Go Back
cabbage rolls recipe

Hearty Cabbage Rolls Recipe Packed with Flavor and Love

This cabbage rolls recipe is a hearty dish filled with flavor, perfect for family gatherings and evoking nostalgic memories.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 55 minutes
Course dinner
Cuisine Polish
Servings 6 rolls
Calories 300 kcal

Equipment

  • - Large stock pot
  • - Skillet
  • casserole dish

Ingredients
  

For the Filling

  • 1 pound Ground Pork Sausage can substitute with ground chicken
  • 1 pound Ground Beef can substitute with ground turkey
  • 1 cup Onions (finely chopped) try shallots for sweetness
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced) fresh is preferred
  • 1 cup Minute Rice or Long-Grain Rice quinoa is an option for gluten-free
  • 1 large Egg or use ground flaxseed mixed with water for a vegan option
  • 2 tablespoons Dried Parsley can use fresh for a brighter flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika smoked paprika enhances taste

For the Sauce

  • 2 cups Tomato Sauce jarred marinara can be substituted
  • 15 ounces Diced Tomatoes (canned) fresh diced tomatoes can also work
  • 2 tablespoons Cider Vinegar red wine vinegar is a substitute
  • 2 tablespoons Brown Sugar maple syrup can be a natural alternative

For Cooking

  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil any neutral oil will work
  • Salt and Pepper adjust according to taste

Instructions
 

Making Cabbage Rolls

  • Boil a large stock pot of water and submerge the cabbage for about 5 minutes to soften the leaves.
  • Remove cabbage and cool slightly. Cut off 1/2-3/4 inch from the stem end to peel off about 12 leaves.
  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions for 2-3 minutes until translucent, then add garlic for another minute.
  • Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, cider vinegar, brown sugar, and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes.
  • In a bowl, mix ground pork, ground beef, sautéed onion and garlic, rice, egg, parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  • Spread a thin layer of the sauce in a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish.
  • Place about 1/3 cup of filling in the center of each cabbage leaf. Fold in the sides and roll tightly.
  • Pour remaining sauce over the rolls. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 80-90 minutes.

Notes

Optional: Serve with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for 3 months.
Keyword cabbage rolls recipe, comfort food, easy recipe, family meals, hearty dish, traditional recipe