Easy Cabbage Rolls
Cabbage rolls are such a comforting meal. The savory meat and rice filling wrapped in tender cabbage leaves and baked in tomato sauce is a family favorite, and easier to make than you think. No wonder this true classic has stood the test of time!
Make Ahead Instructions
If you need to make this dish ahead of time, make the meat and rice filling, stuff the cabbage leaves, place them in the baking dish along with the tomato sauce, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to two days in advance.
When ready to serve, bake according to the recipe’s instructions!
Variations:
- Use your favorite ground meat to make the filling. You can choose from beef, pork, chicken, turkey, or a combination!
- Want to add some heat to your dish? Add crushed red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce
- While not traditional, if you like cheesy meals, add shredded cheese to the last 20 minutes of baking time for a twist
- Add more veggies to your filling, like peas, small-diced carrots, or green beans.
Store Cabbage Rolls
If you have any leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave until warmed through.
Freeze Cabbage Rolls
It is best to store cabbage rolls before baking them and without the sauce. For best results, place the rolls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
Transfer to a baking sheet or freezer bag, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Freeze the sauce in a separate container. When ready to bake, thaw them in the fridge overnight, place them in a baking dish, let them come to room temperature, pour the sauce over them, and bake!
Serve it Like a Pro:
Pair with Sides like mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or a garden salad to balance all the richness
Garnish for Extra Flair: add fresh dill or parsley on top right before serving to make it look and taste extra special!
Easy Cabbage Rolls
Ingredients
- 1 large head green cabbage, bottom trimmed
- 2 cups white rice, cooked
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- ½ lb lean ground turkey
- ½ tsp dried dill
- ½ tsp parsley flakes
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- Freshly crushed black pepper to taste
- 14 oz can diced tomatoes, with juice
- 1 egg
- 2 cups cups tomato sauce, divided
- 10.75 oz can condensed tomato soup
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil, and boil the whole cabbage head for about 2 minutes. Remove the softened outer leaves and place the cabbage into the boiling water again until the remaining leaves are soft. Remove all leaves and set them aside.
- Preheat the oven to 350 F
- Make the filling: heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and saute the onion and garlic until translucent, about 2 minutes. Add the ground beef and turkey, and cook until no pink is left in the meat. Season with salt, pepper, dill, parsley, and oregano.
- Mix in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes with juice, ⅓ cup of tomato sauce, and egg.
- In a medium-sized bowl, mix the remaining tomato sauce with the condensed tomato soup.
- With the help of a sharp knife, remove the thick part of the stems on the cabbage leaves and lay them flat on your work surface. Add ⅓ cup of filling to the center of each leaf, fold in the sides, and roll up.
- Add a thin layer of tomato sauce to the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish and place the rolls seam side down.
- Pour the remaining sauce over the rolls, cover with foil, and bake for 90 minutes.
Nutrition
FAQ on how to Make the Best Cabbage Rolls
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1. How do I Easily Remove Cabbage Leaves Without Wrecking Them? No sweat! Just trim the bottom of the cabbage and drop the whole thing in a large pot of boiling water for about 2 minutes. Gently peel off the outer softened leaves and repeat until all leaves are soft. Use a sharp knife to remove the thickest stems and they are ready to roll!
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2. Can I Swap the Rice for Something Else? Yes! You can use brown rice, cooked quinoa, or even cauliflower rice if you want to go carb-free!
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3. Do I Really Need to Cook the Rice Beforehand? Yes, you do. Your rolls will have a much better texture if you use cooked rice, and you prevent any sogginess inside them.
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4. What if I Don’t Want to Use Tomato Soup in the Sauce? No worries! You can use marinara sauce or crushed tomatoes. You may need to add a little sugar to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes.
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5. How can I Kick up the Spice Level? You can either add crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce into your tomato sauce prior to baking. Adjust the amount according to your preference!
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6. Is there a Way to Swap the Meat? You can use any ground meat you like: beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, pork, or a combination of any of them.
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7. How do I Keep my Cabbage Rolls from Falling Apart in the Oven? Make sure you roll them up tightly and place them seam-side-down. Place them tightly against each other, don’t give them too much wiggle space, and cover with foil for extra support!
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8. Can I Use a Slow Cooker Instead of Baking in the Oven? Yes, you can. This is a great option if you want to have dinner ready when you arrive home after work! Place the rolls in the slow cooker, cover with sauce, and cook on low for 8-9 hours.
