Oh boy, gather around, my friends! Today, I’m itching to share with you one of my all-time favorite comfort food recipes: Stuffed Cabbage Rolls! Now, when I think of stuffed cabbage, I’m instantly transported back to my grandma’s cozy kitchen, where the aroma of simmering tomato sauce mingled with the earthy scent of cabbage. It’s like a warm hug in food form!
These rolls are not only a delightful clash of flavors and textures, but they’re also a great way to bring everyone around the dinner table. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a family celebration, the heartiness of these rolls is sure to make everyone feel at home. Plus, they can be dressed up or down, making them versatile for every occasion. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get cooking!
## What’s in Stuffed Cabbage Rolls?
Let’s take a look at the wholesome ingredients that come together to create this dish:
Green Cabbage: The star of the show! The leaves are tender yet sturdy, making them perfect for wrapping around that savory filling. I love using a large head so I can make plenty of rolls to share (or keep for myself, no judgment!).
Ground Beef or Turkey: You can’t go wrong here! I often opt for ground turkey for a leaner option, but good ol’ beef brings that rich, traditional flavor. Choose your favorite and let your taste buds guide you!
Cooked Rice: This acts as a filler and adds a lovely texture to the stuffing. Leftover rice works beautifully here, just be sure it’s cooked and cooled.
Onion and Garlic: These two aromatic powerhouses add a depth of flavor that’s hard to resist. They’re the dynamic duo in almost every savory dish I make!
Tomato Sauce & Diced Tomatoes: The base of our delicious sauce! I like the combination of both because it creates that perfect tangy-sweet balance, and let’s be honest—who doesn’t love a generous coating of tomato sauce on their rolls?
Spices: A mix of paprika, thyme, and oregano gives the filling a fragrant kick. I love using dried herbs since they’re easy to keep on hand and provide all the flavor without the fuss.
Egg: While it’s optional, I find that adding an egg helps bind everything together, making sure our filling doesn’t go rogue while we tuck those leaves in.
Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of this vibrant herb just before serving adds a fresh touch and a pop of color. It’s all about the presentation, right?
## Is Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Good for You?
Well, let’s chat about the health benefits!
Stuffed cabbage rolls can actually be quite nutritious. For starters, the cabbage itself is low in calories but high in fiber, making it a great choice for digestive health. Plus, it’s packed with vitamins C and K. When you fill it with lean protein like turkey and add veggies from the tomato sauce, you create a balanced meal that satisfies without weighing you down.
However, because we’re using rice and tomato sauce, be mindful of portion sizes if you’re watching your carb intake. And if you’re aiming for a low-sodium dish, keep an eye on that tomato sauce—a low-sodium version can save the day!
## Ingredients List
This recipe serves about 4-6 people, depending on your hunger levels! Here’s what you’ll need:
– 1 large head of green cabbage
– 1 lb ground beef or turkey
– 1 cup cooked rice
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 egg (optional, for binding)
– 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
## How to Make Stuffed Cabbage Rolls?
Ready to dive in? Let’s do it!
1. **Prepare the Cabbage:** Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage head—I’m always very careful with this step! Once the core is gone, lower that whole cabbage into the boiling water for 2-3 minutes until the leaves are pliable. Remove it and let it cool for a bit. Gently peel off 10-12 leaves and set them aside.
2. **Make the Filling:** In a large bowl, mix together your ground meat, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, ½ cup of tomato sauce, and the spices (paprika, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper). Don’t forget the egg if you’re using it! Mix well until everything is nicely blended.
3. **Stuff the Cabbage Leaves:** Time to work some magic! Take a cabbage leaf flat on your counter. Add about 2-3 tablespoons of the filling at the base of the leaf. Fold the sides over the filling, then roll it up from the base to the tip—just like tucking a little package in! Repeat until you’re out of leaves and filling.
4. **Layer in Baking Dish:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread some tomato sauce on the bottom of a baking dish (this prevents sticking). Place your beautiful stuffed cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish, all cozy together. Pour the remaining tomato sauce (and diced tomatoes if you’re feeling adventurous) over the top.
5. **Bake:** Cover your dish with aluminum foil and pop it in the oven for 45 minutes. After that, remove the foil and let it bake for another 15-20 minutes until the cabbage is tender and the filling is fully cooked.
6. **Serve:** Once out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes (I know, the aroma is tempting!). Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving, and voila! You’ve got yourself a beautiful dish of stuffed cabbage rolls to share.
## Roll ‘Em Up!
Before you grab your ingredients and race to the kitchen, remember that these stuffed cabbage rolls are incredibly forgiving. You can easily make them vegetarian by swapping in lentils or mushrooms for the meat, or you can get creative with your spices!
If you try them out (and I really hope you do!), send me a note to let me know how it turns out. I’m always excited to see how my friends put their own spin on this classic dish! Happy cooking, and I can’t wait for you to enjoy these delicious, comforting stuffed cabbage rolls as much as I do!
