Oh, the aroma of old fashioned stuffed cabbage rolls takes me straight back to my grandmother’s kitchen! There’s just something so comforting about those tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory filling of seasoned meat and fluffy rice. It’s like a warm hug on a chilly day. I remember sitting at the table, eagerly waiting for dinner as she carefully rolled each cabbage leaf, her hands moving with love and familiarity. These rolls have been a family tradition for generations, each bite bursting with flavor and nostalgia. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll understand why they hold a special place in my heart—and in the hearts of many. So grab your apron, and let’s dive into this delicious recipe together!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delightful old fashioned stuffed cabbage rolls. I’ve made sure to be super clear about each ingredient, so you won’t have any confusion when you’re shopping or cooking. Let’s gather our goodies!
- 1 large head of cabbage
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
With these ingredients, you’re all set to create a dish that’s not just delicious but also packed with tradition. Don’t forget to check your pantry for any staples before heading out!
How to Prepare Old Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Let’s get to the heart of this recipe! Making old fashioned stuffed cabbage rolls is a labor of love, but don’t worry—I’ll guide you through every step. It’s all about flavors coming together and those lovely cabbage leaves cradling the delicious filling. Ready? Let’s go!
Blanching the Cabbage Leaves
First things first, you’ll want to get that large pot of water boiling. Carefully peel off the leaves from your cabbage head—don’t worry if some tear; we’ve got plenty! Once the water’s bubbling, drop those leaves in and blanch them for about 2-3 minutes until they’re soft and pliable. This step is crucial, as it makes rolling them up a breeze. After blanching, place the leaves in cold water to stop the cooking process and let them cool down.
Preparing the Filling
While those cabbage leaves are cooling, let’s move on to the filling. In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing them until they’re just translucent—this takes about 3-4 minutes. Now, in a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed onions and garlic with 1 pound of ground beef, 1 cup of cooked rice, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme. Mix it all together until well combined; it’s going to smell heavenly!
Assembling the Rolls
Now for the fun part—assembly! Take a cooled cabbage leaf and place about 2-3 tablespoons of the meat mixture at the base of the leaf. Roll it up tightly, tucking in the sides as you go to keep the filling secure. This step is key for that perfect presentation, plus it prevents any filling from escaping during baking. Repeat this process until all your filling is used up!
Baking the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a baking dish and arrange those beautiful rolls seam side down. Pour 1 can of tomato sauce and 1 can of diced tomatoes over the top, ensuring each roll is covered in that delicious sauce. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 1 hour. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes to let everything get bubbly and golden. Trust me, the aroma wafting through your kitchen will be irresistible!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your old fashioned stuffed cabbage rolls turn out perfectly! First off, don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your taste. Maybe you love a bit more paprika or want to add a pinch of crushed red pepper for some heat—go for it! My grandmother always said the best cooking comes from the heart, so trust your instincts.
Also, if you ever have leftover rice, this is the perfect recipe to use it up—just toss it in! And a little tip I learned the hard way: make sure your cabbage leaves are really soft. If they’re too firm, rolling can turn into a wrestling match! Lastly, for an extra touch, consider topping each serving with a dollop of sour cream. It adds a creamy richness that pairs beautifully with the savory filling. Enjoy the process, and happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are just a guideline. Each stuffed cabbage roll contains approximately 320 calories, with 15 grams of fat and 18 grams of protein. You’ll also find about 30 grams of carbohydrates and 4 grams of fiber. While these rolls are hearty and satisfying, remember to adjust your portions based on your dietary needs. Enjoy every delicious bite while keeping an eye on those numbers!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of ground beef or want a lighter option, you can definitely use ground turkey or pork instead. Both work beautifully in this recipe. Just keep in mind that the flavor will vary slightly depending on your choice, but trust me, they’ll still be delicious! You could even mix different meats for a unique twist.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can! I love making these rolls ahead of time, especially for busy weeknights. You can prepare the rolls and store them uncooked in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to cover them well so they don’t dry out. Alternatively, you can bake them, let them cool, and then refrigerate. When you’re ready to enjoy, just reheat them in the oven or microwave—easy peasy!
What can I serve with old fashioned stuffed cabbage rolls?
These stuffed cabbage rolls are so hearty that they can be the star of the meal, but I love to pair them with a light side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the sauce. A dollop of sour cream on the side adds a lovely creaminess that complements the rolls perfectly. You could also serve them alongside roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a cozy, comforting dinner!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let me tell you, there are so many reasons to adore these old fashioned stuffed cabbage rolls! Here’s why they’re sure to win your heart:
- They’re a classic comfort food that brings back warm memories and family traditions.
- Each roll is packed with flavor from the seasoned meat and the luscious tomato sauce.
- They’re surprisingly easy to make, even for beginners—just follow my steps!
- Perfect for meal prep; you can make them ahead of time and enjoy them later.
- They freeze beautifully, so you can save some for a rainy day.
- These rolls are gluten-free, making them a great option for various diets.
- And let’s be real—who doesn’t love a dish that tastes even better the next day?
Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become a cherished recipe in your home, just like they are in mine!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers is super easy! Just place any uneaten stuffed cabbage rolls in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days—perfect for those busy nights when you want a quick meal! If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the rolls. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight. For reheating, you can warm them up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or microwave them for a few minutes until heated through. Enjoy the deliciousness again!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving old fashioned stuffed cabbage rolls, I love to keep it simple yet satisfying. Pair these hearty rolls with a light and crisp side salad, like a classic garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette—it’s the perfect balance! If you’re in the mood for something warm, crusty bread is a must to soak up that delicious tomato sauce.
For an added touch, a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs, like parsley or dill, elevates the dish beautifully. And let’s not forget about roasted vegetables on the side; they add color and flavor to the plate. Enjoy the meal and the comforting vibes it brings!
Print
Old Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls: 7 Comforting Secrets
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delicious old fashioned stuffed cabbage rolls filled with seasoned meat and rice.
Ingredients
- 1 large head of cabbage
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove cabbage leaves and blanch them in boiling water until soft.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until translucent.
- In a bowl, combine ground beef, cooked rice, sautéed onions, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
- Place a portion of the meat mixture on each cabbage leaf and roll tightly, tucking in the sides.
- Place the rolls seam side down in a baking dish.
- Pour tomato sauce and diced tomatoes over the cabbage rolls.
- Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Use leftover rice for quicker preparation.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste.
- Top with sour cream for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Eastern European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: stuffed cabbage, cabbage rolls, old fashioned recipe
