucent and fragrant, releasing their sweet aroma.
3. Introduce tomato paste, minced garlic, and crushed tomatoes to the skillet, allowing the mixture to simmer gently for 20 minutes, developing a rich, robust sauce.
4. Immerse whole cabbage leaves in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until pliable, then carefully remove and trim away the thick central ribs to ensure easy rolling.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, prepared sauce, cooked rice, breadcrumbs, sautéed onions, and chopped fresh parsley, creating a flavorful and cohesive filling.
6. Lay each cabbage leaf flat, place a portion of the meat mixture near the stem end, and roll tightly, folding in the sides to seal the filling securely.
7. Arrange the rolled cabbage bundles seam-side down in a baking dish, creating a snug arrangement that allows minimal movement during cooking.
8. Ladle the remaining tomato sauce generously over the cabbage rolls, ensuring complete coverage for maximum moisture and flavor.
9. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to trap steam and prevent excessive drying during the cooking process.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the cabbage to become tender.
11. Remove from the oven, let rest for 10 minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley before serving hot.

Notes

• Elevate your comfort food game with these mouthwatering cabbage rolls that blend traditional Eastern European flavors with home-style cooking.
• Prep work is key, so give yourself plenty of time to blanch, cool, and carefully handle delicate cabbage leaves without tearing.
• Mixing meat filling requires gentle hands to prevent overworking the ground beef, which can make rolls tough and dense.
• Salt and seasoning are critical; taste your mixture before rolling to ensure robust flavor in every single bite.
• Leftovers taste even better the next day, as spices continue to meld and develop deeper, richer notes overnight in the refrigerator.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 80mg