Cabbage Rolls Recipe for Any Occasion

The aroma of bubbling tomato sauce wafts through the air, mingling with the earthy scent of tender cabbage leaves. Each bite of these delightful cabbage rolls bursts with flavor, making them an unforgettable dish that warms your heart and satisfies your taste buds.

Gather around the table as I share this beloved recipe, perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a culinary novice, this dish will surely make you feel like a kitchen rockstar!

I remember the first time I made these cabbage rolls; my family devoured them in minutes and begged for seconds!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Large Green Cabbage: Choose a head with firm leaves that are vibrant green for the best results.
• Uncooked Rice: Use long-grain rice for added texture; it cooks perfectly inside the rolls.
• Ground Turkey or Chicken: Opt for lean ground meat to keep the dish light yet satisfying.
• Onion: A sweet onion adds depth; sauté it until caramelized for maximum flavor.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic enhances the savory notes; don’t skimp on this aromatic gem!
• Diced Tomatoes: Use canned ones with herbs for extra flavor in both the filling and sauce.
• Vegetable Broth: This adds moisture; choose low-sodium broth to control saltiness.
• Olive Oil: A splash of good-quality olive oil makes everything better; it’s essential for sautéing.
• Herbs and Spices: Dried oregano, thyme, and pepper elevate the flavors; adjust according to your taste.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare the Cabbage: Carefully remove 12 large leaves from the head of cabbage without tearing them. Place them in boiling water for about 3 minutes until they soften slightly but remain firm enough to handle.

Make the Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and sauté diced onions until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant before mixing in uncooked rice and ground turkey or chicken until browned and cooked through.

Combine Ingredients: Stir in diced tomatoes along with their juices into the meat mixture. Add dried herbs like oregano and thyme along with salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly so all flavors meld beautifully.

Assemble Your Rolls: Lay out each softened cabbage leaf on a flat surface. Spoon about 1/4 cup of filling onto each leaf’s base then roll tightly while tucking in sides—like wrapping a burrito but with more flair!

Prepare Sauce: In a large baking dish, spread half of your favorite marinara sauce across the bottom. Arrange rolled-up cabbage snugly in rows before covering them generously with remaining sauce.

Bake to Perfection: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) then cover your baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying out while baking! Let it bake for approximately 45 minutes—your kitchen will smell heavenly!

Now sit back and enjoy those beautifully crafted cabbage rolls that not only fill bellies but also warm souls!

Whether you are having friends over or enjoying quality time with family, these hearty cabbage rolls will impress everyone at your table!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preparing the filling while your cabbage is blanching in boiling water. This ensures everything is ready when you need it, making the process smooth and efficient.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap ground turkey for beef or add spices like cumin for a twist. You can also toss in some grated carrots for extra sweetness and color—because who doesn’t love colorful food?

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover cabbage rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through without drying out.

Sharing these cabbage rolls with friends brought back memories of family gatherings where laughter filled the air and delicious smells wafted through the kitchen—such warmth!

FAQ

Can I use frozen cabbage?

Yes, but thaw and drain thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in your rolls.

What can I substitute for meat?

Try quinoa or lentils as delicious vegetarian alternatives to meat fillings.

How do I prevent soggy rolls?

Ensure your filling isn’t too wet and avoid overcooking during simmering.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

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Delicious Cabbage Rolls Recipe for Any Occasion

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• Author: Sophie
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: About 6 servings 1x

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Description

Delight in these savory cabbage rolls, filled with a wholesome blend of rice and vegetables. Perfect for family dinners, they offer a comforting meal that everyone will love.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 large green cabbage
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
• 1 lb ground turkey or chicken
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 14 oz canned diced tomatoes (with herbs)
• 1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the cabbage by removing 12 large leaves and blanching them in boiling water for about 3 minutes until softened.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onions until translucent, then add garlic and cook until fragrant.
3. Stir in rice and ground turkey or chicken, cooking until browned and cooked through.
4. Add diced tomatoes and their juices along with oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
5. Lay out each cabbage leaf; place about 1/4 cup filling at the base, roll tightly while tucking in the sides.
6. Spread half of your marinara sauce in a baking dish, arrange the rolls snugly, then cover with remaining sauce.
7. Cover with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 45 minutes.

Notes

• Use fresh cabbage for better texture; it holds up well during cooking.
•  Consider adding grated carrots or swapping ground meat for quinoa or lentils for variations.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Comfort Food

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 cabbage rolls (200g)
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 340mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 37g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 60mg