why make this recipe
Cabbage rolls are warm, filling, and low-cost. They use simple ingredients and feed a family. They also work well with easy sides or a sweet roll for dessert, like banana bread cinnamon rolls.
introduction
This cabbage rolls recipe is plain and easy. It uses ground beef, rice, onion, and cabbage leaves wrapped and baked in tomato sauce. You can make it in one dish and serve it hot. The steps are simple and the result is comforting.
how to make Cabbage Rolls
Make the meat mix, soften the leaves, fill and roll, then bake. Work step by step and keep the rolls closed when you place them in the dish. You can pair the meal with a bread like classic cinnamon rolls for a special touch.
Ingredients :
1 lb ground beef, 1/4 cup white rice, uncooked, 1/4 cup Italian breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup onion, chopped, 1 egg, 1 head of cabbage, 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper
Directions :
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix ground beef, uncooked rice, breadcrumbs, onion, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Remove the core of the cabbage and boil it in salted water until leaves are tender, about 5-10 minutes.
- Peel off the leaves and let cool.
- Place a spoonful of beef mixture in the center of each leaf, fold in sides, and roll up.
- Place cabbage rolls, seam-side down, in a baking dish.
- Pour tomato sauce over the rolls.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
how to serve Cabbage Rolls
Serve the rolls hot with sauce spooned over them. A side of mashed potatoes or simple bread works well. For a sweeter finish try a baked sweet roll like sourdough cinnamon rolls.
how to store Cabbage Rolls
Let the rolls cool to room temperature. Put them in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot. You can freeze the rolls in a freezer-safe dish for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
tips to make Cabbage Rolls
- Use leaves that are soft but not torn.
- Keep the meat mix simple and do not overfill the leaves.
- Seal the rolls by tucking the ends and rolling tightly.
- Pour sauce over the rolls so they stay moist while baking.
- Use a timer and check after an hour to ensure the rice is cooked.
variation (if any)
- Use ground pork or a mix of beef and pork.
- Add fresh parsley or a little tomato paste to the meat for more flavor.
- Use cooked rice instead of raw if you prefer a softer filling.
- Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or paprika for a different taste.
FAQs
Q: Can I make cabbage rolls ahead of time?
A: Yes. Assemble them, cover, and keep in the fridge for one day before baking.
Q: Do I need to cook the rice first?
A: No. This recipe uses uncooked rice and bakes long enough to cook it. If you use cooked rice, reduce the egg or breadcrumbs slightly.
Q: How do I get cabbage leaves off the head easily?
A: Cut out the core and boil the head in salted water for 5–10 minutes. The leaves will loosen and peel off.
Q: Can I bake without tomato sauce?
A: You can use a mix of tomato sauce and broth, or a homemade tomato mixture. The sauce keeps the rolls moist.
Q: Are cabbage rolls freezer friendly?
A: Yes. Freeze cooked rolls in a freezer-safe dish for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
For another take on this classic, see an external recipe for Easy Cabbage Rolls that shows a simple method and tips. If you want a version with a homemade sauce, check Cabbage Rolls with Homemade Sauce for more sauce ideas.
Cabbage Rolls
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix ground beef, uncooked rice, breadcrumbs, onion, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Remove the core of the cabbage and boil it in salted water until the leaves are tender, about 5-10 minutes.
- Peel off the leaves and let them cool.
- Place a spoonful of beef mixture in the center of each leaf, fold in the sides, and roll up.
- Place cabbage rolls, seam-side down, in a baking dish.
- Pour tomato sauce over the rolls.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour.
- Serve hot and enjoy!