Introduction
This cabbage roll recipe combines a hearty filling of ground beef and pork with tender cabbage leaves, all bathed in a rich tomato sauce. A perfect comfort food dish that is as satisfying as it is wholesome, these cabbage rolls are sure to delight family and friends alike.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 head green cabbage
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 onion, chopped and divided
2 cloves garlic, minced
28 ounces crushed tomatoes (1 can)
14.5 ounces diced tomatoes (1 can)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon ground black pepper, divided
⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 pound ground beef
½ pound ground pork
1 cup instant white rice
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 60-70 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: About 12 cabbage rolls
Enjoy this delightful dish that not only satisfies the palate but also fills the kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma. Perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or a cozy night in, cabbage rolls offer a delightful blend of flavors and textures.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Cabbage Leaves:
– Bring a large stockpot of water to a boil.
– Remove the stem from the head of cabbage.
– Under running water, gently loosen and peel away 12 cabbage leaves.
– Boil half of the leaves for about 1 minute until softened.
– Remove with tongs and place on a paper towel-lined sheet pan.
– Repeat with the remaining leaves.
Prepare the Sauce:
– Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
– Add half of the chopped onion and all of the minced garlic; cook until softened.
– Add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, apple cider vinegar, sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, Italian seasoning, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and cinnamon.
– Bring to a bubble over high heat, then reduce to low and simmer for 15 minutes.
Prepare the Filling:
– In a bowl, combine the remaining chopped onion, ground beef, ground pork, 1 teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and instant rice.
– Mix until well combined.
Assemble the Cabbage Rolls:
– Preheat the oven to 350°F.
– Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray.
– Spread ½ cup of the prepared sauce in the bottom of the pan.
– Place a cabbage leaf on a flat surface with the stem side down.
– Place about ¼-⅓ cup of filling in the center of the leaf.
– Fold both sides of the leaf toward the center, then roll from the bottom up to enclose the filling.
– Place the roll, seam side down, in the prepared pan.
– Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
Bake:
– Cover the rolls with foil.
– Bake for 60-70 minutes until cooked through.
Notes
Cooking Tip:
– Ensure the cabbage leaves are thoroughly softened but not overly mushy to facilitate easy rolling.
Substitutions:
– Ground turkey or chicken can be swapped for ground beef and pork for a lighter option.
Storage:
– Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Serving Suggestion:
– Serve with a side of crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal.
Cook Techniques
Boiling Cabbage Leaves
To prepare cabbage leaves for rolling, boil them briefly until softened. This process makes them pliable and easier to work with. Carefully peel the leaves from the head of cabbage and submerge them in boiling water for about 1 minute before removing and cooling.
Sautéing Aromatics
Sautéing chopped onion and minced garlic in olive oil releases their flavors, which enhances the overall taste of the sauce. A medium heat is ideal for softening these ingredients without browning them too much.
Cooking Sauce
Simmering crushed and diced tomatoes with vinegar, sugar, and seasonings allows the flavors to meld together, creating a rich sauce. Bring the mixture to a bubble before reducing the heat to low to let it simmer.
Mixing Filling
Combining ground meats, onions, and rice in a bowl ensures even distribution of ingredients. Mix thoroughly but don’t overwork the meat to maintain tenderness.
Assembling Cabbage Rolls
When filling the cabbage leaves, ensure to place the filling in the center and fold the sides inward to enclose all the contents securely. Roll from the bottom up and place seam side down in the baking dish for stability during cooking.
Baking
Covering the cabbage rolls with foil prevents them from drying out while baking. Cook them in a preheated oven to ensure even heat distribution, allowing them to become tender and flavorful.
FAQ
Can I use frozen cabbage leaves?
Yes, you can use frozen cabbage leaves. Just thaw them and use them as you would fresh leaves.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based meat alternative for a lighter option.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes, you can replace the ground meat with a mixture of beans, lentils, or additional vegetables mixed with rice for a vegetarian option.
How do I store leftover cabbage rolls?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
Can I prepare cabbage rolls in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the rolls in advance and store them uncooked in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to bake. Just adjust cooking times if baking from frozen.
Conclusion
This delicious cabbage roll recipe combines the heartiness of ground beef and pork with the freshness of cabbage and rich tomato sauce, creating a warm and satisfying dish. The balance of flavors, enhanced by spices and seasonings, makes it perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Enjoy the comfort of home-cooked meals with these flavorful cabbage rolls.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Cabbage Roll Soup
Transform your ingredients into a hearty soup by combining chopped cabbage, ground meats, tomatoes, and seasonings in a pot with broth for a comforting dish.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Use the same filling of ground beef, pork, and rice to stuff bell peppers for a colorful and flavorful twist on traditional stuffed vegetables.
Stuffed Cabbage Casserole
Layer cabbage, the meat filling, and tomato sauce in a baking dish for an easy casserole version that saves time on rolling.
Cabbage Stir Fry
Sauté leftover cabbage with your choice of proteins and a touch of soy sauce for a fast, flavorful stir fry option.
Cabbage and Sausage Skillet
Combine sliced sausage with sautéed cabbage and onions for a quick and filling dish that requires minimal preparation.
