Ah, the cozy comfort of Old Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls! This recipe brings back sweet memories of my childhood kitchen, where the aroma of simmering tomato sauce would fill the home and invite everyone to the table. My grandmother used to make these rolls almost every Sunday, and the anticipation of that first bite was pure bliss. There’s something incredibly heartwarming about taking tender cabbage leaves, wrapping them around a savory filling, and watching them transform into a delicious meal as they bake in the oven. It’s like giving a big, warm hug to your taste buds!
If you’re looking for a dish that’s as nostalgic as it is flavorful, you’re in the right place. These cabbage rolls are not just a meal; they’re a memory, a tradition, and a ticket to a simpler time. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile. You can use different meat combinations or even go vegetarian! Trust me, once you try making these, they will quickly become a staple in your home too.
What’s in Old Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls?
Green Cabbage: The star of the show! A large head of cabbage provides those perfect outer leaves for wrapping. You want the leaves to be nice and tender, which is why cooking them briefly in boiling water makes all the difference.
Ground Beef or Pork: You can go classic with just ground beef or mix it up with pork for added flavor. I’ve even tried turkey in a pinch, and it turned out well!
Cooked Rice: This ingredient adds bulk and texture to the filling. Whether you prefer white or brown rice is totally your call; I often opt for brown for that nutty flavor and extra health benefits.
Onion and Garlic: These aromatics bring a wonderful depth to the filling. I swear, one whiff of sautéing garlic and onion is like a hug for your senses!
Egg: This helps bind everything together, ensuring that your cabbage rolls hold their shape perfectly.
Spices and Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, and paprika add flavor and warmth. The Worcestershire sauce packs a punch of savory goodness – don’t skip it!
Tomato Sauce and Diced Tomatoes: This is the luscious bath in which our cabbage rolls will cook, enveloping them in a rich, tangy flavor that complements the filling beautifully.
Fresh or Dried Parsley: A touch of greenery to brighten up the dish. Fresh is always preferable for that vibrant taste, but dried works just as well.
Grated Cheese (optional): Who doesn’t love a little cheesy goodness on top? Sprinkle some in the last few minutes of baking for an irresistible bubbling crust!
Is Old Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Good for You?
While these stuffed cabbage rolls are indeed a comfort food, they can also be quite nutritious!
Green Cabbage: This leafy green is low in calories but high in fiber and vitamins, making it great for digestion and overall health.
Ground Meat: Provides a good dose of protein, though you might want to choose lean beef or turkey for a healthier option.
Rice: Brown rice adds more fiber than its white counterpart, which can help keep you feeling full longer.
Overall, this dish checks many boxes for health benefits while keeping that nostalgic flavor alive. Just keep an eye on added salt in your sauces if you’re watching sodium intake!
What You’ll Need:
– 1 large head of green cabbage
– 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
– 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 egg
– 2 teaspoons salt
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
– 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried)
– Optional: grated cheese for sprinkling on top
This recipe will serve about 4-6 people, depending on appetites!
How to Make Old Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls?
1. **Prepare the cabbage**: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage head. Once boiling, gently place the cabbage in the water and boil for about 2-3 minutes, until the outer leaves are tender. Remove and let cool. As the leaves loosen, continue boiling until you’ve softened all the outer layers. Set aside to cool.
2. **Prepare the filling**: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef (or pork), cooked rice, onion, garlic, egg, salt, black pepper, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and parsley. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. **Assemble the rolls**: Take a cabbage leaf and place about 2-3 tablespoons of the filling on the base of the leaf. Fold the sides over the filling, then roll from the base to the tip, securing the filling inside. Repeat for all the leaves and filling.
4. **Prepare the sauce**: In a medium saucepan, combine the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes. Heat over medium heat and season with salt and pepper to taste. You may also add additional herbs or spices if desired.
5. **Cook the rolls**: In a large baking dish, spread a bit of tomato sauce on the bottom. Place the stuffed cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish. Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the rolls, ensuring they are well-coated.
6. **Bake**: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour. If using grated cheese, you can add it during the last 10 minutes of baking for a bubbly topping.
7. **Serve**: Once cooked, carefully remove the cabbage rolls from the dish. Serve hot with the sauce drizzled over the top. Garnish with additional parsley if desired. Enjoy your old-fashioned stuffed cabbage rolls!
Whimsical Touches and Tips!
– **Make it Vegetarian**: Swap out the meat for a mixture of lentils, mushrooms, and grains! Add some shredded carrots or zucchini for extra flavor and texture.
– **Freezer Friendly**: You can make a double batch and freeze half for a cozy meal down the road. Just pop them in the oven straight from frozen, adding a bit of extra baking time.
– **Serving Suggestions**: Serve these rolls with crusty bread to soak up the extra sauce or a side of mashed potatoes for an extra hearty meal.
So, my friends, I invite you to bring a little taste of nostalgia into your kitchen with these Old Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls! Try this recipe, and I guarantee you’ll create some delicious memories of your own. Feel free to share your experiences or even variations you come up with. I can’t wait to hear how it goes! Happy cooking! 🌱
