Stuffed Cabbage rolls
It’s not often that you come across a dish that is both delicious and easy to make, but stuffed cabbage rolls are definitely one of those rare finds.
This recipe is perfect for a winter meal but can be enjoyed all year round. So give this dish a try and see for yourself how mouth-wateringly good it is!
All you need is some ground beef, rice, and a few simple spices. So go ahead and give this one a try – your taste buds will thank you!
Why do I love Stuffed Cabbage rolls?
There are a few reasons why I love stuffed cabbage rolls. First of all, they’re baked in the oven, so they’re nice and warm and comforting. Secondly, they’re packed with flavor – the beef and rice filling are delicious, and the cabbage leaves add a nice crunch. And last but not least, they’re surprisingly easy to make. So if you’re looking for a delicious and easy recipe, look no further than stuffed cabbage rolls!
What Are Cabbage Rolls?
Cabbage rolls are stuffed with cooked ground beef or sausage and wrapped in a cabbage leaf. They are smothered in a tomato-based sauce and are well-known as comfort food.
Stuffed Cabbage rolls Tips
Here are a few tips to help you make the perfect stuffed cabbage rolls:
- Be sure to cook the rice before you start assembling the rolls. Otherwise, the filling will be too wet and won’t cook properly.
- If you’re having trouble rolling the cabbage leaves, try using a toothpick to secure them.
- When baking the stuffed cabbage rolls, be sure to cover them with foil so they don’t dry out.
- Serve the stuffed cabbage rolls with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt for an extra bit of deliciousness!
Stuffed Cabbage rolls Variations
There are a few ways you can change up this recipe to make it your own. Here are a few ideas:
- Try using ground pork or turkey in place of the beef.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add extra veggies to the filling.
- Try using quinoa or barley in place of the rice.
- Add some chopped bacon to the filling for an extra bit of deliciousness!
What Is The Best Type Of Cabbage For Cabbage Rolls?
You can choose from any of these types of cabbage.
How Do You Get Cabbage Leaves Off Without Breaking Them?
The easiest way is to blanch the cabbage rolls. In order to blanch them, start by cutting the stem edge off, then dunking the cabbage in boiling water for a couple of minutes. Then immediately put it in an ice bath.
How Do You Get Cabbage Leaves Off The Head?
After you have blanched the cabbage and iced it, the leaves will peel right off. It will seriously be effortless!
How Long Do You Bake Stuffed Cabbage Rolls?
You’ll need to bake the stuffed cabbage in the oven for 90 minutes at 350 degrees. Don’t rush the process, or it won’t be done.
How To Store Leftovers:
Leftover cabbage rolls will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator. They need to be kept in an airtight container and reheated when you are ready to serve.
To Serve Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Cabbage rolls are basically an entire meal in themselves; they have protein and veggies! But if you want to serve it with some sides, consider some bread, roasted broccoli, potatoes, soup, or even mac and cheese.
Can you make-ahead Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Prep and wrap the cabbage rolls, then place them in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
WW-Friendly Cabbage Rolls
For the tomato sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 28 oz can fire-roasted tomatoes, undrained
- 15 oz can tomato sauce
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or zero-calorie brown sugar substitute
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
For the cabbage rolls:
- 2 lb 93% lean ground beef (instead of 80/20)
- 1½ cups cooked white rice
- ½ cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ cup fresh chopped parsley
- 2 eggs
- 1 head cabbage
- Cooking spray
WW-friendly changes: Use lean ground beef, reduce the olive oil, and use a zero-calorie brown sugar substitute to significantly lower the Points. The cabbage and tomato sauce are naturally low in Points.
WW-Friendly Cabbage Rolls — Directions
- Prepare the cabbage:
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove the outer cabbage leaves and place the cabbage in the boiling water. Cook for about 2–3 minutes, until the leaves become soft and flexible. Remove the leaves and set them aside to cool. - Make the tomato sauce:
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes and cook for another 30 seconds. - Add the fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato sauce, brown sugar substitute, and red wine vinegar. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer uncovered for about 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Prepare the filling:
In a large bowl, combine the lean ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, garlic, salt, pepper, cumin, Italian seasoning, parsley, and eggs. Mix until everything is well combined. - Make the cabbage rolls:
Place about 2–3 tablespoons of the beef mixture in the center of each cabbage leaf. Fold the sides over the filling and roll the leaf tightly. - Assemble:
Spray a large baking dish with cooking spray. Spread a little tomato sauce on the bottom. Place the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish. - Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the cabbage rolls and cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake:
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 60–75 minutes, or until the beef is fully cooked and the cabbage is tender. - Let the cabbage rolls rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
