Cabbage rolls are one of those comforting dishes that remind you of home and family gatherings. The blend of tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory filling truly makes them special. Imagine piled together on a warm plate, the bubbly tomato sauce glistening under the kitchen lights, waiting for you to dig in. Whether you learned this recipe from your grandmother or you’re just starting your cooking journey, cabbage rolls are a delightful way to nourish both your body and your soul. Not only do they bring together ingredients in a delicious way, but they also create a connection to cherished memories, laughter, and love. Perfect for any occasion—dinner with family, potlucks with friends, or just a cozy night in—you’ll find these rolls become a staple in your home.
Why This Recipe Works
Cabbage rolls are a traditional comfort food, blending tender cabbage leaves with a savory filling that melts in your mouth. This recipe balances flavors and textures, ensuring each bite is both hearty and satisfying. The combination of ground meats, rice, and aromatic spices culminates in a warm, inviting dish that your family and friends will appreciate. Each ingredient plays a role in crafting the perfect bite—from the slight crunch of the cabbage to the rich, meaty filling. The tomato sauce adds a tangy element that ties it all together, making every roll a true delight.
Why You’ll Love This Cabbage Rolls
If you’re looking for a dish that brings everyone together, cabbage rolls are the answer! They’re easy to make in large batches, perfect for potlucks, dinner parties, or cozy family meals. Not only are they delicious, but they also offer a nostalgic connection to home-cooked meals. The fun part is that every family has their own twist on cabbage rolls, adding personal flair and family tradition. With this simple yet flavorful recipe, you’ll create memories as delightful as the dish itself. Just imagine serving these to your loved ones and watching their faces light up!
Ingredients
- 1 head cabbage
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (10.25 ounces) condensed tomato soup
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1 pound ground mild Italian sausage
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup cooked long-grain white rice
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- Parsley, chopped for garnish
Preparing Your Cabbage Rolls
Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set it aside. This will be where all the magic happens!
Soften the Cabbage Leaves
Fill a large pot halfway with water and bring it to a rapid boil. Carefully add the whole head of cabbage to the pot, using tongs for safety. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and let it cook for 7-10 minutes until softened. A little tip—you’ll know it’s ready when the leaves are pliable, making it easier to roll them later. Drain the cabbage and allow it to cool slightly. Once manageable, gently remove the outer leaves and trim the rough center vein, needing about 12 large leaves for this recipe.
Mix the Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine the tomato sauce, condensed tomato soup, paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper. Stir until well mixed and set aside. The sauce adds so much flavor, so don’t be shy with it!
Prepare the Filling
In another bowl, combine the Italian sausage, ground beef, cooked rice, diced onion, minced garlic, egg, and ½ cup of the sauce mixture. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well integrated. This is where the magic begins! You’ll want to ensure you have a good balance in the filling, as it complements the cabbage beautifully.
Assemble the Cabbage Rolls
Spread ½ cup of the sauce at the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Now comes the fun part! Take a softened cabbage leaf and place it on a clean surface. Scoop ½ cup of the meat mixture onto the leaf, fold in the sides, and roll tightly. Place it seam side down in the baking dish. Keep going until all leaves and filling are used. It’s okay if the rolls don’t look perfect; they’ll taste amazing! Pour the remaining sauce over the rolls, giving them a nice coating.
Bake the Cabbage Rolls
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). After an hour, remove the foil, baste the rolls with sauce, and bake uncovered for another 10-12 minutes. Don’t skip the basting; it keeps the rolls moist and adds extra flavor. Garnish with parsley before serving warm, making them as pretty as they are delicious!
Serving Suggestions
These cabbage rolls pair beautifully with crusty bread or a light salad. You might also enjoy them alongside a side of mashed potatoes for a complete meal! A dollop of sour cream on top can elevate the flavors even more.
Tips for Success
- Choose a large, firm head of cabbage for the best leaves. Softness is key!
- Ensure the meat filling is well-seasoned for maximum flavor. Taste it before filling the leaves.
- Don’t skip the basting step to keep the rolls moist. It makes a big difference!
Variations
You can easily customize your cabbage rolls by using different proteins like turkey or vegan alternatives. Feel free, also, to swap out rice for quinoa for a healthier twist. Get creative with spices or add different veggies to the filling for a unique spin. The beauty of this dish is how adaptable it can be!
FAQs
What can I use instead of cabbage?
You can use collard greens or Swiss chard, but ensure they are softened enough to roll.
Can I prepare cabbage rolls ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the rolls, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
How do I store leftover cabbage rolls?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Can I freeze uncooked cabbage rolls?
Absolutely! Freeze them on a baking sheet first before transferring to a freezer-safe container for easy storage.
What do I serve with cabbage rolls?
Pair with a fresh salad, sautéed vegetables, or hearty bread for a well-rounded meal.
Cabbage rolls are more than just a meal; they are a comforting concoction of flavors that tell a story with every bite. Perfect for family gatherings or hosting friends, they bring warmth to the table while being easy to prepare. With versatile variations and serving suggestions, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy the deliciousness and create memorable moments with each cabbage roll you serve!
Print
Cabbage Rolls
Cabbage rolls are a comforting dish that blends tender cabbage with a savory filling of ground meats and rice in a flavorful tomato sauce. Perfect for gatherings!
- Total Time: 1 hour 42 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 head cabbage
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (10.25 ounces) condensed tomato soup
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1 pound ground mild Italian sausage
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup cooked long-grain white rice
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- Parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C)
- Boil water and soften the cabbage leaves for 7-10 minutes
- Mix the tomato sauce, soup, and spices in a bowl
- Combine the meats, rice, onion, garlic, egg, and sauce mixture in another bowl
- Spread sauce in the baking dish and assemble the rolls
- Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour, then remove foil and baste
- Bake uncovered for another 10-12 minutes and serve garnished with parsley
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Use a large, firm head of cabbage for the best leaves.
Season the meat filling well for maximum flavor.
Baste the rolls to keep them moist.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 12 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 8
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 12
- Cholesterol: 45
