Traditional Cabbage Rolls

🕒 Prep: 30 min
🔥 Cook: 1 hour 30 min
🍽 Serves: 8

Traditional Cabbage Rolls are a comforting dish that melds hearty flavors with a touch of nostalgia. Wrapped in tender cabbage leaves, the savory meat filling dances with a tangy tomato sauce, making it a perfect choice for family gatherings or cozy dinners.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • A classic, heartwarming dish that never goes out of style.
  • Combines beef and pork for a rich, flavorful filling.
  • The tangy tomato sauce elevates the dish with a subtle sweetness.
  • Perfect for meal prep — it tastes even better the next day!

Ingredients

1 medium head of cabbage
1 lb ground beef
1 lb ground pork
3/4 cup cooked white rice
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 egg
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1/2 tsp paprika
2 cups tomato sauce
1 cup beef broth
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp vinegar
1 tbsp brown sugar

Ingredients Explained

Cabbage: Acts as the perfect wrapper, becoming tender and sweet as it cooks.

Ground beef and pork: A duo of meats provides a balanced flavor and texture to the filling.

White rice: Cooked rice adds bulk and helps bind the filling together.

Onion and garlic: These aromatics infuse the filling with depth and savoriness.

Egg: Helps hold the filling together, ensuring it stays compact while cooking.

Tomato sauce: Forms the base of the sauce, adding moisture and acidity.

Beef broth: Enhances the sauce with a rich, savory backbone.

Olive oil, vinegar, and brown sugar: A trio that adds richness, tang, and a hint of sweetness to the sauce.

Tips & Tricks

  • If the cabbage leaves are too thick, use a rolling pin to flatten them gently.
  • To save time, prepare the filling a day ahead and store it in the fridge.
  • Consider freezing the rolls before baking for a quick meal later on.

Detailed Instructions

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). As it warms up, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Core the cabbage by carefully removing its center, then blanch it in boiling water. This step makes the leaves pliable, so they won't tear when you roll them up later. Once the leaves are softened, gently separate them and set them aside.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and paprika. Use your hands to mix everything together thoroughly. The consistency should be uniform and slightly sticky.

Take a prepared cabbage leaf and place 2-3 tablespoons of the meat mixture in the center. Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling, then roll it up snugly. Place each roll seam-side down in a baking dish. Continue until all the filling is used up.

Now, turn your attention to the sauce. In a saucepan, combine the tomato sauce, beef broth, olive oil, vinegar, and brown sugar. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once it’s nicely combined and gently bubbling, pour it over the cabbage rolls in the baking dish.

Cover the dish with foil and slide it into your preheated oven. Let it bake for about 1.5 hours, taking a moment every so often to baste the rolls with the sauce. This keeps everything moist and flavorful.

Simplified Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Core the cabbage and blanch in boiling water until leaves soften, then separate the leaves.
3. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, cooked rice, onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and paprika.
4. Place 2-3 tablespoons of the meat mixture on each cabbage leaf, fold in sides, and roll up.
5. Arrange cabbage rolls in a baking dish, seam-side down.
6. In a saucepan, mix tomato sauce, beef broth, olive oil, vinegar, and brown sugar; bring to a simmer.
7. Pour sauce over cabbage rolls and cover with foil.
8. Bake in preheated oven for 1.5 hours, basting occasionally with sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these cabbage rolls with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh dill for added freshness. Pair them with a side of buttery mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use only beef or pork?
Yes, you can use 2 lbs of either ground beef or pork if you prefer a single protein.
Is there a gluten-free option?
Substitute white rice with cooked quinoa for a gluten-free version.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

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