Few dishes evoke the warmth and comfort of home-cooked meals like classic cabbage rolls. These tender cabbage leaves are filled with a savory mixture of seasoned beef, rice, and herbs, then simmered in a rich tomato sauce for a meal that’s satisfying and flavorful. Whether you’re looking for a nostalgic dish to remind you of family dinners or trying cabbage rolls for the first time, this recipe brings a blend of tradition and simplicity to your kitchen. Let’s explore how to create these delicious, classic homestyle cabbage rolls step by step.
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
- 1 cup cooked long-grain rice (about ⅓ cup uncooked to yield 1 cup cooked)
- 1.5 lb lean ground beef
- 1.5 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 large egg
- 1 yellow onion, peeled and minced
- ⅓ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried dill weed
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ to 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
For the Sauce and Assembly:
- 3 (13.5-ounce) cans of tomato sauce, divided (about 5 cups total)
- 1 medium head of green cabbage (about 18 leaves for the rolls, plus extra for layering)
- ½ cup water leftover from boiling the cabbage
- Chopped fresh dill, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cabbage: Start by removing the core from the head of cabbage. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, and carefully place the whole cabbage head into the boiling water. Let it simmer for about 5-8 minutes, until the outer leaves are soft enough to peel away easily. As the leaves soften, gently remove them one by one and set them aside. You’ll need about 18 leaves for the rolls. Keep some of the leftover boiling water, as you will use it later in the dish.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, lean ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, egg, minced onion, chopped parsley, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, dried dill, onion powder, and red chili flakes (if using). Mix everything together thoroughly, ensuring all the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the beef mixture.
- Assemble the Cabbage Rolls: Place a cabbage leaf on a flat surface with the stem side facing you. Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the beef mixture onto the center of the leaf. Fold the sides of the cabbage leaf over the filling, then roll it up tightly like a burrito. Repeat this process with the remaining cabbage leaves and filling.
- Prepare the Sauce: Pour about 1 cup of tomato sauce on the bottom of a large baking dish. Place a few extra cabbage leaves on top of the sauce to create a protective layer that will prevent the rolls from sticking.
- Layer the Rolls: Arrange the cabbage rolls, seam side down, in the baking dish in a single layer. Once all the rolls are placed, pour the remaining tomato sauce over the top, ensuring that all the rolls are covered in sauce. Add the ½ cup of cabbage water around the edges of the dish to keep the rolls moist during baking.
- Bake the Cabbage Rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the cabbage is tender and the filling is cooked through. If you like, uncover the rolls during the last 15 minutes of baking to allow the top to brown slightly.
- Serve and Garnish: Once the cabbage rolls are done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped dill, if desired, and serve the rolls with the rich tomato sauce spooned over the top.
Conclusion:
Classic homestyle cabbage rolls are the epitome of comfort food. The combination of tender cabbage leaves, savory beef filling, and tangy tomato sauce creates a wholesome and satisfying dish that is both hearty and flavorful. Whether you’re making these for a family gathering or as a comforting weeknight meal, cabbage rolls are sure to impress with their simplicity and traditional charm. Serve them with a side of mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce, and enjoy this timeless meal!