why make this recipe
Old Fashioned Cabbage Rolls are warm and filling. They use simple meat, rice, and cabbage. You can make them ahead and bake when needed. The flavors are mild and comforting for any day.
introduction
This recipe is a good choice when you want a home-style meal that feeds a family. It uses easy ingredients you can find in any store. Serve it with a simple side like old-fashioned deviled ham salad for a full old-time plate.
how to make Old Fashioned Cabbage Rolls
Follow the steps below to make the rolls. Work on one leaf at a time. Roll tightly so the filling stays inside. Build the sauce and bake until the meat cooks through and the sauce bubbles.
Ingredients :
1 large head of cabbage, 1/2 pound ground beef, 1/2 pound ground pork, 1 cup cooked rice, 1 onion, chopped, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce, 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, Salt and pepper to taste
Directions :
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bring a large pot of water to boil. Carefully remove cabbage leaves one by one and blanch in boiling water for about 2 minutes until softened. Set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Take a blanched cabbage leaf, place a portion of the meat mixture in the center, fold in the sides, and roll up tightly. Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.
- In a separate bowl, mix together tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Spread some of the sauce mixture on the bottom of a baking dish. Place the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish, and pour the remaining sauce over the top.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the rolls are heated through and the sauce is bubbly.
how to serve Old Fashioned Cabbage Rolls
Serve the rolls hot with sauce spooned over them. A side of mashed potatoes or warm bread works well. For a cozy breakfast-for-dinner twist, you can also serve them with old-fashioned pancakes on the side.
how to store Old Fashioned Cabbage Rolls
Cool the rolls to room temperature before storing. Put them in an airtight container. Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F until hot, or heat single portions in the microwave. You can freeze the rolls in a sealed container for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating.
tips to make Old Fashioned Cabbage Rolls
- Use a sharp knife to core the cabbage so the leaves peel off easily.
- Blanch leaves just until soft so they hold the filling better.
- If you want a sweeter sauce, add a bit more brown sugar.
- For a different side or dessert, try pairing the meal with baked puran poli rolls.
variation (if any)
- Use all beef or all pork if you prefer one meat.
- Swap cooked barley or quinoa for the rice for a different texture.
- Add chopped mushrooms or grated carrots to the meat mix for more veggies.
- Use a can of crushed tomatoes instead of diced for a smoother sauce.
FAQs (minimum three FAQ)
Q: Can I make the rolls ahead of time?
A: Yes. Assemble the rolls and keep them in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. Bake when you want to eat.
Q: Do I have to blanch the cabbage leaves?
A: Blanching makes the leaves soft and easy to roll. It helps the leaves not to crack in the oven.
Q: Can I freeze the cabbage rolls before baking?
A: Yes. Freeze unbaked rolls in a single layer on a tray, then move to a sealed container. Bake from thawed, adding extra baking time if still cold.
Q: How do I know when they are done?
A: The meat should be cooked through and no longer pink. The sauce will be bubbly and the rolls will be hot in the center.
Old Fashioned Cabbage Rolls
- Total Time: 105 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
Warm and filling cabbage rolls filled with a blend of meat and rice, baked in a comforting tomato sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 large head of cabbage
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bring a large pot of water to boil. Carefully remove cabbage leaves one by one and blanch in boiling water for about 2 minutes until softened. Set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Take a blanched cabbage leaf, place a portion of the meat mixture in the center, fold in the sides, and roll up tightly. Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.
- In a separate bowl, mix together tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Spread some of the sauce mixture on the bottom of a baking dish. Place the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish, and pour the remaining sauce over the top.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the rolls are heated through and the sauce is bubbly.
Notes
For best results, cool rolls to room temperature before storing in an airtight container for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: cabbage rolls, comfort food, family meal