Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, tender stuffed cabbage roll, the aroma of savory herbs and spices wafting through the air. Each bite reveals a delightful filling of fluffy rice, hearty lentils, and a medley of fresh veggies, all enveloped in a soft, slightly tangy cabbage leaf. As you savor the comforting tomato sauce drizzled on top, the flavors dance on your palate, making you feel right at home. It’s the ultimate cozy dish that wraps you in a warm hug, perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying solo on a chilly evening. Let’s dive into this deliciousness!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Trust me, you’re going to love the cozy flavors in every bite!
- This one’s a game-changer for meal prep—easy to make and freeze!
- Packed with wholesome ingredients, it’s a guilt-free indulgence.
- Perfect for impressing guests or a comforting family dinner.
- Customize the filling to suit your taste—endless possibilities!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Side Dish |
| Cuisine | American-inspired comfort food |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 25 minutes |
| Dietary | Vegetarian |
| Serves | 4 |
| Best Served | Hot and cheesy right off the cob! |
Ingredients
Gather these delicious ingredients to create your stuffed cabbage rolls!
Green Cabbage – 1 large head, choose firm and fresh leaves for easy rolling, Cabbage is not only versatile but also rich in vitamin C and fiber—learn more about its nutritional benefits from the USDA.
Ground Turkey – 1 pound, a lean alternative to pork that keeps the rolls moist.
Cooked Rice – 1 cup, use white or brown rice for added texture.
Onion – 1 medium, finely chopped for flavor and sweetness.
Garlic – 2 cloves, minced to add a fragrant kick.
Tomato Sauce – 2 cups, use a low-sodium variety for a healthier option.
Bell Pepper – 1 medium, diced for a pop of color and crunch.
Parsley – 1/4 cup, chopped fresh for a burst of freshness.
Salt – 1 teaspoon, to enhance all the flavors.
Pepper – 1/2 teaspoon, for a little heat.
Italian Seasoning – 1 teaspoon, to bring in a blend of herbs.
How to Make Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Get ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into this delightful recipe! Making stuffed cabbage rolls is a fun and rewarding experience. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage. Submerge the whole cabbage in the boiling water for about 2-3 minutes until the leaves soften. Gently peel off the outer leaves and set them aside to cool.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, ground turkey or chicken, chopped onions, minced garlic, diced tomatoes, and your favorite herbs. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until well combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Rolls
Take a cabbage leaf and place a generous spoonful of the filling at the base. Fold the sides over the filling and roll it up tightly. Repeat this process until all the filling is used up.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
In a saucepan, mix crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, and a splash of lemon juice. Add some dried herbs like oregano and basil. Simmer for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Step 5: Bake the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Place the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish. Pour the remaining sauce over the rolls, covering them completely.
Step 6: Cook to Perfection
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes to let the tops get a little golden.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Once done, let the rolls cool for a few minutes. Serve them warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your delicious stuffed cabbage rolls!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use lean ground turkey or chicken for a lighter filling.
- Try adding cooked quinoa or rice for extra texture and flavor.
- Season your filling with fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a fresh taste.
- Blanch the cabbage leaves in salted water for easier rolling.
- Top with a homemade tomato sauce for a rich, comforting finish.
How to Serve
Delight in your stuffed cabbage rolls with these serving suggestions:
- Top with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy finish.
- Serve alongside a fresh garden salad for a refreshing crunch.
- Pair with crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Drizzle with a tangy tomato sauce or a zesty lemon vinaigrette.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a pop of color.
- Enjoy with a side of roasted vegetables for a hearty meal.
- For a twist, serve over a bed of quinoa or rice for added texture.
- Complement with a light soup, like minestrone, for a cozy combo.
Make Ahead and Storage
Proper storage ensures your Stuffed Cabbage Rolls stay delicious for later enjoyment.
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the rolls to cool completely before storing.
- Place them in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate within two hours of cooking.
- Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.
Freezing
- Wrap individual rolls in plastic wrap or foil.
- Place wrapped rolls in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Label with the date for easy tracking.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal taste.
Reheating
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
- Microwave on medium power, checking every minute.
- Add a splash of broth or sauce to keep them moist.
Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Equipment
- 1 Large Pot For boiling the cabbage.
- 1 baking dish To bake the stuffed cabbage rolls.
- 1 Saucepan For preparing the sauce.
- 1 Mixing Bowl To combine the filling ingredients.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 large head Green Cabbage Choose firm and fresh leaves for easy rolling.
- 1 pound Ground Turkey A lean alternative to pork that keeps the rolls moist.
- 1 cup Cooked Rice Use white or brown rice for added texture.
Filling Ingredients
- 1 medium Onion Finely chopped for flavor and sweetness.
- 2 cloves Garlic Minced to add a fragrant kick.
- 2 cups Tomato Sauce Use a low-sodium variety for a healthier option.
- 1 medium Bell Pepper Diced for a pop of color and crunch.
- 1/4 cup Parsley Chopped fresh for a burst of freshness.
- 1 teaspoon Salt To enhance all the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon Pepper For a little heat.
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning To bring in a blend of herbs.
Instructions
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage. Submerge the whole cabbage in the boiling water for about 2-3 minutes until the leaves soften. Gently peel off the outer leaves and set them aside to cool.
Make the Filling
- In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, ground turkey or chicken, chopped onions, minced garlic, diced tomatoes, and your favorite herbs. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until well combined.
Assemble the Rolls
- Take a cabbage leaf and place a generous spoonful of the filling at the base. Fold the sides over the filling and roll it up tightly. Repeat this process until all the filling is used up.
Prepare the Sauce
- In a saucepan, mix crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, and a splash of lemon juice. Add some dried herbs like oregano and basil. Simmer for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Bake the Rolls
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Place the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish. Pour the remaining sauce over the rolls, covering them completely.
Cook to Perfection
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes to let the tops get a little golden.
Serve and Enjoy!
- Once done, let the rolls cool for a few minutes. Serve them warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your delicious stuffed cabbage rolls!
Notes
| Calories | Fat | Protein | Carbs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 250 | 10g | 20g | 30g |
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FAQs
What can I use instead of ground pork in stuffed cabbage rolls?
You can easily substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you prefer a vegetarian version, try using lentils or quinoa mixed with vegetables for a hearty filling.
How do I prevent the cabbage leaves from tearing?
To avoid tearing, blanch the cabbage leaves in boiling water for a few minutes until they are pliable. This softens them and makes them easier to roll without breaking.
Can I make stuffed cabbage rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the rolls and store them in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking. Just cover them tightly to keep them fresh.
What is the best way to reheat leftover stuffed cabbage rolls?
The best way to reheat them is in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes. This keeps them warm and maintains their texture. You can also microwave them, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Final Thoughts
Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are more than just a meal; they’re a warm hug on a plate! With simple ingredients and a sprinkle of love, you can create a dish that brings everyone together. So roll up your sleeves, gather your loved ones, and dive into this delightful recipe. Trust me, each bite will transport you to a cozy kitchen filled with laughter and joy. Enjoy every delicious moment!